BIS CRS Registration in India

Introduction

In India’s rapidly expanding market for electronics and information technology (IT) goods, ensuring product quality, safety, and reliability is paramount. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standards Body, plays a critical role in this through various certification schemes. For a vast range of electronic and IT products, compliance with the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), also known as Scheme-II, is not optional – it’s a mandatory requirement for manufacturing, importing, storing, or selling these goods in India. Understanding the intricacies of BIS CRS Registration is fundamental for businesses aiming for market access and sustained operations within the country. This guide provides an expert overview of the BIS registration process in India, focusing specifically on the CRS scheme for electronic products.

What is BIS and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for the harmonious development of standardization, marking, and quality certification activities. While many associate BIS with the traditional ISI mark (Scheme-I), the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) operates differently. Introduced in 2012 under the BIS Act, 2016 and its Rules, CRS primarily covers BIS Certification for electronic products and IT goods.

Unlike Scheme-I (which involves factory audits before certification), CRS is based on self-declaration of conformity (SDoC) by the manufacturer. This declaration signifies that the product complies with the relevant Indian Standards. However, this self-declaration must be supported by a valid test report from a BIS-recognized laboratory. The manufacturer is then granted a BIS registration certificate allowing them to use the Standard Mark on their products.

Why is BIS CRS Registration Crucial?

Obtaining a BIS Certificate under the CRS scheme is indispensable for several reasons:

1. Market Access: It is a legal prerequisite to sell, import, or distribute notified electronic and IT products in India. Goods listed under the BIS mandatory list for import cannot clear customs without a valid BIS registration.
2. Legal Compliance: Failure to comply can lead to significant penalties, seizure of goods, and legal action under the BIS Act. Addressing queries like “How to import without BIS certificate?” for mandatory products is simple: it’s legally prohibited and risky.
3. Consumer Safety & Trust: The Standard Mark assures consumers that the product meets essential safety and quality benchmarks defined by BIS standards (e.g., BIS standards for mobile phones, batteries, etc.).
4. Quality Assurance: The mandatory testing process ensures products adhere to specified performance and safety requirements.

Scope: Mandatory Products under BIS CRS

The product list for BIS registration under CRS is extensive and continually updated. Key categories include:

• IT Equipment: Laptops, tablets, scanners, printers, plotters, wireless keyboards, set-top boxes, smart card readers.
• Audio/Video Equipment: LED/LCD TVs (BIS registration for LED TV), optical disc players, amplifiers, electronic musical systems, video displays.
• Mobile Devices: Mobile phones (BIS registration for mobile phones), smartphones, smartwatches (Smartwatch registration).
• Power Adapters & Banks: Power adapters for IT/AV/Mobile equipment, BIS Certification for power bank.
• Lighting: LED lamps and luminaires (BIS registration for LED lights).
• Batteries: Sealed secondary cells/batteries containing alkaline or non-acid electrolytes (e.g., BIS certificate for lithium-ion, BIS Certification for lithium Batteries) for use in portable applications.
• Home Appliances: Microwave ovens (BIS registration for micro-ovens), Induction Stoves.
• Other Electronics: UPS/Inverters, cash registers, POS terminals, smart meters, certain types of cameras.

Manufacturers and importers must consult the latest BIS CRS list available on the official BIS portal (Manakonline) to confirm if their specific product falls under the mandatory CRS scheme.

The BIS CRS Registration Process (Step-by-Step)

The BIS online registration process is facilitated through the BIS portal (Manakonline). Here’s a breakdown:

• Step 1: Identify Applicable Indian Standard: Determine the specific Indian Standard(s) applicable to your product based on the mandatory products under BIS list.
• Step 2: Select a BIS-Recognized Laboratory: Choose a laboratory recognized by BIS for testing your specific product category. The list is available on the BIS website. Both Indian and overseas labs (under specific conditions) may be recognized.
• Step 3: Product Testing: Submit the required number of product samples to the chosen lab for testing as per the relevant Indian Standard(s).
• Step 4: Obtain Test Report: Once testing is successfully completed, the lab issues a detailed test report. This report is typically valid for 90 days for submitting the registration application.
• Step 5: Online Application Submission via Manakonline:
  • Create BIS Login: Register on the Manakonline portal.
  • Fill Application Form: Complete the online BIS registration form (Form-I) accurately.
  • Upload Documents: Upload all necessary documents, including the valid test report, details of the manufacturing unit, trademark information, nomination of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for foreign manufacturers, undertaking, affidavits, etc.
  • Fee Payment: Pay the required BIS Certification cost online. This includes application fees and annual license fees.
• Step 6: Scrutiny by BIS: BIS officials scrutinize the submitted application and documents. They may raise queries if discrepancies are found. Prompt responses are crucial.
• Step 7: Grant of Registration: Upon satisfactory verification, BIS grants the BIS registration certificate. The manufacturer is assigned a unique Registration Number. This allows the manufacturer to mark their product with the Standard Mark.

Key Requirements & Documentation

The documentation process is critical for successful BIS registration:

• Valid Test Report: From a BIS-recognized lab, not older than 90 days at the time of application.
• Factory Documents: Business license, address proof of the manufacturing unit.
• Trademark Details: Trademark registration copy or authorization letter if the brand is not owned by the manufacturer.
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) – For Foreign Manufacturers: Nomination details and documentation (ID proof, address proof) of the AIR based in India.
• Application Form & Undertaking: Properly filled and signed/digitally signed.
• Affidavits: As required by BIS.
• Proof of Online Fee Payment.

Role of BIS Consultants and Agents

Navigating the BIS certificate process can be complex, involving technical standards, specific documentation, and online portal management. Many businesses engage a BIS registration consultant or BIS registration agent. These professionals, including specialized agencies (BIS registration agency in Delhi, BIS certificate provider in Delhi), assist with:

• Identifying applicable standards.
• Liaising with test labs.
• Preparing and submitting the online application (BIS registration online).
• Managing communication with BIS officials.
• Ensuring adherence to all BIS certificate requirements.

Validity, Renewal, and Checking Status

• Validity: The BIS license validity under CRS is typically two years.
• Renewal: Registration must be renewed before expiry by submitting a renewal application and paying the requisite fees. Renewal is contingent upon continued compliance.
• Checking Status: You can perform a BIS registration check or view the BIS registration list through the Manakonline portal (BIS Online) using the registration number or company details.

Compliance and Marking

After receiving the BIS registration certificate, manufacturers must affix the Standard Mark (ISI logo is not used for CRS; a specific Self-Declaration conformity mark along with the registration number and IS standard number is required) on the product packaging or the product itself, as specified by BIS guidelines.

Conclusion: Ensuring Market Readiness

BIS CRS Registration is a non-negotiable aspect of doing business in India for manufacturers and importers of specified electronic and IT products. It signifies compliance with national safety standards, builds consumer confidence, and ensures legal market access. While the process, facilitated by BIS Online tools like Manakonline, is streamlined, meticulous attention to detail – from testing (BIS Certification for lithium Batteries, BIS certificate for power bank, etc.) and documentation to understanding BIS certificate requirements and engaging a knowledgeable BIS certificate agent if needed – is key to achieving and maintaining compliance. Staying updated with the BIS mandatory list for import and adhering to the BIS registration process is fundamental for any entity dealing with BIS CRS FOR ELECTRONIC & IT PRODUCTS in the Indian market.