Do Telephone Answering Machines Require BIS Certification? Understanding IS 13252 (Part 1):2010

Although a telephone answering machine may appear to be a simple communication accessory, product safety compliance cannot be ignored by manufacturers and importers when it is introduced into the Indian market.

BIS certification for Telephone answering machine has always been specified in India in accordance with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, the Indian Standard for Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has included telephone answering machines among the electronic products that must be registered.

The regulatory stance has changed. In the present BIS Scheme-II listing, Telephone Answering Machines are listed under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, so companies that are planning a new compliance project should check the most recent applicable standard rather than relying just on the earlier IS 13252 reference.

The blog explains the regulatory framework, applicable standards, requirements, documents, procedure, validity, timelines, challenges, and how UMSPCS can assist manufacturers and importers in carrying out the process.

Is it Necessary to Have BIS Certification for Telephone Answering Machines?

Telephone answering machines have been included in the list of products that are covered by the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) as per the orders of MeitY.

The inclusion of Telephone Answering Machines in the original CRS scheme was based on the requirements of IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. Even the BIS has issued its test report framework in which it has made explicit mention of Telephone Answering Machines in connection with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

Currently, Telephone Answering Machines are included in the current BIS Scheme-II product list, which is based on the requirements of IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023 (Audio, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements).

Hence, companies should not blindly apply the previous standard unless they have checked the current BIS requirements that apply to their product and its use.

What is IS 13252 Part 1:2010?

IS 13252 (Part 1) is known as Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements. 

This standard includes a wide range of information technology equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, set-top boxes, and telephone answering systems. 

The BIS laboratory database is still identifying telephone answering machines within the testing scope of IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

The standard focuses on safety requirements relating to areas such as:

• Protection against electric shock
• Electrical insulation
• Energy and electrical hazards
• Fire-related safety
• Mechanical safety
• Power interfaces
• Wiring and components
• Marking and instructions
• Protection against abnormal operating conditions

However, when applying for a new project, the applicant should check whether IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023 is now the applicable standard, since BIS’s current CRS database lists telephone answering machines against this more recent standard.

Why Has the Relevant Standard Changed?

The safety requirements for audio, video, and information and communication technology equipment are gradually turning towards the hazard-based IS/IEC 62368-1 method.

To clarify, devices including BIS certification for telephone answering machines, which were previously governed by the standard IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, have been included in the IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023 listed products in the current BIS Scheme-II. 

Hence, it indicates that the manufacturers ought to treat IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 as an important historical or present reference keyword. However, they still must check the current standards and working requirements before conducting tests or applying for the BIS CRS.

What is BIS Certification for Telephone Answering Machines?

The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is a system of conformity assessment that is based on registration and applies to electronic and IT goods that have been notified.

As part of the scheme, manufacturers have to carry out testing at a laboratory which is recognized by BIS to show that their notified products comply with the relevant Indian Standard and then get BIS registration before putting the product in question on the Indian market.

The Telephone Answering Machines were specifically included by MeitY’s CRS framework among the notified product categories.

It is not the same as the conventional BIS certification for telephone answering machines under Scheme-I; in the case of electronics and IT products covered by CRS, the appropriate compliance route is BIS Registration under Scheme-II.

Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration

Commonly required documents may include:

• Business Registration Certificate – Document proving the registration of your business entity
• Details and Specifications of the Product – Technical specifications of the product
• Test Reports – Certified by BIS-recognised laboratories, to prove compliance
• Trademark Certificate – Document proving ownership of your trademark, if any
• Letter of Authorisation – To authorise signatories/representatives
• AIR Documents – necessary in the case where you decide to have an Authorised Indian Representative for your company from a different country.

The document set should be verified against the most up-to-date BIS application requirements.

Complete Process of BIS Certification for Telephone Answering Machines

The process generally follows these stages:

Step 1: Product Profiling & IS Standard Identification

We look at the product specifications and features in order to determine which BIS Indian Standard applies.

This helps avoid:

• Wrong product classification
• Testing issues
• Application delays or rejection

Step 2: Product Testing & Laboratory Coordination

We coordinate testing with a BIS-recognized laboratory, including:

• Sample testing
• Test scheduling
• Laboratory coordination
• Test report management

Step 3: Document Preparation

We assist in preparing the required documents, such as:

• Product specifications
• Circuit diagrams
• User manuals
• Manufacturing details
• Declarations and affidavits

Step 4: BIS Application Filing

We prepare and submit the application through the BIS portal, including:

• Document verification
• Test report submission
• Application filing
• Response to BIS queries

Step 5: Grant of BIS Registration

After successful assessment, BIS:

• Grants the CRS registration
• Assigns the BIS R-number

Permits the registered product to be marketed in India, subject to applicable requirements

Step 6: Marking & Labelling Compliance

We help ensure compliance with:

• BIS Standard Mark
• R-number display
• Product and packaging labels

Step 7: Renewal & Ongoing Support

UMSPCS continues to assist with:

• Registration renewal
• New model inclusion
• Regulatory updates
• Ongoing compliance support

How Long Does it Take to Get BIS Registration?

The real cost will depend on the scope of the product and its testing requirements.

How long registration takes will depend on the quality of the testing and documentation, usually ranging from 20 to 30 days.

Costing of BIS Certification for Telephone Answering Machines

The following factors determine the cost of certification:

Challenges Manufacturers Commonly Face BIS Certification for Telephone Answering Machines

Getting BIS registration is not just a simple matter of filling in an application. Typical difficulties include:

• Selecting the correct standard
• Understanding whether IS 13252 still applies to the specific project
• Preparing technically consistent documentation
• Selecting the appropriate BIS-recognized laboratory
• Handling model variations
• Resolving test failures
• Managing brand and manufacturer details
• Responding to BIS queries
• Understanding marking requirements
• Managing renewal deadlines

It has become all the more important to identify the standard in the case of new applications when moving from IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 to IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023.

Legal Framework Behind the Requirement for Telephone Answering Machines

The requirement is based on the Government’s regulatory framework for electronics and IT products as set out in the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order.

The first CRS framework was the one that warned telephone answering machines regarding IS 13252 (Part 1):2010; the 2021 CRS framework and all the amendments that followed have revised the relevant standards, and the present BIS listing indicates that telephone answering machines are covered by IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023.

The requirement should instead be compared with the most recent BIS and MeitY notifications rather than depending on older regulatory lists. Also get to know more information about BIS CRS Certification for Power Adaptors.

How UMSPCS Can Help with BIS Certification for Telephone Answering Machines

It is easier to meet the BIS requirements if standard procedures for identification, testing, and documentation are carried out in a systematic way.

Because of its experience in supporting more than 600 product compliance requirements and having supported more than 6 years of experience, UMSPCS enables businesses to achieve BIS certification through a systematic process.

UMSPCS supports businesses with end-to-end regulatory assistance for electronic and IT products, including:

• Product applicability assessment
• Applicable standard identification
• BIS CRS consultation
• Documentation preparation
• BIS-recognized laboratory coordination
• Sample testing coordination
• Application preparation
• BIS portal support
• Query response assistance
• Registration follow-up
• Renewal support
• Guidance for Indian and foreign manufacturers

Conclusion

The answer to the question “Is BIS Certification mandatory for Telephone Answering Machines?” is straightforward in that BIS CRS registration for the relevant product category is a requirement.

There is, however, a significant compliance update which manufacturers should not ignore. Although telephone answering machines have in the past been included under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, the present BIS Scheme-II listing specifies IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023 as the relevant standard for the product.

It doesn’t matter whether you are an Indian manufacturer, an importer, a brand owner, or a foreign manufacturer coming into the Indian market; it is essential to verify the most current BIS standard before carrying out testing and registration.

What about planning for BIS certification of telephone answering machines? 

For product applicability assessment, standard identification, testing coordination, documentation, and end-to-end BIS certification for telephone answering machines support, contact UMSPCS.

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FAQs

1. Are telephone answering machines required to have BIS Registration in India?

The answer to this is affirmative; the current applicable standard is IS/IEC 62368:Part 1:2023 mentioned in the existing BIS listing.

2. Is the Telephone Answering Machine regulated under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010?

The old standard that was applicable is IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, but the present BIS Scheme-II listing indicates that Telephone Answering Machines fall under IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023; thus, new applicants must check the current requirement.

3. What is the name of the certification for telephone answering machines?

In the case of electronic equipment items, it is usually the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) and not regular BIS ISI certification.

4. Is there a possibility for foreign manufacturers to get BIS registration?

Yes, foreign manufacturers can get the relevant BIS registration provided that they meet the applicable requirements, including the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative where this is necessary.

5. For how long is the BIS CRS registration valid?

BIS CRS registration is normally valid for two years at first and must then be renewed.

6. Is it necessary to carry out product testing?

Yes, products which are covered by CRS must show that they conform by having them tested at a laboratory recognised by BIS as required by the relevant scheme.