How to Get BIS CRS Certification for Power Adapters in India IS 616:2010?

Even though a power adapter may at first glance seem to be no more than a simple accessory, it performs one of the most important functions of an electronic device, namely, the safe conversion of electrical power before it reaches the device to which it is connected. That is the reason why the regulatory authorities in India have included certain power adapters in the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

For manufacturers and importers, it is not merely a matter of completing the necessary forms in order to obtain BIS CRS Certification for Power Adapters; they have to decide on the correct product category, identify the suitable Indian Standard, have the product tested by a laboratory approved by BIS, prepare the technical documentation, and then finally carry out the registration with BIS.

There is, nevertheless, a major regulatory change which firms should take notice of before moving forward. Even though power adapters for audio, video, and other comparable electronic equipment were previously covered by IS 616:2010, the standard has now been updated to IS 616:2017, and the Government has begun transitioning to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. The CRS database currently kept by BIS contains both IS 616:2017 and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for the relevant product category.

Those people who wish to obtain BIS CRS Certification for power adapters in accordance with IS 616:2010 should make sure to check the most up-to-date applicable standard and transition requirements before carrying out any testing or submitting an application.

What Does the BIS CRS Certification for Power Adapters Involve?

The requirement to register for the BIS CRS certification applies to certain electronic and IT products that are covered by the Compulsory Registration Scheme.

The CRS is regulated by Scheme II in Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, and under that scheme manufacturers are required to demonstrate that their products conform to the applicable Indian Standard through testing and registration.

The BIS does in fact include Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus as one of the product categories it covers; previously, this category had been listed under IS 616:2010 and IS 616:2017 was later incorporated into the BIS system.

For manufacturers who intend to launch covered power adapters into the Indian market, BIS Certification has become an important compliance requirement.

What Power Adapters Need to Have BIS CRS Registration?

The CRS category in question includes power adaptors for audio, video and similar electronic apparatus.

BIS also separately identifies:

• Power Adaptors for IT Equipment
• Adapters for household and similar electrical appliances
• Standalone SMPS
• Other electronic power-related products under separate Indian Standards

The categories should not be regarded as being interchangeable. For instance, the BIS currently has IS 302 (Part 1):2008 for adapters for household and similar electrical appliances and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for power adapters for IT equipment.

Laboratory testing should take place only after the product has been classified and the relevant standards have been identified.

What is the Importance of BIS Certification for Power Adapters?

A power adapter that is compliant must satisfy the relevant safety requirements which concern electrical construction and operation.

Obtaining BIS CRS Certification for Power Adapters can help businesses:

• Meet applicable mandatory Indian regulatory requirements
• Establish conformity with the relevant Indian Standard
• Support lawful market entry for covered products
• Improve product credibility among distributors and customers
• Facilitate import and commercial distribution where registration is required
• Maintain documented product safety compliance
• Reduce regulatory complications caused by incorrect testing or product classification

With regard to electronic products, BIS has confirmed that those which are covered by the CRS display the appropriate Registration Mark rather than the ISI Mark, which is used in Scheme-I certification.

Basic Requirements for BIS CRS Certification Power Adapters

Before applying for BIS Certification for Power Adapters, manufacturers generally need to arrange:

• Correct product classification
• Applicable Indian Standard
• Product testing
• Technical documentation
• Manufacturing details
• Brand/trademark information
• Authorized Indian Representative (for eligible foreign manufacturers)

The BIS ensures that recognized laboratories use standard forms for test reports, including those concerning power adaptors.

Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration for Power Adapters

The exact documentation can vary depending on the applicant and product, but commonly includes:

• 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

A complete set of documents can cut down on questions and help avoid delays during registration.

Complete BIS CRS Certification Process for Power Adapters

The BIS CRS registration process generally follows a structured sequence:

Step 1: Online Application Submission

In order to do this, the applicant first has to sign up on the BIS CRS portal and fill in the required registration information in order to get the login details. The applicant then uses these login credentials to carry out the CRS registration process.

Key Points:

• Sign up on the BIS CRS portal.
• Input the necessary details for the applicant and the manufacturer.
• Finish the process of registering online.
• Get the login details for the CRS portal.

Step 2: Product Testing at a BIS-Recognized Laboratory

Once the applicant has obtained the login details, they should log in to the CRS portal and start the test request for the power adapter, after which the product samples are tested at a laboratory that is recognized by BIS in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard.

Key Points:

• Prepare the test request using the CRS portal.
• Choose a laboratory that has been recognised by BIS.
• Send in the required samples of the power adapter.
• Get the test report that has been prescribed after the testing has been successfully completed.

Step 3: Submission of CRS Application

When the test report is available, the applicant should submit the BIS CRS application together with the supporting documents required as stated in the relevant BIS checklist.

Key Points:

• Make sure that the test report is submitted within the prescribed period applicable to it, including the nine-day requirement where it applies.
• Upload the technical and supporting documents that are required.
• Make sure that the details of the manufacturer, product, model, and brand are consistent in all the documents.
• Fill in the application and pay the BIS registration fee that applies.

Step 4: Scrutiny of Application by BIS

Once the application has been submitted, the BIS examines the application, the test report and the supporting documents in order to see whether the product complies with the applicable CRS requirements; if any discrepancies or clarifications are found, the BIS may issue a query.

Key Points:

• The BIS looks at the test report which has been submitted.
• The technical and supporting documents are examined.
• BIS may ask questions or ask for more information.
• The required clarification or documents must be given by the applicant within the specified time period.

Step 5: Grant of BIS CRS Registration

When BIS is satisfied that both the application and the product meet the relevant requirements, the manufacturer is granted BIS CRS Registration, which includes a unique R-number to be used in conjunction with the applicable BIS Standard Mark.

Key Points:

• Once the scrutiny has been successfully completed, the BIS grants the CRS registration.
• Each registered product is given a unique R-number.
• The manufacturer should attach the relevant BIS Standard Mark together with the R-number.
• The marking and labelling of products have to meet the relevant BIS requirements.

BIS CRS Certification Cost for Power Adapters

The price for BIS Certification of Power Adapters varies according to the product category, the relevant Indian Standard, the testing requirements, the number of models or variants, the documentation, the laboratory charges, and the applicable BIS government fees.

The amount finally incurred will depend on the type of power adapter, the extent of the testing, the number of variants, the fees charged by the laboratory, and any further compliance requirements. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the exact cost of certification on the basis of the product specifications prior to starting the certification process.

BIS CRS Certification Timeline in India

The BIS CRS certification process for power adapters usually takes about 20 to 30 working days, on the condition that the necessary documents and product samples are ready and there are no major testing problems or BIS queries.

The actual timeline may change based on how busy the lab is, how complex the product is, how accurate the documents are, what test reports are needed, and any questions that come up during BIS review.

Common Challenges in Power Adapter Certification

Businesses frequently face difficulties because of:

• Incorrect Standard Selection
• Old Test Reports
• Product-Series Confusion
• Documentation Mismatch
• Foreign Manufacturer Compliance

BIS CRS Guidelines Businesses Should Follow

For smoother BIS CRS certification in India, manufacturers should:

• Before testing, check the current list of CRS products.
• Make sure that the most recent applicable standard is confirmed.
• Use a BIS-recognized laboratory.
• Make sure that the information about the product and the test report is consistent.
• See if the products are included in a series.
• Make sure that the manufacturing and brand information remains accurate.
• Keep track of amendments and migration notifications.
• Reply to BIS questions right away.
• Do not depend on old certificates or test reports without first having them verified by the relevant regulatory authority.

Since the regulatory framework is periodically updated, one should check the official BIS CRS database to see the current product categories and standards.

How UMSPCS Can Help with BIS CRS Certification for Power Adapters

The process of obtaining BIS CRS certification for power adapters can become complicated since the standard identification, laboratory testing, technical documents, and regulatory submissions all have to be coordinated.

UMSPCS offers end-to-end compliance assistance to companies that wish to obtain BIS Certification in India and other product regulatory approvals. Because the company has more than six years’ experience in the field and has provided compliance support covering over 600 product compliance requirements, it is able to help with:

• Product and IS-code identification
• CRS applicability assessment
• BIS-recognized laboratory coordination
• Technical documentation support
• Test report review
• Application preparation and filing
• BIS query coordination
• Registration follow-up
• Foreign manufacturer/AIR documentation support
• Renewal and post-registration compliance guidance

What we are doing is assisting manufacturers and importers to get a clear understanding of the relevant regulatory pathway before they commit time and resources to testing.

Conclusion

For any company that is involved in power adapters, obtaining BIS CRS Certification for Power Adapters is an important aspect of gaining a compliant position and keeping it in the Indian electronics market.

Even though IS 616:2010 is still a frequently searched compliance term, the regulatory stance has moved from IS 616:2010 to IS 616:2017 and is now heading towards IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. The government’s 2025 migration notice allows the use of both the older and the new standards for the relevant products until 1 November 2028, which means it is especially crucial for manufacturers to decide on the right certification pathway before carrying out any testing or applying for certification.

If you are an Indian manufacturer, importer, or a foreign company that intends to bring power adapters into India, the proper standard identification and documentation will help to make the compliance process more efficient.

Looking to get BIS CRS Certification for power adapters? 

Get in touch with UMSPCS to have them assist you with product applicability assessments, testing coordination, documentation, and support with BIS registration.

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FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have BIS CRS Certification for power adapters in India?

Yes, any power adapters that are covered by the CRS framework must obtain BIS registration if they are to be legally marketed in India in accordance with the relevant requirements.

2. Is it possible for a foreign manufacturer to get BIS CRS registration for power adapters?

Foreign manufacturers of suitable electronic products may use the CRS framework, provided that they meet the relevant documentation and Authorized Indian Representative requirements.

3. What extent are power adapters tested under BIS CRS?

Testing is carried out in laboratories that have been recognised by BIS for the relevant product and standard, and the laboratory has to produce the suitable test report for the CRS application.

4. Is it possible to cover multiple models of power adapters under a single BIS registration?

It all depends on the relevant series or grouping criteria. Eligibility for grouping could be influenced by factors such as the input rating, the way it is constructed, the PCB design, and the transformer configuration.

5. What would occur if the product information in the BIS application is incorrect?

The BIS could send out queries or ask for further clarification; since there can be discrepancies between the product, the test report, the label, and the way the product is used, the documentation should be checked before it is submitted.

6. Does the BIS CRS registration apply to power adapters which are imported into India?

If the power adapter falls into one of the categories specified in a notified CRS, the necessary registration requirements must be met before the product is placed on the Indian market. Before importing, importers should check the manufacturer’s BIS registration and product scope.