Can Foreign POS Terminal Manufacturers Get BIS CRS Certification Under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010?

Although a Point of Sale (POS) terminal may appear to be a simple payment device, it is necessary to take into account its safety and compliance with regulatory requirements before it can be introduced in India. For foreign manufacturers who are supplying payment terminals to Indian banks, retailers, payment service providers, and businesses, becoming familiar with India’s product certification requirements is an essential step when entering the Indian market.

The good news is that foreign manufacturers of POS terminals can get BIS CRS Certification for eligible products; point of sale terminals are specifically covered by the product testing framework set out in IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, which includes the general safety requirements for information technology equipment.

It is not enough merely to submit a sample of the product to obtain certification. Foreign manufacturers have to understand the relevant Indian Standard, carry out laboratory testing, meet the requirements of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), and comply with the BIS registration procedure.

The blog provides information on how overseas manufacturers of POS terminals can get BIS CRS Certification for Point of Sale Terminals, covering the eligibility criteria, the legal requirements, the necessary documents, the testing process, the application procedure, the duration of validity, the timelines involved, and the support offered by UMSPCS.

Understanding POS Terminal Compliance Under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010

A POS terminal is an electronic device that is used for processing payment transactions at retail outlets, restaurants, commercial establishments, and other places where payments are accepted.

Depending on its design, it may include:

• A display and a user interface.
• Payment card reading components.
• Keypads and touchscreens.
• Internal processing units.
• Communication interfaces.
• The power supply and charging parts.

The aim of obtaining BIS Certification for electronic products in accordance with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is to verify that the relevant equipment complies with the applicable electrical and product safety requirements.

The evaluation looks at the relevant safety aspects, such as protection against electric shock, insulation, risks related to temperature, mechanical hazards, and fire hazards.

It would be wrong for manufacturers to suppose that all payment-related devices belong to the same product category; before choosing a certification route, the real product configuration, its intended use, its construction, and the applicable BIS product classification must all be examined.

Is Certification From the BIS CRS Necessary for Manufacturers of Foreign POS Terminals?

Any foreign manufacturers who wish to supply Point of Sale (POS) terminals in India should first ascertain whether the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) applies before commencing their export activities. The scheme includes all the notified electronic and IT products, regardless of whether they are made in India or in overseas plants.

The POS terminals fall within the BIS product category relevant to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, a standard which sets out the general safety requirements for information technology equipment and is the compliance reference applicable to the covered POS terminal models.

The key standard details are:

• Applicable Indian Standard: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
• Standard Name: Information Technology Equipment – Safety, Part 1: General Requirements
• International Reference: IEC 60950-1:2005
• Relevant Amendments: A1:2013 and A2:2015

The BIS has also issued a specific Uniform Test Report Format (UTRF) for POS terminals, enabling laboratories to evaluate the products in relation to the required safety standards.

As a result, foreign manufacturers have to check the classification of their products, carry out the necessary testing, and get BIS CRS registration before they introduce the specified POS terminals into the Indian market.

Basic Requirements for Foreign POS Terminal Manufacturers

Before applying for BIS Certification for foreign manufacturers, overseas POS terminal manufacturers should fulfil the following requirements:

• Eligible product
• Manufacturing facility
• Applicable Indian Standard
• BIS-recognised laboratory
• Authorized Indian Representative
• Brand and model details

It is important to note that when it comes to BIS CRS registration, it is the manufacturer who is granted the registration, not just an overseas exporter or an Indian importer. It is therefore necessary that the company actually carrying out the manufacturing is properly identified in the application.

Documents Required for BIS CRS Certification for Point of Sale Terminals

Before they submit the application, foreign manufacturers should have their technical, commercial, and legal documents ready.

The commonly required documents 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

Complete Procedure to Obtain BIS CRS Certification for POS Terminals

To obtain BIS CRS Certification for Point of Sale Terminals, the product has to be assessed, tested in a laboratory, and then registered with BIS.

Step 1: Online Registration and Application Initiation

The first step is to sign up on the official BIS CRS portal in order to get your login details and start the certification process.

• Set up an account with the CRS portal.
• Give the company and factory information of the foreign manufacturer.
• Get the login details to access the application dashboard.

Step 2: Product Testing at a BIS-Recognised Laboratory

The POS terminal has to be tested at a laboratory that is recognised by BIS in order to verify that it complies with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

• Make a test request using the CRS portal.
• Send the required samples of the POS terminal to the laboratory that has been selected.
• Carry out the required safety tests and get the test report.

Step 3: Submission of CRS Application

Once you have the test report, fill in the CRS registration application and attach the required supporting documents.

• You must upload the test report within the allowed time frame, usually 90 days after it is issued.
• Give the manufacturer, factory, brand, and product information that is required.
• Upload the documents that support your application and pay the registration fees that apply.

Step 4: BIS Application Review and Clarifications

The BIS looks at the application, the laboratory test report, and the other documents to check that the applicable registration requirements have been met.

• Answer questions or requests for more information from BIS.
• Wherever it is required, submit further information or the amended documents.
• Make sure all manufacturer and product details match.

Step 5: Grant of BIS CRS Registration

When BIS is satisfied that all the relevant requirements have been met, it will grant CRS registration for the approved POS terminal models.

• Get your unique BIS registration number (R-number).
• Make sure that the required BIS Standard Mark and registration number are displayed as specified.
• Before marketing the registered POS terminals in India, you must follow the applicable product labelling requirements.

BIS CRS Certification Cost for Point of Sale Terminals

The amount that foreign manufacturers have to pay for BIS CRS Certification of Point of Sale Terminals will vary according to a number of factors related to the particular product and the regulatory requirements.

• The product category and the Indian Standard applicable (IS 13252 (Part 1):2010).
• The requirements for laboratory testing and the related fees.
• The number of different models or variants of POS terminals.
• Technical documents and compliance rules.
• The government fees set by BIS and other certification costs.

BIS CRS Certification Timeline for POS Terminals

The BIS CRS Certification for Point of Sale Terminals usually takes about 20 to 30 working days, on the condition that the product samples, the documentation, the laboratory testing, and the application review are all finished without experiencing major delays.

The timeline in reality will depend on the availability of the laboratory, the results of product testing, the AIR documentation, and the time required to deal with queries raised by BIS. Overseas manufacturers can help prevent unnecessary delays by ensuring that their documentation is correct and by coordinating promptly with the testing laboratory.

Benefits of BIS CRS Certification for POS Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers gain a number of benefits by obtaining BIS CRS certification for point of sale terminals.

• Access to the Indian market
• Improved product credibility
• Business opportunities
• Regulatory confidence
• Brand protection and identification

The fact is that registering with the BIS does not automatically fulfill any other relevant requirements, for example those relating to telecommunications, wireless services, payment security, or contractual obligations which may apply to a particular POS terminal.

Why Manufacturers Trust UMSPCS for BIS CRS Certification

To enter the Indian electronics market, one must have a clear understanding of the regulatory requirements that are specific to each product, and UMSPCS provides support to foreign manufacturers with regard to their BIS Certification.

With 6+ Years of Compliance Experience and experience handling 600+ product compliance requirements across multiple industries, we assist in:

• Product classification
• Documentation support
• Laboratory coordination
• AIR assistance
• Application filing
• BIS query management
• Post-registration support

Conclusion

Foreign manufacturers of POS terminals can get BIS CRS Certification under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 on the condition that their products are within the relevant category and satisfy the required specifications.

At every stage, from laboratory testing and AIR nomination through to documentation and BIS registration, careful coordination is essential. Manufacturers must also make sure that the models they have registered, their factory information, and the markings on their products remain in agreement with those approved in the registration.

Are you planning to export POS terminals to India? 

Get professional advice from UMSPCS regarding BIS CRS Certification for Point of Sale Terminals.

Read more also: Why Is BIS Certificate Important for Brazilian Furniture & Electrical

FAQs

1. Is it possible for foreign manufacturers to apply for BIS CRS Certification of POS terminals?

Certainly, foreign manufacturers may apply directly for BIS CRS registration for eligible POS terminals covered by IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, provided that they meet the relevant testing, documentation, and AIR requirements.

2. Is it necessary to have BIS CRS certification for POS terminals which are imported into India?

BIS registration is required for POS terminals that are subject to the relevant compulsory registration rules before they are imported and sold in India.

3. What Indian Standard does apply to POS terminals?

The relevant standard is IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, Information Technology Equipment – Safety, Part 1: General Requirements, together with any applicable amendments.

4. Is it necessary for foreign POS manufacturers to have an Authorized Indian Representative?

According to the BIS guidelines, foreign manufacturers who do not have an eligible liaison or branch office in India must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative.

5. Is it possible for an Indian importer to get BIS CRS Certification on behalf of a foreign manufacturer?

The importer cannot just get the registration in his own name as the applicant; it is given to the real manufacturing entity, which then has to meet the relevant AIR and application requirements.

6. Can foreign manufacturers list more than one POS terminal model under a single BIS registration?

Other models in the same product category and from the same brand could be included within an existing registration, provided that the BIS model-inclusion requirements and the relevant technical assessment are met.