Do Scanners Need BIS CRS Certification in India? A Guide to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010

If you connect a scanner to the power supply, put a document in it, and then obtain a digital copy in just a few seconds, have you ever asked whether this simple office appliance needs to have regulatory approval before it can be sold in India?

A scanner is more than merely an electronic product since it is also one that could be subject to India’s mandatory safety compliance requirements. It is included in the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) and is listed under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, the standard that covers the safety requirements for information technology equipment.

Then you may wonder whether your scanner needs BIS CRS Certification; which standard is in question? Who is required to get the registration? What kind of testing and documentation is needed? And what occurs if the manufacturer is located outside India?

The blog looks at these questions and provides all the information that businesses need regarding BIS CRS Certification for Scanners, including details on its applicability, the standard involved, the testing requirements, the documents needed, the procedure, the validity period, the timelines, the challenges, the requirements for foreign manufacturers, and how UMSPCS can assist businesses in carrying out the process efficiently.

What Does BIS CRS Certification for Scanners Entail?

The BIS CRS Certification is a required system of registration for certain electronic and information technology products which have been notified by the Government of India.

Instead of following the conventional method of obtaining BIS ISI certification, CRS generally operates by means of registration based on conformity and testing, with the manufacturer having the product tested at a laboratory recognized by BIS and then submitting the necessary application together with the relevant documents to BIS.

The specific entries on the official BIS list cover Scanners against IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 – Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements.

Businesses that are involved with covered scanners should assess the BIS CRS Certification in India before they manufacture, import, distribute, or market the product.

Is the BIS CRS Requirement Mandatory for Scanners in India?

The official product list from the CRS does list scanners as a product category that is included in the Compulsory Registration Scheme under the standard IS 13252 (Part 1):2010; it also lists scanners together with printers, plotters, laptops, set-top boxes, and other IT equipment.

The BIS also has a standard test-report format which is specifically designed for scanners under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, serving to confirm the testing framework applicable to the product category.

Important point for businesses

It does not follow that every device which is commercially called a ‘scanner’ should be treated in the same way; product configuration, its intended use, and the precise product category can all have an effect on applicability.

For instance, the FAQ issued by MeitY makes it clear that three-dimensional scanners which are used for producing images for the purpose of 3D printing fall within the scope of the Compulsory Registration Order; that is the reason why product classification should be carried out before testing begins.

Which Scanning Devices Will Need to Obtain BIS CRS Certification?

Depending on their classification and configuration, the CRS framework can cover products such as:

• Document scanners
• Office scanners
• Computer-connected scanners
• Barcode scanners
• Iris scanners
• Optical fingerprint scanners
• USB-driven barcode readers
• Certain specialized scanning equipment covered under the notified categories

The testing framework used by the BIS specifically includes Barcode Scanners, Iris Scanners, and Optical Fingerprint Scanners as being covered by IS 13252 (Part 1):2010; however, the exact applicability should still be checked against the current CRS scope prior to submission.

BIS CRS Certification Process for Scanners

Getting the BIS CRS Certification for electronic products is a process that has several key stages.

Step 1: Determine Product Applicability

Start by determining if the scanner is covered by the relevant CRS product category and check the corresponding Indian Standard; for scanners, the applicable listing is IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

Step 2: Identify the Manufacturing Unit and Brand

The BIS insists that the details for registration should match those of the manufacturing arrangement.

Products manufactured at different locations must each have a separate registration number, and individual registration is also necessary for each brand produced at the same location.

Step 3: Product Testing

A representative sample of the scanner is sent to a laboratory that is recognized by BIS for testing in accordance with the relevant requirements.

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

Step 4: Prepare the Application

The manufacturer puts together the application, the test report, the manufacturing information, the undertakings, and the supporting documents that are required.

Step 5: Online Submission

The application should be made via the relevant BIS CRS system together with the required fees and the supporting documents.

Step 6: BIS Scrutiny

The BIS looks into the application and, if any deficiencies or questions are pointed out, the applicant has to give a response along with the necessary clarification or documents.

Step 7: Grant of Registration

When the application and compliance requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled, BIS will grant the registration and send the registration letter to the applicant’s portal.

Documents Required for BIS CRS Certification for Scanners

The exact document checklist can vary depending on the manufacturer and application, but businesses should generally prepare:

• 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

To use its CRS portal, the BIS requires that the name and address of the manufacturing unit be verified through a government-issued document that shows that the document is related to the manufacturing activity; it will not accept an ISO certificate as proof of address.

What Are the Requirements for Manufacturers of Foreign Scanners?

Foreign manufacturers are also able to apply for CRS registration. The BIS says that manufacturers who are situated either in or outside of India can apply for registration under the CRS.

Generally, a foreign manufacturer that has no liaison office or branch office in India must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in accordance with BIS requirements. Read more also: BIS for Foreign Manufacture.

Since the AIR is important in terms of communication and in carrying out regulatory coordination with BIS, the certification of foreign manufacturers by BIS needs extra attention to:

• AIR appointment
• Nomination documentation
• Affidavit-cum-undertaking
• Manufacturer authorization
• Indian correspondence requirements
• Importer coordination

BIS CRS Certification Cost for Scanner

The price for BIS CRS Certification of scanners varies according to the type of product, the testing needed, the documentation required, the number of models, and the relevant government fees.

Extra charges may apply for testing, laboratory services, and BIS government fees.

BIS CRS Certification Timeline for Scanner

The process usually takes between 20 and 30 working days, the length depending on the readiness of the document, the testing phase, and BIS processing.

• Documentation: 5 – 7 working days
• Product Testing: 10 – 15 working days
• BIS Approval: 7 – 10 working days

UMSPCS takes responsibility for the entire process of obtaining BIS CRS certification in India, covering everything from the preparation of documentation and the coordination of testing to the submission of the application and registration.

What is Scanner Testing?

The testing is carried out in accordance with the relevant requirements of IS 13252 (Part 1):2010; and in respect of the product configuration, laboratory testing may cover areas such as:

• Protection against electric shock
• Electrical insulation
• Earthing and bonding
• Overcurrent and fault protection
• Clearances and creepage distances
• Mechanical strength
• Stability
• Power-related safety
• Marking and instructions
• Other applicable safety requirements

The laboratory database kept by the BIS shows that the recognized laboratories have testing facilities and scopes for scanners in accordance with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

The amounts charged for testing are not the same in all cases. The laboratory listings issued by BIS show that the testing charges vary according to the laboratory and the product configuration.

Common Challenges in BIS CRS Certification for Scanners

The trouble that businesses experience is not due to the scanner being complicated, but rather because the compliance process involves the need for coordination.

Common issues include:

• Incorrect product classification
• Test failure
• Outdated test reports
• Model and brand confusion
• Manufacturing-address documentation
• Foreign manufacturer coordination
• Delayed responses to BIS queries

How UMSPCS Helps With BIS CRS Certification for Scanners

Getting BIS CRS Certification for scanners can require some technical, documentation, and regulatory steps, and UMSPCS assists manufacturers and importers in dealing with these requirements by means of a structured compliance approach.

Because of its experience in supporting more than 600 product compliance requirements and having more than 6 years of experience, UMSPCS enables businesses to achieve BIS compliance with a clearer understanding and with fewer documentation problems that are avoidable.

Our support can include:

• Product applicability assessment
• Identification of the applicable IS standard
• Product and model evaluation
• BIS-recognized laboratory coordination
• Testing documentation support
• Technical document review
• CRS application preparation
• Online application support

Conclusion

Scanners are included in India’s Compulsory Registration Scheme and are listed under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

For manufacturers, importers, and foreign companies who intend to sell covered scanners in India, securing the relevant BIS CRS Certification in India is therefore a vital step in terms of compliance.

The process includes properly classifying the product, having it tested by a laboratory that is recognized by BIS, providing accurate documentation, making an online application, going through BIS examination, and registering the product; foreign manufacturers must also take into account the AIR-related requirements.

If you intend to start up, import, or expand your scanner business in India, UMSPCS can assist you in working out the relevant requirements and take charge of the BIS CRS registration procedure from testing right through to registration.

Need BIS CRS Certification for Scanners? 

Connect with UMSPCS right away for a product applicability assessment, the coordination of testing, and end-to-end BIS consultancy support.

Read more also: BIS QCO for PP Woven Laminated Valve Sacks for 50 kg Cement

FAQs

1. Do all scanners need BIS CRS Certification in India?

Scanners covered under the applicable CRS product category require registration against IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 before being placed in the Indian market. Product classification should be checked first.

2. Can multiple scanner models be covered under one BIS CRS Registration?

It depends on the product configuration, applicable requirements, brand, and manufacturing details. Proper model grouping and scope evaluation should be completed before testing and application.

3. I am importing scanners into India. Do I need BIS CRS registration?

Yes, if the imported scanner falls within the notified CRS scope. The manufacturer, including a foreign manufacturer, must complete the applicable BIS registration requirements.

4. Can a foreign manufacturer apply for BIS CRS Certification for scanners?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS CRS Registration. Where required, they must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to handle communication and regulatory requirements in India.

5. Is BIS testing mandatory before applying for scanner registration?

Yes, the scanner needs to be tested through a BIS-recognized laboratory, and the applicable test report must be submitted with the CRS application.

6. What happens if my scanner fails BIS testing?

If the product does not meet the applicable requirements, the manufacturer may need to identify the cause, make necessary product modifications, and undergo retesting before proceeding with registration.