Do Copying Machines Require BIS CRS Certification in India?

A copier may seem like just another office machine, but before it gets onto the Indian market, the manufacturer and importer have to bear in mind more than just the speed of the machine, the amount of paper it can take up, or the quality of the copy. Product safety and compliance with the relevant regulations are just as important. If you are a manufacturer, importer, or seller of copiers, then you must understand the BIS requirements that apply to your product so as to avoid any delays or disruption to your business.

Yes, copiers are included in the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) in India. They are listed in the official BIS CRS product list under the relevant Indian Standard. The exact requirements will vary depending on the product category, the applicable standard, and the current notifications.

Any company making its way to the Indian market must consider the BIS CRS certification for copy machines as an important part of compliance. The guide encompasses the relevant standard, legal basis, registration procedure to follow, needed documents, period of completion of the procedure, certification period, and the most common issues faced by clients.

Are Copying Machines Covered under BIS CRS?

Yes, the official BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme website does have Copying Machines/Duplicators as a notified product category. The original listing refers to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and an implementation date of 13th May 2015.

The Govt has also made it clear that digital duplicators used with computers may be within the scope of the mandatory registration regime as they are effectively printing and scanning equipment.

Before you go ahead and apply, you should check what the current Indian Standard is and what the transition provisions are (if any). BIS has issued updated requirements for a number of electronic product categories, so manufacturers shouldn’t just go by the old registration documents.

Which Indian Standard Applies to Copying Machines?

The relevant standard is, of course, a key consideration in determining the route to registration.

The original standard was one covering the safety of information technology equipment. The current BIS listings for this product category are under IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023.

What are the Basic Requirements for BIS CRS Certification?

To obtain BIS CRS Certification for Copying Machines, manufacturers generally need to meet the following requirements:

• Applicable Indian Standard
• Product safety testing
• Manufacturer details
• Technical documentation
• Brand and model identification
• Labelling compliance
• Registration approval

The registration process is product and manufacturer-specific. A distributor’s existing registration should not be assumed to cover a product from a different manufacturer.

Which Documents are Required for BIS CRS Certification?

Having got the right documentation in place prior to testing can go a long way to avoiding queries and delays. The precise checklist will, of course, be application- and product-configuration dependent.

Commonly required records include:

• 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

How Does the BIS CRS Registration Process Work?

The registration process generally involves the following stages.

Step 1: Online Application Submission

Register on the BIS CRS portal to get your login details.

• Sign up and enter the manufacturer details.
• Get the login details to proceed.

Step 2: Product Testing

Arrange product testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory as per the relevant Indian Standard.

• Generate a test request via the CRS portal.
• Submit the product samples and get the test report.

Step 3: CRS Application Submission

Submit the CRS application with the test report and all the required documentation.

• Submit the test report within the stipulated period (generally 90 days where applicable).
• Upload the supporting docs, verify the product details, and pay the relevant fees.

Step 4: Application Scrutiny

BIS reviews the application and the supporting documentation for compliance.

• Officials check out the test report and the documentation.
• Respond to any questions or requests for clarification.

Step 5: Grant of BIS CRS Registration

BIS will issue a registration once all the relevant requirements have been satisfied.

• Receive the unique R-number.
• Adhere to the prescribed BIS Standard Mark and labelling requirements.

BIS CRS Certification Cost for Copying Machines  

The cost of BIS CRS Certification for Copying Machines depends on several factors, including:

• Product category and applicable Indian Standard
• Laboratory testing requirements
• Number of models or variants
• Technical documentation requirements
• Laboratory charges and applicable BIS government fees
  

The final cost will, of course, depend on the product configuration, the extent of testing, the number of models, and any additional compliance requirements. These are indicative figures only and should be confirmed for the particular product in question prior to any action being taken.

BIS CRS Certification Timeline in India

The BIS CRS certification process typically takes about 20 – 30 working days (assuming no major delays in the submission of documentation, product samples, lab testing, and application review).

BIS CRS Certification vs BIS ISI Certification: What’s the difference?

Businesses frequently mix up BIS CRS certification with BIS ISI certification for electronic products. They are two very different certification/conformity assessment schemes.

With respect to copying machines specifically listed under CRS, applicants should take the appropriate registration route rather than assume that an ISI licence is required.

The right route is going to be determined by the product and the notification that governs it rather than simply by the fact that it is an electronic product.

What Are the Common Problems that Manufacturers Face?

Even if the product category is clearly stated, the applicant may well have a problem in the actual registration process.

• Incorrect standard selection
• Incomplete technical documents
• Model grouping errors
• Product and report mismatch
• Foreign manufacturer coordination
• Regulatory changes

Early classification and a thorough technical review will go a long way to mitigating these risks.

How can UMSPCS help with BIS CRS certification for Copying Machines?

UMSPCS helps manufacturers, importers, and overseas businesses to understand and manage product compliance in India.

With over 6 years of experience in compliance and having already addressed over 600 product compliance requirements across a range of industries, UMSPCS can help businesses through the process of registering copying machines.

Our support may include:

• Identifying the relevant product category and the applicable Indian Standard.
• Reviewing the technical documentation and the safety-critical component list.
• Helping to put together the documentation required for the application.
• Coordinating the test and application preparation process.
• Reviewing the brand and model information to look for any potential grouping issues.
• Assisting with responses to technical and documentation queries.
• Supporting foreign manufacturers with the relevant representation and documentation requirements.
• Helping businesses to understand their post-registration obligations and the applicable marking conditions.

The exact extent of assistance will vary depending on the product, the manufacturer and the current BIS requirements. The ultimate registration decision will of course rest with the competent authority.

Conclusion

In India, copiers are included in the mandatory registration process, which means that importers and manufacturers need to comply with appropriate provisions of relevant Indian Standards and complete the necessary BIS CRS requirements. The entire process, including technical documentation, laboratory tests, model grouping, and registration stages, is extremely important for successful compliance.

If you are preparing for a product launch as a local manufacturer in India or you are just thinking about entering this market as an overseas company, compliance in advance will help you avoid delays and uncertainty.

Need assistance with obtaining BIS CRS certification for copying machines? 

Connect with UMSPCS now, and our professionals will guide you through the requirements and prepare you for completing the registration process.

Read more: BIS Certificate Documents: CRS, ISI Mark, and FMCS License

FAQs

1. Do copying machines need BIS CRS certification in India?

Yes, copying machines are included in the BIS CRS product list. Manufacturers should check the relevant Indian Standard and registration requirements before marketing the product.

2. Is BIS CRS certification mandatory for duplicators?

Duplicators are covered under the relevant Compulsory Registration Scheme. The exact requirements should be checked against the current BIS product list and the relevant notifications.

3. Which IS code applies to photocopiers  ?

The original CRS listing is IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. The current BIS listings reference IS/IEC 62368 (Part 1):2023 for the category. You need to confirm which is the current applicable standard and what the transition requirements are before testing.

4. Can a foreign manufacturer apply for BIS CRS certification?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply under the relevant procedure, subject to the applicable eligibility, documentation, representation, testing and registration requirements.

5. Does CE certification replace BIS CRS registration?

No, the CE mark does not in itself replace the requirement for mandatory BIS CRS registration in India. The product has to comply with the relevant Indian requirements.

6. Can multiple copy machine models be covered under a single registration?

Model grouping is based on BIS conditions and the degree of similarity between the product configurations. Differences in rated input, copying system, paper size, circuit layout, transformer design, or enclosure can have an effect on eligibility.

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

No, CRS registration and ISI product certification are two different conformity assessment schemes. Copying machines falling within the scope of CRS will be required to comply with the relevant registration requirements.