Pradeep Vallat
Founder "Niflr & Clyra""Setindiabiz’s knowledgeable, disciplined, and organized team made our company registration, tax, and IPR filings smooth, hassle-free, and worry-free."
Setindiabiz is Trusted By Leading Brands
What is the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme or BIS CRS?
The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for Electronics & IT product categories was first introduced by the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) of 2012 under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeITY). Later on , other categories of products were added to the scheme through subsequent amendments to the order. The objective of the scheme is to provide momentum to the rapidly growing and expanding Indian markets by ensuring quality and safety standards for products manufactured and sold in the notified categories.
To date, 81 products have been notified under the scheme via a series of compulsory registration orders. Every manufacturer of the notified product, both domestic and foreign, is required to apply for BIS CRS Registration under the BIS Compulsory Registration scheme based on self-declaration of conformity. However, there are a few exceptions as mentioned below.
| Spare Parts | R&D Products |
|---|---|
| The BIS CRS Registration is not applicable to electronic spare parts. The Compulsory Registration Scheme applies to finished electronic goods only, and not to spare parts used in the manufacturing process, unless specifically notified by a compulsory registration order. | The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme is not further applicable to goods imported for demonstration, R&D, and testing purposes. |
Download the Full List of BIS CRS Products for 2023
Checklist for BIS CRS Registration
Location-based BIS CRS Registration
To get BIS CRS Registration for their products, manufacturers must provide the locations of their factory, and the scope of their product’s use. The Unique Registration Number provided, as a result will only be used for these specified locations.
Separate Application for Each Brand
Separate applications for CRS BIS Registration shall be made for each product unless the brand-name applicable to them is the same. Different brands are required to be registered separately under the scheme.
Common Test Report
Although different brands are required to be registered separately, a common test report for multiple brands is possible if their products and manufacturing locations are the same. However, the common test report should list all the brands with their respective model numbers. Test samples of all the brands are optional for submission. Additionally, the common test report must also have product labels of each brand separately for a better clarification.
Testing in BIS Recognised Labs Only
The testing laboratories of the manufacturers are not entitled to test products applicable under the CRS BIS scheme for registration. So, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to get the product tested by any BIS-recognised laboratory to proceed with the registration process. The duration of testing will depend upon the workload of the laboratory and the technical details of the products for which testing is required.
Display of BIS CRS Mark
Once the BIS CRS Licence is granted, the product and packaging both, must display the standard ISI mark along with the unique R-Number. However, if it is not feasible to display the mark on the product due to size constraints, it may be displayed on the packaging only. For products with a display screen, the provision of an e-labelling is also available.
Get Started With
BIS CRS Registration
BIS CRS certified manufacturers under the scheme can use the mark as displayed in the adjacent image on their products, packages or both. However, if the mark cannot be displayed on the product due to size constraints, it can be displayed on the packaging only, but note that, displaying the mark is mandatory if your product is registered under BIS CRS.
Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration
| Applicant’s Documents | Premises Documents |
|---|---|
|
Others
|
BIS may ask for additional documents if necessary !
Hard copies of the application are to be submitted within 15 days of online submission. The Bureau may treat the application as closed where the hard copies of all the documents and the online application are not submitted to Concerned Bureau Office Within fifteen days of online submission.
Validity & Renewal
Validity of BIS CRS Certificate : The BIS CRS Registration Certificate or Licence to use Standard Mark is granted for two years initially, after which the applicant may renew the licence for a further period of not less than two years at a time, extending up to five years.
Renewal of BIS CRS Certificate: The renewal of a BIS CRS Certificate or licence to use the Standard ISI Mark under CRS is applied three months before its expiration in the appropriate form (Form VI). The manufacturers applying for renewal are not required to get the product tested by a lab before filing a renewal application again. However, BIS officials will pick test samples for testing during surveillance.
How Long Does It Take to Get BIS CRS Registration?
The timeline for the grant of the BIS CRS registration Certificate is approximately thirty working days from the date of application. However, the duration may extend if delays are encountered in the testing and application processing procedures, either owing to the workload of the Department or inaccuracies in the application.
Government Fee for BIS CRS Certification
- Application Fee for New License: Rs 1000
- Annual License Fee: Rs . 1000
- Processing Fee with 1 test report included: Rs 50,000 (20% Discount for Registered MSMEs)
- Additional Test Report Submission: Rs. 20,000 per report
- Renewal Fee: Rs. 50,000 for 2 years
- Renewal Fee (more than 2 years duration): Rs. 25,000 per year of addition
- Fee for Inclusion of new varieties, models or extension of the scope of the licence: Rs. 30,000 per application
Penal Consequences for Not Registering Under BIS CRS
If a manufacturer does not hold BIS CRS Certification and continues to sell their products in the Indian market, they may face punishment under the following provisions :
- “Seizure and deformation of products beyond use” under Electronics and IT Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012, notified by MeitY
- Under the BIS provisions, imprisonment extends to a term of two years or a fine of two lakh rupees for the first contravention and not less than five lakh rupees for the second and subsequent contraventions. It may extend up to ten times the value of goods or articles produced, sold, offered to be sold, affixed or applied with a Standard Mark, including Hallmark.
Note: Where the value of the goods, as mentioned in point 2 above, cannot be determined for the purpose of a fine, the annual turnover in the previous financial year shall be taken as the value of the goods or articles for such contravention.
Process of BIS CRS Registration in India
Step 1: Manufacturer Registration on BIS Portal
The first step in the BIS CRS registration process is for the manufacturer or his authorised Indian representative to register on the BIS portal. This registration is essential as it allows the manufacturer to initiate the online application process for obtaining the BIS CRS Registration Certificate.
Step 2: Generate Testing Request to a BIS-Approved Lab
Once the manufacturer is registered on the BIS portal, they need to generate a testing request for their product. This request is sent to a BIS-approved laboratory chosen by the manufacturer. It is crucial to select a BIS-approved laboratory that specialises in testing the specific product category for which the BIS CRS Registration Certificate is sought.
Step 3: Submit Sample for Testing
Once the test request is generated, the applicant will receive a QR Code. This QR code will be displayed/pasted on the sample/ packet of the product submitted to the selected lab for testing. The applicant must submit the Sample and Test Request to the lab within 60 days of the generation of Test Request. On acceptance by the laboratory, an acknowledgement is sent to the applicant’s registered email.
Step 4: Apply Online for BIS CRS Certificate
Next, the applicant must fill out an online application for BIS CRS Certificate in Form I and upload all the prescribed documents along with the test report. The submitted test report should not be older than 90 days old from the date of application. The submission will be complete only after the payment of the application fees and the applicant will receive an acknowledgement for the same on their registered email address.
Step 5: Submit Hard Copies of Application & Documents
After completing the online application for BIS CRS Licence, the manufacturer is required to submit hard copies of the application form and all supporting documents to the BIS office. These documents typically include the test reports from the BIS-approved laboratory, product specifications, and any other relevant paperwork.The applicant must submit the hard copies of the application within 15 days of online submission on the BIS Portal. In case of non-receipt of hard copies of the application within fifteen days, the BIS will be compelled to close the application entirely.
Step 6: Examination of BIS CRS Registration Application
Upon receiving the hard copies of the application and documents, the BIS authorities will thoroughly examine the application to ensure all the necessary information is provided, and the product complies with the required BIS standards. All queries on the application will be raised by the BIS online and will have to be replied to by applicants. The shortcomings communicated by the authorities will have to be complied by the applicant within time. The applicant will be responsible for overall delay in grant of BIS CRS Registration Certificate if the application is incomplete or the responses during the examination stage are not filed within time.
Step 7: Grant of BIS CRS Registration Certificate
If the BIS authorities find the application to be complete and satisfactory, and the product meets all the prescribed standards, they will issue the BIS CRS License in the applicant’s name. This licence grants the manufacturer the permission to use the BIS mark on their product and sell it in the Indian market.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ministries notify the products to be applicable for BIS CRS Registration in the Compulsory Registration Order. No person shall manufacture or store for sale, import, or distribute goods that do not conform to the Indian Standard specified in the Order. Manufacturers of these products are required to apply for registration from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The registered manufacturers are then allowed to use the Standard Mark notified by the Bureau.
A Unique Registration number is provided by the BIS to all manufacturers registered under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme. The R-Number is provided for each individual product of the manufacturer produced at a specific location. It is always granted to a manufacturer of the product, and not to an importer.
An Order under the CRS BIS comes into effect as notified by the authorities. The manufacturer of the goods must adhere to the rules specified in the Order after it comes into effect.
The order norms state that products manufactured or imported before the Order’s effective date are not bound by the Order.
According to BIS CRS rules, the test report once issued will be valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
According to the regulations, the ISI Standard Mark must be displayed on the product’s packaging and on the product itself. Additionally, due to size restrictions, if it doesn’t appear acceptable, the mark can only be applied to the packaging. E-Labelling is required, though, if the goods are, say, display screens.
BIS provides for E labelling on any device with an integrated display screen, including the BIS “Standard Mark” electronically in place of a physical label on the product. However, while e-labelling, make sure:
- The product or package or both contains the BIS website reference www.bis.gov.in
- The marking is required even if the reference to the BIS website is provided in the e-labelling of the product.
- Registered products meant to be integrated or built into the main product need to comply with the requirement of referencing the BIS website until integrated with the host product.
Yes, different brands are required to be registered under the BIS CRS separately. If the product and the manufacturing location of the brands are the same, a common test report for different brands may be submitted. All brands with respective model numbers should be listed in the test report.
According to the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme, a distinct registration number is given to the manufacturer individually for each location. To conduct business, the manufacturer must submit a separate registration application for each location. Additionally, a test report for goods produced at each manufacturing location should accompany each location’s special registration application.
According to the law, it is not necessary to re-register a product that has already been imported. Once registration is granted by the Bureau, it is valid for the following two years. Only revalidation of the original registration is required.
“Standalone” means that the products being imported/sold/ manufactured are independent products and not in the form of a part/component of any product. For instance, the Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPSs)in the form of complete products are covered under the Order irrespective of their end-use. However, SMPS without enclosures are not covered under the Order. If the product is fitted in a host product that is not notified under the Order, registration is not required; however, when its SMPS is imported as a standalone product, it would require registration.
Spare parts are generally used as a replacement for the faulty unit. The compulsory registration order applies to the spare components if they are notified individually under the CRO as an independent product, unless the registration is only required to be applied to finished goods.
The provisions of the Order shall not apply to the goods manufactured or imported for the purpose of demonstration, research and development or testing, provided that such goods are subsequently exported or deformed beyond use and disposed of as scrap. Products sent abroad for maintenance are allowed to be brought in without a BIS registration number, provided the model number/serial number does not change. In case faulty units are replaced with new units of a different serial number, the new units would require registration under the Order.
The renewal of the BIS CRS Licence is granted by BIS itself, upon the correct filing of the renewal application in the prescribed format by the registered user. The renewal application, along with the requisite fee, shall be filed at least one month in advance of the date of expiry of registration.
Repeating the testing process is not mandatory at the time of renewal; however, test samples would be picked up for testing during surveillance. The Order under BIS CRS provides that the testing may be needed if the test report, as per the latest version of the upgraded standard, is not available at the time of renewal (Para 3 of Order dated 13 Nov. 2014).
If they are pre-certified, plugs and sockets that follow other international standards can be accepted. Additionally, the pins of sockets and plugs, or plug components of products with built-in plugs, should conform to the current edition of IS: 1293 in terms of configuration and dimensions. Additionally, the ISI marking on plugs and sockets is optional.
According to the required definition, a desktop falls within automatic data processing equipment, which is included in the list. However, the Order exclusively excludes desktops and personal computers from its provisions.
The scope under the title Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Machines, about the notified order, covers:
- Data Preparation Equipment
- Data Processing Equipment
- Data Storage Equipment
- Personal Computer- But the desktop or personal computer is not covered under the provisions of the CRO
- Plotter
- Printer
- Scanner
- VDU
If the sealed batteries form an integral part of the product, which is covered under the Order, it requires mandatory BIS CRS registration; otherwise, it does not. For example – Sealed batteries used in shavers and trimmers do not require BIS registration as Shaver and trimmers are not a notified product under CRO.
The following are examples of safety-critical components:
- Power cords
- Switches
- Safety Isolating Transformers
- Fuses
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Picture tubes / CROs
- PCBs
- Thermostats
- X and Y capacitors
- Fusible resistors/varistors
- Plug/sockets/connectors
- Lamp holders
- Cells (For batteries)
- External and internal wire for LED Luminaires
- Insulation tape
- Electrolytic Bulk Capacitor
- The above list is indicative only.