Smart watches are now one of the most popular electronic type which is growing the fastest in today’s wearable technology explosion. These electronic devices have changed far beyond the traditional watches, from fitness and health tracking measurements, providing important and smart alerts and also connected to your mobile phones on your wrist. First, you need to understand the laws and regulations, and also the BIS certification, if you’re planning to import, manufacture, or sell the smart watch into the Indian market.
We’ll discuss over what BIS certification for smart watches is, why it’s necessary in India, how the certification process works, what standards apply, and how it can benefit your company in this blog with the complete guidance of UMSPCS. The Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) is the national body of India which promises the stability, quality, and safety of products sold in the indian market.
What Is BIS Certification?
The Ministry of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution manages the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), known as India’s national standards body. BIS checks to make sure that products sold in India meet strict functioning, safety, and quality standards.
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) provides BIS certification for IT and electronic products, such as smart watches. Before being offered for sale in the Indian market, products registered under CRS must have the Standard Mark together with a different Registration Number (R-number).
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Smart Watches?
Yes. Smart watches have been divided as electronic and IT equipment under the Government of India’s CRS Order. This indicates:
- Manufacturing.
- bringing
- Marketing
- Handling
Without BIS certification, smart watches have been banned in India.
Before bringing smart watches to the Indian market, both foreign and Indian manufacturers have to obtain BIS certification.
Applicable BIS Standard for Smart Watches
The following Indian Standard is usually used to verify smart watches:
- Part 1 of IS 13252: 2010 Technologies for Information Equipment Safety
Essential security concerns provided by this standard are as follows:
- Security against electric shock
- Risks of fire
- Safety controls
- Resistance to heat
- Protection for electricity
Additionally, approvals, including WPC (ETA) certification, might be needed if the smart watch has Bluetooth, wifi, or GPS-like wireless.
Who requires BIS Certification for Smart Watches?
BIS certification is needed for
- Indian producers of smart watches.
- Smart watches are regularly shipped to India by foreign producers.
- Owners of products and importers (certification is issued in the manufacturer’s name).
- OEM manufacturers market smart watches under private label names.
Worldwide producers are required to establish an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) to work with BIS.
BIS Certification Process for Smart Watches
There are actually multiple phases in the CRS BIS certification process. The following is a brief, step-by-step outline:
Step 1: Product Testing at BIS-Recognised Lab
The smart watch sample needs to be investigated in an Indian laboratory approved by BIS. The product has been reviewed by the lab in line with IS 13252 (Part 1) safety requirements.
Step 2: Test Report Generation
After successful testing, the lab gives an in-depth report that must be submitted during the application process and remains valid for a limited period of time.
Step 3: Online Application Submission
An online application is uploaded on the BIS CRS portal by the manufacturer (or AIR in the case of foreign manufacturers), along with:
- Test outcomes
- Technical information
- Details of the factory
Step 4: Scrutiny by BIS
The application, along with supporting documentation are looked over by BIS officials. Queries are raised if an explanation or correction is required.
Step 5: Grant of BIS Registration
The manufacturer can use the Standard Mark with R-numberafter BIS is approved, and the BIS Registration Certificate is issued.
Documents Required for BIS Certification of Smart Watches
In general, the following documents are required:
- Product test outcomes from a lab approved by BIS
- Online application form
- Certificate for the incorporation of a company or business license
- Proof of factory address and layout
- ISO 9001 approval (if possible)
- Letter for domain name approval (if the manufacturer and brand owner are distinct)
- Details regarding the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) (for foreign manufacturers)
- Technical data and user manual for the product
Intending to avoid delays or rejections, UMSPCS supports clients in setting up and verifying all documentation.
Timeline for BIS Certification
The typical timetable for smart watch BIS certification is:
- Ten to fifteen working days for product testing
- Review and approval of applications: 7–10 working days
Depending on the accuracy of the documentation and the BIS workload, the total estimated duration is three to four weeks.
The process can be done easily and quickly with the expert guidance of UMSPCS.
Marking Requirements After Certification
The smart watch and the packaging it comes in must show the following characteristics after certification:
- The BIS Standard Mark
- R-number, or unique registration number
- Name and address of the manufacturer
Even after certification, wrong or absent marking may result in penalties.
Penalties for Selling Smart Watches Without BIS Certification
Serious legal consequences might result from violating BIS regulations, including:
- Product seizure
- serious monetary penalties
- Cancellation of permits for imports
- Legal action under the 2016 BIS Act
- Ban on product sales in India
Therefore, BIS certification is a crucial company requirement instead of just a legal demand.
BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
The CRS process must be executed by foreign manufacturers, but there are more requirements:
- An Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) is selected.
- Submission of documentation coming from foreign factories
- Setting up product testing in India
For foreign manufacturers, UMSPCS provides full support, including compliance management and AIR services.
Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS Certification?
A trustworthy compliance and certification consultancy in India, UMSPCS gives expert guidance regarding BIS certification in a number of product categories.
Our Advantages:
- Smart watches with full BIS CRS Certification support
- Coordination with laboratories approved by BIS
- Handling applications and documentation
- Advice to foreign and Indian manufacturers
- faster processing with a low probability of failing to comply
- transparent costs and expert guidance
With UMSPCS, you are free to focus on expanding your company while we deal with handling regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
With the goal to promise product safety, quality, and legal market access in India, smart watches have to be approved by BIS. Following through using BIS CRS standards is essential for both Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturers who want to enter the Indian market.
Partnering with UMSPCS provides you with a connection with an experienced compliance partner who is educated about BIS regulations, reduces approval times, and promises an effortless certification process.
For experts in BIS certification support, visit UMSPCS now if you are planning to bring or import smart watches into India.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
- Does India need BIS certification for smart watches?
A– Actually, smart watches that are either sold, imported, or manufactured in India need to have BIS certification. Smart watches are controlled by the Government of India’s Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), and failing to comply with it is illegal under the BIS Act, 2016.
- Which BIS program approves smart watches?
A– The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is used for certification of smart watches. In place of an ISI license, the certification is distributed as a BIS Registration Certificate.
- Which BIS standard applies to smart watches?
A– IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, addressing the safety requirements for information technology and electronic equipment, is typically used for certification of smart watches.
