Get Complete Guide to BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Games (Video) – IS 616:2017

The Indian consumer electronics market is expanding, and electronic games are playing an important role in it. It would be prudent for manufacturers and importers to have in mind the compliance issues relating to the safety of these products as far as India is concerned, whether the product is a gaming console, video game system or any electronic gaming equipment.

Electronic Games (Video) fall under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The past applicable standard in this case is IS 616:2017 Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus Safety Requirements. BIS is currently working on the migration of some of the goods of the CRS, such as Electronic Games (video), to IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023. The old standards are allowed to be in operation until 1 November 2028, alongside the new standards.

UMSPCS offers electronic games consultancy services for BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Games (Video), which comprises product assessment, laboratory co-ordination, documentation, product application filing, and registration support.

What is BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Games?

BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Games (Video) is a mandatory registration system to be used for notified electronic and IT products. As per the scheme, the manufacturers have to prove compliance of their products as per the Indian Standards by conducting the testing and registering the product with BIS.

Electronic Games (Video) has been part of the CRS framework since 3 July 2013, and IS 616:2017 is currently adopted as the relevant safety standard.

The existing regulatory regime is undergoing a shift towards introducing these products under IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023, and manufacturers should select the relevant standards for the product as per the latest BIS/MeitY requirement.

Is BIS CRS Registration Mandatory for Electronic Games?

Yes. Electronic Games (Video) are part of the products subject to the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme.

• Electronic Games (Video) are listed as a notified product category in the official product list of BIS CRS.
• Any manufacturer/importer of covered electronic games is required to secure the relevant BIS CRS Registration before entering the Indian market with the product.
• The continuous compliance standard transition from IS 616:2017 to IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023 is of special interest for businesses which are in the process of registering a new product.

What is IS 616:2017?

IS 616:2017 is entitled Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements (Fifth Revision). The Electronic Games (Video) are identified against IS 616:2017 by BIS’s official test-report format.

The standard covers the safety requirements of covered audio, video, and other similar electronic equipment. Testing is for conformity prior to BIS CRS registration to the relevant safety requirements. However, manufacturers shouldn’t be sure that IS 616:2017 will always be relevant because of the ongoing migration.

Important 2026 Update: Migration to IS/IEC 62368: Part 1: 2023

The transition to the new safety standard is one of the biggest advancements for Electronic Games manufacturers.

BIS’s current Scheme-II page lists IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023 – Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements for Electronic Games (Video).

The migration framework enables the continued use of the previous standards, such as IS 616:2017, and the new standard until 1st November 2028 for the impacted product categories.

Thus, for any manufacturer that is considering a new application for BIS-CRS, it is advisable to consider if it is better suited to the newer standard for a new application in the context of their certification strategy.

What Testing is Required for Electronic Games?

One of the major requirements of BIS CRS registration is a product test.

BIS-recognised laboratories have a testing scope that includes relevant Safety clauses for Electronic Games (IS 616:2017). Based on BIS LIMS, the database of laboratories providing testing services for Electronic Games (Video) under IS 616:2017 is available.

The process of product testing can include safety components like:

•  This means protecting against an electric shock.
•  Heating in normal operation
•  Electrical connections
•  Mechanical hazards
•  Stability
•  Insulating and electrical properties
•  Resistance to fire
•  Marking and instructions
•  Additional suitable safety criteria

The test program employed is specific to the product design and construction, rating, applicable standard, and the scope approved by the laboratory.

Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration

Documentation plays a vital role in the registration process. Any kind of technical and business document can be asked for by BIS for attachment depending on the nature of the applicant and product configuration.

Some commonly required documents are:

• A business registration certificate is a document that attests to your company’s registration.
• Product Details and Specifications: The product’s technical specifications
• Test Reports: Verified by laboratories accredited by BIS to demonstrate compliance
• A document attesting to the ownership of your trademark, if any
• Letter of Authorisation: To grant consent to signatories or their agents
• AIR documents are only required if you choose to have an authorised Indian representative for your company from another country.

BIS CRS Registration Process for Electronic Games

There are several important steps in getting BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Games. UMSPCS follows a clearly defined procedure for effective execution.

Step 1: Product Profiling and IS Code Identification

The suitable Indian Standard codes (IS Codes) are selected as per the product characteristics.

This helps prevent:

• Wrongly labelling the products
• Test problems
• Rejection of application

Step 2: Product Testing & Laboratory Coordination

We help facilitate product testing with laboratories.

This means that:

• Testing products
• Organising the exam timetable
• BIS lab collaboration
• Verifying product compliance
• Test reports handling

Step 3: Documentation

Our experts document all required documents.

The documents will include:

• Product specifications
• Circuit diagrams
• Operating manuals
• Methods of manufacture
• Quality control
• Affidavits

Step 4: Filing Application for BIS

We prepare and file the application in the BIS portal.

These processes include the following:

• Filing of the application
• Verification of documents
• Checking conformity
• Answers to queries from BIS

Step 5: Issue of BIS Registration

Upon successful assessment, the BIS:

• Issues the IS CRS registration certificate
• Unique BIS R number allotted
• The product becomes legal to sell in India.

Step 6: Conformance with Product Marking & Labelling

We help companies to be compliant with BIS marking norms.

Among the steps are:

• Includes such activities as:
• Usage of BIS standard mark
• R number placement
• Conformity with packaging
• Norms for labelling of product

Step 7: Further Assistance and Renewal of Registration

Even after the registration, we keep on helping the company.

It includes:

• Renewal of registration
• Introduction of new models
• Assistance with surveillance
• Regulation changes

BIS CRS Certification Costs and Schedule

The cost of certification is determined by the following factors:

• Type of product
• The number of model types
• Testing requirements
• Specifications for documentation
• Fees levied by the government

The product’s scope and testing requirements will determine the actual cost.

Depending on how well the testing and documentation go, registration typically takes 20 to 30 days.

Why is BIS CRS Registration Important for Electronic Games?

Registration of BIS CRS is not only about documentation. This helps to prove that the product meets the safety and conformity assessment requirements.

• Legal Compliance
• Product Safety
• Consumer Confidence
• Market Access
• Brand Credibility

Who Needs BIS CRS Registration for Electronic Games?

It may cover businesses involved in the manufacturing or importing of covered electronic games, such as:

•  Indian manufacturers
•  Foreign manufacturers
•  Importers
•  Brand owners
•  OEM/ODM businesses
•  Companies entering India with electronics products.

The applicability should be determined by the specific product, configuration, proposed use, and the existing CRS notification. Also get to know  more information about the BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacture.

Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS CRS Certification?

For BIS CRS registration, there is a requirement for coordination between the manufacturer, the testing laboratory, and BIS. The selection of the right standard is particularly crucial in the current conversions to IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023.

The following are possible supported options for UMSPCS:

•  Product applicability assessment
•  Indian Standard identification
•  Laboratory coordination
•  Technical documentation
•  Test report review
•  BIS CRS application filing
•  BIS query assistance
•  Registration support
•  Support model addition and compliance requirements.
•  Post-registration guidance

Our objective is to make the process for BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Games organised and easier to manage.

Conclusion

The BIS CRS certification is a significant compliance requirement for the manufacturing and import of Electronic Games (Video) into the Indian market. Whereas IS 616:2017 used to be the relevant standard, the current shift towards IS/IEC 62368: Part 1:2023 means that companies must confirm the latest relevant BIS requirements prior to initiating the process of registration.

Get BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Games?

If you produce, import, or sell Electronic Games (Video) in India, you must meet the right requirements of BIS CRS Certification for Electronic Games.

UMSPCS can help you to evaluate the products, identify applicable standards, sample testing, product documentation, and support BIS application and registration.

Contact UMSPCS today to discuss your Electronic Games product and BIS CRS requirements. 

Read more also: BIS New Guideline to Rated Capacity of Lithium Cells and Batteries

FAQs

• Is BIS CRS Registration Compulsory for Electronic Games?

Yes, Electronic Games (Video) require BIS CRS registration as per regulatory requirements.

• Can the registration of Electronic Games be done under the IS 616:2017 standard?

Yes, both standards can be applied as per guidelines during the transition period.

• What Tests are needed for BIS CRS certification for Electronic Games?

Electric shock protection, insulation, heating, fire resistance, and mechanical safety tests are some of the tests that will be done for BIS CRS registration for Electronic Games as per the applicable.

• Who requires BIS CRS registration for Electronic Games?

Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, importers, and brand owners selling Electronic Games (Video) will require BIS CRS registration.

• How much time does it take to get BIS CRS Registration for Electronic Games?

It varies based on many factors such as testing, documentation and the BIS registration process.

• Can UMSPCS assist with BIS CRS Registration for Electronic Games?

Yes, UMSPCS can provide assistance in BIS CRS Registration for Electronic Games from testing to registration.