BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme Explained for Indian Manufacturers

A product might end up on the wrong side of India’s product-compliance framework even if it is technically excellent, well designed, and appropriate for the Indian market, provided that the product falls within a BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme and it is manufactured or sold without the required registration.

Consequently, compulsory registration by the BIS for manufacturers of electronic and IT products that have been notified is not only a guarantee of quality but also a regulatory obligation designed to ensure that the relevant products conform to the applicable Indian Standards before they are manufactured, imported, sold, distributed, or stocked in India.

The blog includes a discussion of the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme, covering its legal framework, the situations in which it applies, the requirements, the documents necessary, the procedure to be followed, the validity period, the timeline involved, the benefits, the common difficulties, and how Indian manufacturers can obtain BIS CRS Registration with the assistance of professional support.

What is the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme?

The compulsory registration scheme run by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the conformity assessment procedure set out in Scheme II of the BIS conformity assessment framework.

While the conventional BIS license Scheme I requires the testing of the product in a BIS-recognized laboratory and then making the declaration that the product complies on its own, the CRS scheme requires the manufacturer to make a declaration that the product complies on its own after having tested the same in a BIS-recognized laboratory.

The CRS scheme was initially implemented on electronic and IT goods as per the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order of 2012 but later shifted to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements of Compulsory Registration) Order of 2021, BIS Act 2016.

The list of products that have been notified includes various electronic and information technology goods, including laptops, tablets, televisions, power adapters, microwave ovens, mobiles, power banks, electronic musical instruments, wireless goods, storage goods, etc. The relevant list and standards are kept up to date by means of government notifications and guidance from BIS.

What is the Importance of the BIS CRS for Manufacturers in India?

For a manufacturer, being registered with the BIS CRS means that the product in question has been evaluated in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard and is therefore suitable for registration within the prescribed regulatory framework.

The Government makes compliance mandatory for specified products to address concerns such as:

• Consumer safety
• Product quality
• Protection against substandard goods
• Prevention of unfair trade practices
• Environmental and public-interest considerations
• National safety requirements

The BIS also keeps an eye on products that are registered in order to check that they continue to conform to the requirements on the market.

It is therefore an important step to get BIS Registration for electronic products before introducing a notified product into the Indian market.

BIS Compulsory Registration vs BIS ISI Certification

It is a common error to regard each BIS requirement as if it were an ISI certification requirement. 

They are not Identical.

The BIS route that should be taken therefore varies according to the product and the notification relating to it. Read more about: BIS ISI Certification 

Basic Requirements for BIS CRS Registration

Before applying for BIS Compulsory Registration in India, an Indian manufacturer should generally ensure that:

• The product is covered under the applicable CRS notification
• The correct Indian Standard has been identified
• The manufacturing unit is properly documented
• The product complies with the applicable Indian Standard
• Required samples are tested by a BIS-recognised laboratory under CRS
• The test report is valid and meets the applicable requirements
• Required affidavits and undertakings are prepared
• The online application is correctly completed
• Applicable BIS fees are paid

The instructions for applying through CRS state that the test report included with the application should not be older than 90 days when the application is submitted online.

Documents Required for BIS Compulsory Registration

The exact document checklist can vary according to the product and application, but manufacturers may need documents such as:

• Business Registration Certificate – Proof of company incorporation or legal entity
• Product Details & Specifications – Complete technical information of the product
• Test Reports – Issued by BIS-recognized labs confirming compliance
• Trademark Certificate – Proof of brand ownership (if applicable)
• Authorization Letter – For authorized signatory or representative
• AIR Documents – Mandatory for foreign manufacturers appointing an Authorized Indian Representative

BIS Compulsory Registration Procedure: Step-by-Step

Obtaining BIS CRS Certification can broadly be understood through the following stages:

1. Identifying the product and the relevant IS code

We look at your product specifications in order to determine the appropriate Indian Standard (IS code) within the BIS CRS framework.

This helps prevent:

• Incorrect product classification
• Wrong testing requirements
• Application delays or rejection

2. Sample testing and laboratory coordination

We work together with laboratories that are recognised by BIS to carry out product testing.

Our support includes:

• Test scheduling
• Laboratory coordination
• Compliance verification
• Test report review

3. Preparation of documentation and the application

Our experts prepare and review the documents required for BIS CRS Registration, including:

• Technical specifications
• Product manuals and diagrams
• Manufacturing details
• Quality control documents
• Affidavits and declarations

AIR documents for foreign manufacturers, where applicable

4. The submission of an application and the review by the BIS

We fill in the application via the BIS CRS portal and keep in contact with BIS whilst the review is going on.

We also assist with:

• Responding to BIS queries
• Providing clarifications
• Correcting documentation issues

5. The issue of the R number and BIS registration

Once its review has been completed, the BIS awards the CRS registration and gives the product the BIS R-number.

Registration is usually given for a period of two years, provided that the relevant requirements are met.

6. Compliance regarding marking and labelling

We guide manufacturers on applicable BIS marking and labelling requirements, including:

• Correct BIS Standard Mark
• Proper R-number display
• Product and packaging labelling
• Marking visibility requirements

7. Renewal, Model Inclusion, and Surveillance Support

UMSPCS provides ongoing assistance for:

• CRS registration renewal
• Addition of new models
• BIS surveillance-related support
• Updates regarding changes in BIS standards and regulations

Costing & Time of BIS CRS Registration

The total cost of obtaining BIS CRS Certification is not the same for all products since it varies according to factors including the product category, the applicable testing requirements, the documentation needed, the number of models, and the prescribed BIS fees.

The final cost may vary depending on:

• Product type and category
• Applicable Indian Standard
• Testing requirements
• Number of models/variants
• Documentation complexity
• BIS government fees

UMSPCS provides consultancy for the BIS CRS certification at a low cost, offering assistance with product assessment and testing coordination all the way through to the submission and registration of the application.

How Long Does the BIS CRS Certification Take?

The usual time taken for BIS Compulsory Registration is 20 to 30 working days, on the condition that the necessary documents and samples are submitted on time and there are no serious problems relating to testing or the application.

The true timeline could differ according to the results of laboratory testing, the completeness of the documents, the answers obtained from BIS queries, the complexity of the product, and the regulatory requirements.

Benefits of BIS Compulsory Registration for Manufacturers

Obtaining BIS Registration for Electronic Products helps manufacturers to:

• Meet mandatory regulatory requirements for notified products
• Demonstrate conformity with applicable Indian Standards
• Improve consumer confidence
• Support lawful market access
• Strengthen product credibility
• Reduce risks associated with non-compliance
• Establish a structured product-testing and compliance process
• Support business relationships with distributors and institutional buyers

For any manufacturers who wish to enter India’s electronics market, adhering to the regulations can become an important element of their long-term market credibility.

What Makes UMSPCS the Choice for BIS Compulsory Registration?

We at UMSPCS realise that complying with BIS requirements goes beyond just completing an application; the process begins with determining the appropriate regulatory route and then includes testing, producing the necessary documentation, submitting the application, and maintaining compliance after registration.

With 6+ years of experience and support across 600+ product compliance requirements, UMSPCS can assist manufacturers with:

• Product applicability assessment
• Indian Standard identification
• CRS requirement analysis
• BIS-recognised laboratory coordination
• Test report review
• Documentation preparation
• Application filing support
• BIS query and clarification support
• Registration tracking
• Renewal guidance
• Regulatory update monitoring

Conclusion

For manufacturers of electronic and IT products that have been notified, compliance with BIS Compulsory Registration in India is a regulatory obligation, not just an optional certification.

Attention to detail is needed at every stage, from identifying the right product category and Indian Standard to testing the product, preparing the documents, submitting the CRS application, and keeping the registration up to date.

If your product is within the scope of the present CRS framework, beginning the compliance process early will help in avoiding unnecessary testing, documentation, and delays when entering the market.

What about planning the registration of your product with the BIS CRS? 

For product applicability assessment, documentation, testing coordination, and end-to-end BIS registration support, contact UMSPCS.

Read more also: What Is the CDSCO Approval for Chemical Exfoliation Products?

FAQs

1. What is the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme?

Scheme II of the BIS conformity-assessment framework is the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme, which mainly includes notified electronics and IT products that declare conformity on their own following the required testing.

2. Is it necessary for Indian manufacturers to register with the BIS?

Yes, provided that the product made by the manufacturer is one that is covered by the relevant compulsory registration notification; the precise product category and the date of implementation must be checked against the most recent notification.

3. What products need to be registered with the BIS CRS?

Laptops, televisions, power adaptors, mobile phones, power banks, certain lighting products, wireless products, and other electronics and IT goods that have been notified may be covered by the CRS. It is necessary to check the current BIS list before proceeding.

4. Is the BIS CRS certification the same as the BIS ISI certification?

BIS CRS functions under Scheme II and relies on self-declaration for registration, whereas BIS ISI certification is generally based on Scheme I and employs a different conformity-assessment process.

5. Is product testing a requirement for obtaining BIS Compulsory Registration?

The product usually has to be tested by a laboratory that is recognised by BIS under CRS before an application for registration is made.

6. What is the maximum age of the test report for the BIS CRS?

When applying online, the CRS instructions state that the test report should be no older than 90 days.