BIS Certification for Electronic Products — The Complete Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about getting BIS certified for electronics in India — which products are covered, what the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) requires, step-by-step process, documents, fees, timelines, and the legal consequences of selling without a valid BIS certificate.
- 01What is BIS Certification for Electronic Products?
- 02Why BIS Certification is Mandatory for Electronics
- 03Which Electronic Products Need BIS CRS Registration?
- 04Applicable Indian Standards (IS) for Electronics
- 05Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration
- 06Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process
- 07Timeline & Fees for BIS Electronic Certification
- 08Special Rules for Importers & Foreign Manufacturers
- 09Penalties for Non-Compliance
- 10BIS Certificate Renewal & Ongoing Compliance
- 11Common Mistakes That Cause BIS Rejection
- 12Frequently Asked Questions
What is BIS Certification for Electronic Products?
BIS certification for electronic products is a mandatory product compliance certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — India’s national body for standardization under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. For the electronics category, BIS certification operates primarily under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), which was introduced through the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012.
Under this order, any electronic or IT product that falls within the notified categories cannot be manufactured in India, imported, sold, stored for sale, exhibited for sale, or offered for hire without a valid BIS CRS registration number. The certification confirms that the product has been tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory and meets the relevant Indian Standard (IS) for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and performance.
The BIS registration and certification framework for electronics is distinct from the ISI mark scheme. While ISI mark applies to physical products like steel, cement, and electrical wires, the CRS is specifically designed for the fast-moving electronics and IT sector — with a fully online application process that does not require a factory inspection for most products.
The BIS CRS mark must be visibly displayed on the product body, its packaging, and all accompanying documentation. The registration number is unique per model per manufacturer/importer, and it is verifiable on the BIS public portal. Consumers can scan or check the BIS mark to verify product authenticity — a feature that has become increasingly important in fighting counterfeit electronics in India.
Why BIS Certification is Mandatory for Electronics in India
India is the world’s second-largest smartphone market and one of the fastest-growing electronics consumer bases globally. The rapid expansion of the consumer electronics market — driven by affordable imports, e-commerce, and rising middle-class purchasing power — created a serious problem: a flood of cheap, substandard electronic products that posed genuine safety risks to Indian consumers.
Substandard chargers, defective power banks, and poorly manufactured electrical devices have been directly linked to cases of electric shock, fires, and explosions across India. The BIS certification requirement was introduced specifically to address these quality and safety gaps by ensuring that every electronic product sold in India — whether made domestically or imported — meets tested, verified quality benchmarks.
Key Reasons BIS Certification Matters for Your Electronics Business
- Legal requirement: Under the BIS Act, 2016, and the Electronics and IT Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order, manufacturing, importing, or selling CRS-notified products without valid BIS registration is a punishable offence carrying fines up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment up to two years for repeat offences.
- Customs clearance: Indian customs authorities require valid BIS CRS registration numbers at the time of import clearance. Shipments lacking this documentation are held at the port, leading to massive demurrage costs and potential confiscation.
- Marketplace compliance: Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and all major Indian e-commerce platforms require proof of BIS certification before they will list any electronics product. Without a BIS certificate, you cannot sell online legally in India.
- Consumer trust: The BIS mark is one of India’s most recognized quality symbols. Research consistently shows that Indian consumers associate the BIS mark with reliability — increasing conversion rates and reducing product returns.
- Government procurement: Central and state government procurement requires BIS-certified products for most electronic categories. Without certification, you are disqualified from public sector and defence procurement.
- Brand protection: BIS registration prevents competitors from importing copycat versions of your certified products. The unique registration number tied to your brand and model protects against counterfeiting.
Which Electronic Products Require BIS CRS Registration?
The Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order covers a wide and growing range of consumer electronics and IT products. Below is a comprehensive overview of the major product categories that currently require BIS CRS certification for electronic products. This list is updated periodically through MeitY gazette notifications.
Products Covered Under Both CRS and ISI Mark
Some products sit at the intersection of electronics and electrical equipment and may require both CRS registration AND an ISI mark depending on the specific product type and applicable Indian Standard. For example, LED modules destined for use in luminaires may need ISI mark under one standard while LED retrofit lamps require CRS registration under another. A qualified BIS consultant can determine the correct scheme for your specific product classification.
Applicable Indian Standards (IS) for Electronic Products
Each electronic product category covered under the BIS CRS scheme has a specific Indian Standard (IS) that defines the test parameters, safety requirements, performance benchmarks, and labelling rules. Compliance with the correct IS is non-negotiable — testing against the wrong standard will result in rejection.
| Product Category | Applicable Indian Standard | Key Test Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phones & Smartphones | IS 13252 (Part 1) : 2010 / IEC 60950-1 | Electrical safety, EMC, SAR |
| Laptop / Notebook Computers | IS 13252 (Part 1) / IEC 62368-1 | Electrical safety, thermal, EMC |
| Mobile Chargers & Power Adapters | IS 13252 (Part 1) : 2010 | Output voltage, current, safety |
| LED Lights (Retrofit Lamps) | IS 16102 (Part 1) | Lumen output, power factor, surge |
| LED Luminaires | IS 10322 (Part 5 / Sec 1) | Safety, photometry, IP rating |
| Set-Top Boxes (DTH/Cable) | IS 616 : 2017 | RF performance, safety, EMI |
| Power Banks (Portable Battery Packs) | IS 16046 (Part 2) | Overcharge, short circuit, thermal |
| CCTV Cameras & DVR/NVR | IS 13252 (Part 1) / IEC 60950-1 | Electrical safety, insulation |
| LED Drivers (Control Gear) | IS 15885 (Part 2 / Sec 13) | Efficiency, harmonic distortion |
| Smart Televisions (LED/LCD) | IS 616 : 2017 | Safety, energy consumption, EMC |
Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration for Electronics
One of the most common reasons BIS CRS applications are rejected or delayed is incomplete, incorrect, or mismatched documentation. Here is a complete breakdown of documents required for different applicant types:
For Indian Manufacturers
- Company registration certificate (Pvt. Ltd., LLP, Partnership, Proprietorship, etc.)
- GST registration certificate
- Complete product details — brand name, model name/number, technical specifications
- Valid test report from a BIS-recognized laboratory for the specific model (must match IS number, test parameters, and sample description exactly)
- Declaration of conformity signed by the authorized signatory
- Product photographs (all sides, with branding visible)
- User manual or product leaflet (in English)
- Factory address and manufacturing facility details
For Importers (Indian Entity Applying on Behalf of Foreign Manufacturer)
- All documents listed above for Indian manufacturers (company registration, GST, etc.)
- Authorization letter from the foreign manufacturer officially appointing the Indian importer as the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- Foreign manufacturer’s company registration documents (translated to English if not already)
- Test report from a BIS-recognized laboratory — this can be a foreign IECEE CB Scheme test report with BIS gap testing completed in India, or a direct test at a BIS-recognized Indian lab
- Import export code (IEC) of the Indian importer
- Purchase agreement or supply contract between the foreign manufacturer and the Indian importer (may be required)
For Foreign Manufacturers Applying Directly (via AIR)
- Foreign manufacturer’s company registration and address proof
- Appointment letter for the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- AIR’s company registration, PAN, and GST documents
- Valid test reports from a BIS-recognized lab or IECEE CB report with supplementary testing
- Complete product technical documentation
- Declaration of conformity from the foreign manufacturer
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process for Electronic Products
The BIS CRS registration process is conducted entirely online through the BIS Manak Online portal. Here is a detailed breakdown of each stage in the process:
Product Eligibility & Standard Identification
Determine whether your product falls under a notified CRS category. Identify the exact Indian Standard (IS) that applies to your product. Choosing the wrong IS number leads to incorrect testing and rejection. Multiple standards may apply for products with combined functions.
Product Testing at a BIS-Recognized Laboratory
Submit product samples to a BIS-recognized testing laboratory. The lab conducts required tests as per the applicable IS — including electrical safety, EMC, performance benchmarks, and energy efficiency. Obtain the official test report with pass results.
Registration on BIS Manak Online Portal
Register your company on the BIS Manak Online portal. Provide valid PAN, GST, and company registration documents. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to register on their behalf.
Application Filing with All Documents
File the CRS registration application online, uploading required documents — test report, product photographs, authorization letters, declaration of conformity, and technical specifications. Ensure accurate and properly formatted documentation.
BIS Review & Query Resolution
BIS officers review the application and may raise queries if documents are missing or unclear. Respond promptly and accurately — delays in query resolution can delay certificate issuance. Proper handling reduces rejection risk.
Timeline and Fees for BIS Electronic Product Certification
Understanding the realistic timeline and cost structure helps businesses plan their product launch schedules and compliance budgets accurately.
| Stage | Typical Duration | Variables That Affect Time |
|---|---|---|
| Product testing at BIS lab | 2–5 weeks | Lab backlog, product complexity, test failures requiring retesting |
| Document preparation & review | 3–7 days | Availability of test report, authorization documents, translations |
| BIS portal registration & application filing | 1–3 days | Portal technical issues, document upload quality |
| BIS review & query resolution | 2–6 weeks | BIS officer workload, number of queries raised, response time |
| Certificate issuance | 1–3 days post-approval | Minimal — once approved, issuance is swift |
| Total estimated time | 4–10 weeks | Working with an experienced consultant reduces the upper range significantly |
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BIS CRS Application Fee (per model) | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Government fee paid online on Manak portal |
| BIS CRS Registration Fee (per model, 2 years) | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | Varies by product category and applicant type |
| Product testing at BIS-recognized lab | ₹15,000 – ₹80,000+ | Highly variable — depends on product complexity and standard |
| Consultant fee (end-to-end management) | Varies by scope | Contact JS Certification for a transparent quote |
Special Rules for Importers and Foreign Manufacturers
Approximately 65–70% of all BIS CRS applications are filed by importers rather than domestic manufacturers — reflecting India’s significant dependence on electronics imports, primarily from China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. The rules for importers and foreign manufacturers have some important nuances that directly affect the application strategy.
1. For Indian Importers
An Indian importer can apply for BIS CRS registration for a foreign-manufactured product. However, the importer must obtain a formal authorization letter from the foreign manufacturer explicitly appointing them as the Authorized Indian Representative. This letter must be on the foreign manufacturer’s letterhead, signed by an authorized signatory, and must specifically mention the BIS CRS scheme and the products covered.
Critically, the importer becomes the license holder of record in BIS’s system. This means the importer bears full legal responsibility for the product’s compliance once it enters the Indian market. If a product with a CRS registration number fails a market surveillance test, the importer-applicant faces legal liability under the BIS Act.
2. For Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers can also apply directly for CRS registration by appointing an Indian AIR. The AIR must be a company registered in India and must have a valid power of attorney or authorization from the foreign manufacturer. This approach is particularly useful when the foreign manufacturer wants to protect the CRS registration from being controlled by a single importer — allowing multiple Indian distributors to sell the product under the manufacturer’s BIS certificate.
3. IECEE CB Scheme Test Reports
India is a full member of the IECEE CB Scheme — the international system for mutual recognition of test reports for electrical and electronic products. Foreign manufacturers who already have CB Scheme test reports for their products can potentially use these reports for BIS CRS registration with supplementary “gap testing” to cover the differences between the CB report and the full Indian Standard. This approach can significantly reduce testing costs and timeline for established international brands entering the Indian market.
Penalties for Selling Electronics Without BIS Certification in India
The BIS Act, 2016 significantly strengthened the enforcement framework compared to the earlier BIS Act of 1986. Non-compliance with BIS certification requirements for electronic products carries serious legal and financial consequences:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing or importing notified electronics without valid BIS registration (first offence) | Imprisonment up to 1 year OR fine up to ₹2 lakh OR both |
| Same violation — second or subsequent offence | Imprisonment up to 2 years AND fine up to ₹5 lakh |
| Using false/spurious BIS mark | Imprisonment up to 2 years AND fine up to ₹5 lakh (first offence); up to 5 years and ₹10 lakh for subsequent offences |
| Sale after customs seizure due to missing BIS registration | Product confiscation + administrative costs + penalties as above |
| E-commerce listing without valid BIS number | Product delisting, account suspension, potential joint liability |
BIS CRS Certificate Renewal and Ongoing Compliance
BIS CRS registration certificates are valid for two years from the date of issue. Unlike ISI mark licenses (which require annual surveillance visits), CRS certificates are renewed through the BIS Manak Online portal without a physical inspection — provided the product remains unchanged and in compliance with the applicable Indian Standard.
What Triggers a Mandatory Reapplication (Not Just Renewal)
- Model change: Any change to the product’s model number, technical specification, circuit design, or critical components requires a fresh application — not just a renewal.
- Standard revision: When BIS revises the applicable Indian Standard with new/enhanced test requirements, existing certificate holders must retest and update their registration within the transition period.
- Change in manufacturer or AIR: If the manufacturing facility changes, or if the Indian importer/AIR changes, a fresh application or amendment is required.
- New model variants: Each distinct model that differs from the originally registered model requires its own CRS registration, even from the same manufacturer.
Consequences of Expired BIS CRS Registration
An expired CRS registration means the product is effectively uncertified under BIS rules. Continuing to sell, import, or manufacture after expiry carries the same legal penalties as operating without any registration. BIS does not provide a grace period post-expiry — the moment the certificate expires, the product is non-compliant. Renewal applications should be filed at least 2–3 months before expiry to avoid any compliance gaps.
Common Mistakes That Cause BIS CRS Rejection
Based on extensive experience handling BIS applications, these are the most frequent errors that cause rejections, deficiencies, and delays:
- Test report not covering all required parameters: Many overseas lab reports test to the international standard but miss India-specific parameters. Always verify the test report covers every parameter in the specific IS version applicable.
- Mismatch between model name in test report and application: Even a minor difference in how the model number is written (e.g., “XR-200” vs “XR200”) can trigger a deficiency notice. Every document must be 100% consistent.
- Authorization letter not meeting BIS format requirements: BIS has specific expectations for the content, language, and scope of AIR authorization letters. Generic company letters are frequently rejected.
- Applying under the wrong IS number: Selecting an outdated version of a standard (e.g., IEC 60950-1 when IEC 62368-1 is now mandatory for the product category) leads to rejection with significant retesting costs.
- Test report issued in a non-recognized lab’s name: Only BIS-recognized labs can issue test reports for CRS applications. Subcontracting testing to unrecognized labs invalidates the report.
- Missing technical documentation: Incomplete circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, or component lists where required by specific IS standards.
- Not responding to BIS queries within the stipulated timeframe: BIS closes applications that remain unanswered past the deadline. All queries must be tracked and responded to proactively.
Frequently Asked Questions about BIS Certification for Electronic Products
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