BIS CRS Certification: Who Needs It, Why It Matters & How to Get Registered

While a product may be prepared for manufacturing, packaging, and marketing, it does not necessarily mean that it is prepared to enter the Indian market. BIS CRS Registration is another regulatory requirement for manufacturers and importers of notified electronic and IT products that needs to be fulfilled prior to bringing the product to the Indian market.

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is a scheme that BIS operates for the products notified in the relevant government scheme. Products that fall under the ambit of the CRS should be issued with the Indian Standard and BIS registration as per the provisions before manufacturing/importing/accumulating for selling/distribution in India. 

The framework covers a broad list of notified products, such as different electronic and IT products, lighting products, power supplies, batteries, and other specified products. It is dependent on the product and the Indian Standard used.

UMSPCS provides comprehensive BIS CRS Certification Services to manufacturers, importers, and eligible foreign manufacturers including applicability assessment, testing, documentation, filing of applications, responding to BIS queries, and compliance services after registration.

What is BIS CRS Certification?

BIS CRS Certification is also known as BIS CRS Registration.It is a mandatory registration scheme for products that are notified under Scheme-II.

In the case of CRS, the manufacturer has to establish the conformity of the product to the relevant Indian standards by following the prescribed testing procedure. The manufacturer, after getting the test report from the concerned lab, submits the BIS registration application along with the required documents and fees.

CRS is not a product certification, also known as the BIS Scheme-I, where eligible manufacturers have been given a license to use the ISI Mark. CRS is a registration-based system, which has its own application and marking criteria.

Why is BIS CRS Registration Important for Businesses?

The main purpose of CRS is to ensure that notified products comply with the applicable Indian safety requirements prior to being put on the market.

BIS CRS Registration can benefit businesses in the following ways:

• Comply with relevant mandatory standards.
• Show compliance with the specified Indian Standard.
• Set product safety and reliability standards.
• Gain trust from customers and distributors.
• Facilitate legal market access.
• Minimize compliance issues on import and commercial distribution.

When a manufacturer is introducing a new product, testing, documentation or a wrong product classification may delay the product’s launch, so it is beneficial to check the applicability of the CRS at an early stage.

Who Needs BIS CRS Registration?

The manufacturers of products specifically notified under the scheme are subject to CRS requirements.

This may include:

• Imported manufacturers of notified products from India.
• Foreign manufacturers’ manufacturing notified products for supply to India.
• OEM / Contract Manufacturers.
• Depending on the manufacturing arrangement, the brand owners.
• Importers of products that are to be registered under the CRS.

If a foreign manufacturer does not have the necessary presence in India, it has to do so through an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) as stipulated by BIS. 

Where Does BIS CRS Registration Apply?

Notified products for the Indian market come under CRS.

The BIS Scheme-II is based on different categories of products, such as:

• Electronic and IT products
• Lighting products
• Power supplies
• Batteries
• Audio-video equipment
• Electronic components
• All other products notified under the CRS framework

When is BIS CRS Registration Mandatory?

When a product is explicitly covered by the compulsory registration framework, the product will be subject to compulsory registration under CRS.

The registration must be done in advance of the notification product entering the Indian market as per applicable requirements.

The following are all activities that should be started early in the business’s new product development process:

• Product classification
• Standard identification
• Laboratory testing
• Documentation
• Application filing
• BIS review

Why Do Some BIS CRS Applications Get Delayed?

When manufacturers start the process without preparing the product and documentation, it may cause delays in CRS applications.

Common reasons include:

• Wrongly identified Indian Standard.
• Product information that does not correspond to the test report.
• Incomplete technical documents.
• Wrong manufacturer or brand information.
• Unsubmitted AIR information for qualifying overseas manufacturers.
• Test report deficiencies.
• Modifications of products after testing.
• Delayed answers to BIS questions.

The information provided by the product, manufacturer, brand, and test report should be the same in a well-prepared application.

Complete BIS CRS Registration Process in India

The BIS CRS Certification is handled in a systematic manner at UMSPCS.

Step 1: Identification of IS Standards and Product Profiling

Features of the product are studied to determine the Indian Standard code (IS Code) required.

It eliminates:

• Product misclassification
• Difficulty in testing
• Rejected applications

Step 2: Product Testing & Laboratory Coordination 

It includes:

• Product testing
• For preparing the test schedule
• It is also coordinated with BIS laboratories.
• Ensures the quality of the product.
• Test reports conducted for students.Student testing reports.

Step 3: Document Preparation

All the documents are prepared by our employees.

The following things are included in the document preparation:

• Product description
• Circuit diagrams
• Operation manuals
• Manufacturing process
• Quality assurance
• Affidavits and Declarations

Step 4: Application Submission at BIS

Submission of the Application through BIS portal.

These procedures are as follows:

• Submission of the application.
• Documents verification
• Checking conformity

Communication with the public from the BIS on receiving their inquiries.

Step 5: BIS Registration Issuance

If the assessment at BIS is successful then:

• Registration certificate of IS CRS is issued.
• Provides every incident, student or case a BIS R-number

Now, the product becomes legal in India.

Step 6: Product marking & labelling compliance.

We help companies comply with the BIS marking requirements.

The steps are:

• Use of the standard mark of BIS
• R-numbers display
• Compliance of packaging
• Product labelling regulations

Step 7: Renewal & Continued Compliance Support

As a registered user, you will still be assisted after signing up.

Assistance includes:

• Renewal of registrations
• The development of new models to include in the catalogue.
• Support in surveillance
• Updates on regulations

Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration

The following list (varying from one product to the other) is required:

• Business Registration Certificate: a document that signifies the registration of the business.
• Product Technical Specifications: This involves technical details about the product.
• Test Reports: Test reports which are laboratory certified and issued by BIS.
• Trademark Certificate: This is a document to provide proof regarding the ownership of a trademark, if any.
• Letter of Authorization: For allowing signatures or representatives authorization.

If you choose to have an authorized representative for your business, in case of your business being from another country, then AIR documents will be required.

Costing & Timeline of BIS CRS Certification

The following factors will help determine the cost of certification:

• Type of product
• The range of models types
• Testing requirements
• Specifications for documentation
• The amount of taxes collected by the government. 

The true cost will depend on the product’s scope and testing needs.

Registration usually takes 20 to 30 days, depending on how well the testing and documentation is done. Also read more about FCC Certification in India.

Why Professional BIS CRS Consultancy Matters

When businesses have multiple models, variants, or technical configurations, it can become challenging to register for CRS.

A professional consultant will be able to assist with:

• BIS standard identification
• CRS applicability assessment
• The assessment of products and models.
• Laboratory coordination
• Test-report review
• Documentation preparation
• Application assistance
• BIS query handling
• AIR coordination
• Registration follow-up
• Post-registration compliance

The purpose is not only to submit the application, but to have the product and the report on the test, as well as the application documents, in sync.

How Can UMSPCS Help You with CRS Certification?

UMSPCS first assesses the product and applicable standard instead of following a generic CRS process.

UMSPCS has the expertise, knowledge, and support to help with:

• Product & IS Code Assessment
• CRS Applicability Assessment
• Documentation Support
• Testing Coordination
• Test Report Review
• BIS Application Assistance
• Query & Compliance Support
• Registration Follow-Up

With more than 600+ successful certifications and more than 6 years of experience, UMSPCS offers a practical solution to assist manufacturers in meeting the BIS certification requirements.

Conclusion

BIS CRS Registration is an important compliance requirement for products specifically notified under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. The journey begins with identifying the proper product category and Indian Standard and then continues with testing, documentation, application review, and registration.

Manufacturers/importers are advised to verify the applicability of CRS for products prior to introducing them in the Indian market. Preparing in the early stages will help minimise problems with testing and documentation and will ease the registration process.

Need Help With BIS CRS Registration?

UMSPCS can assist you in conducting product applicability assessment, Identification of Indian Standard, laboratory coordination, documentation, filing of BIS CRS, handling queries, and post-registration compliance.

Talk to our BIS experts to find out what the CRS requirements are for your product.

Read more also: Before You Export to India: BIS FMCS Certification Requirements

FAQs

• Is BIS CRS Registration mandatory for every electronic product?

No, only products notified under the applicable CRS framework are required to be mandatorily registered.

• How can I check whether my product requires CRS Registration?

Refer to the latest list of BIS CRS products and see which Indian Standard is mentioned in the list for the product.

• Is product testing required for BIS CRS Registration?

Yes, the degree of conformity is normally determined by the tests carried out at the designated laboratory. 

• Are foreign manufacturers eligible for BIS CRS Registration?

Yes, eligible foreign manufacturers may follow the applicable CRS procedure and complete the required AIR procedures.

• Is BIS CRS Registration equivalent to ISI Mark Certification?

No, CRS is an independent registration system different from the BIS Scheme-I product certification system.

• What assistance will you receive from UMSPCS for BIS CRS Registration?

UMSPCS provides assistance in product evaluation, documentation, testing coordination, application submission, BIS inquiries and post-registration services.