Last year, a Noida-based importer brought in 2,000 smart adapters for a retail launch.
The goods reached Delhi customs — but were held back. The reason? Missing BIS CRS Registration.
By the time the paperwork was cleared, his festive-season orders were gone.
That’s why every electronics brand — whether manufacturing in India or importing — must treat BIS CRS as the passport that allows their product into the Indian market.
What is BIS CRS Registration and Why Does It Matter?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, issued by MeitY and enforced through the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
In simple terms:
If you manufacture or import notified electronic or IT products, you must:
- Get your product tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory,
- Register it with BIS, and
- Use the Standard Mark (R-Number) on every unit sold.
Without it, your products can’t legally be sold, imported, or displayed on e-commerce platforms.
Who Needs BIS CRS?
- Indian manufacturers producing notified electronics/IT items.
- Importers / foreign manufacturers selling to India (through an Authorized Indian Representative – AIR).
- Brand owners who re-label products under their own name.
Think of it as India’s way of ensuring product safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and consumer trust.
Products Covered Under BIS CRS (2025 Update)
As of 2025, over 80 electronic and IT products are under CRS notifications.
Below is a quick snapshot (illustrative only — full list changes periodically).
Category | Example Products | Relevant IS Standard | Year of Notification |
---|---|---|---|
IT & Office Equipment | Laptops, Tablets, Printers | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | 2021 / updated 2023 |
Audio / Video | LED TVs, Smart Speakers, Set-Top Boxes | IS 616:2017 | 2022 |
Power Electronics | Adapters, UPS, Inverters, Power Banks | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | 2023 |
Smart Devices | Smart Watches, Trackers, IoT Gateways | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | 2024 |
Lighting | LED Bulbs / Control Gear | IS 10322, IS 15885 | 2022 |
Miscellaneous | CCTV Cameras, Routers, Bluetooth Speakers | — | 2024 |
Tip: Always verify the latest list on bis.gov.in or MeitY notifications before shipping a new model.
Benefits of Getting BIS CRS Registration
Business Benefit | Impact on You |
---|---|
Market Access | Mandatory for sale/import in India — no BIS, no customs clearance. |
Consumer Trust | BIS mark proves safety & quality testing. |
E-Commerce Eligibility | Platforms like Amazon & Flipkart require BIS number. |
Avoid Penalties | Non-compliance can lead to product seizure, fines up to ₹2 lakh, and prosecution under the BIS Act 2016. |
Brand Reputation | Ensures credibility when bidding for corporate or government orders. |
Step-by-Step Process for BIS CRS Registration
Let’s translate the regulation into a business-friendly process.
Step 1 — Identify Whether Your Product Is Notified
Check the official list on the BIS or MeitY portal. If your model falls under a listed IS standard, CRS registration is compulsory.
Step 2 — Select a BIS-Recognized Testing Laboratory
Every sample must be tested in an approved lab located in India.
- Labs are NABL-accredited and BIS-empanelled.
- The test covers safety parameters under the respective IS standard.
- Once complete, you’ll receive a test report (TRF) valid for 90 days.
Step 3 — Prepare Documents for Application
You’ll need:
- Business registration documents (PAN, GST, CIN/IEC)
- Test report from BIS-recognized lab
- Authorization letter (if via consultant or AIR)
- Product labels, brand details, and user manual copy
- Undertaking of compliance and photo of marking plate
Step 4 — Apply Online on the BIS CRS Portal
Visit https://www.manakonline.in
- Create an account → select “Compulsory Registration Scheme (Scheme II)”
- Upload documents + test report
- Pay the prescribed fees (see table below)
- Submit for BIS scrutiny
Step 5 — Scrutiny and Processing by BIS
BIS officials review the application:
- If complete → approval within 30 working days
- If shortcomings → BIS sends queries digitally (you must reply within 15 days)
Step 6 — Grant of Registration & R-Number
Once approved, BIS issues a Registration Number (R-xxxxxx).
You can now mark the product with the Standard Mark and R-number as per guidelines.
Marking example:
“Self-Declaration – Conforming to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 R-41234567”
Step 7 — Inclusion of New Models or Variants
Already certified one model?
If you launch variants with minor differences (same standard, same factory), apply for Inclusion instead of fresh registration — it’s cheaper and faster.
Step 8 — Renewal of Registration
CRS licenses are valid for two years, renewable every cycle by submitting updated documents and fees.
Apply at least 30 days before expiry to avoid disruption in import clearance.
Official BIS CRS Fee Structure (Indicative 2024-25)
Fee Type | Amount (₹) | Remarks |
---|---|---|
Application Fee | 1,000 | One-time per application |
Processing Fee | 25,000 | Non-refundable |
Annual License Fee | 1,000 per product | Payable at renewal |
Inclusion Fee | 10,000 per model | For adding variants |
Lab Testing Cost | 25,000 – 50,000 avg (per model) | Paid directly to BIS-recognized lab |
Note: Official charges may vary with product category and lab tariffs. Always check the latest circular on bis.gov.in.
Typical Timeline for Approval
Phase | Duration (working days) | Comments |
---|---|---|
Product Testing in Lab | 7 – 15 | Depends on product complexity |
BIS Application Scrutiny | 15 – 30 | Includes query resolution |
Final Registration Grant | 5 – 7 | After BIS approval |
Total Expected Time | 30 – 45 days (avg.) | Provided docs are complete |
Penalties & Non-Compliance Risks
Under the BIS Act 2016 & Conformity Assessment Regulations 2018, selling or importing unregistered products can lead to:
- Seizure of stock by Customs or State authorities
- Monetary penalty up to ₹2 lakh for first offence; ₹5 lakh for repeat violations
- Possible imprisonment under Section 29 of the BIS Act
- Blacklisting of brand or manufacturer on BIS portal
In business terms: A 30-day delay or ₹2 lakh penalty can wipe out your entire quarter’s profit.
Early registration protects both your shipment and your reputation.
Domestic vs Foreign Manufacturer Requirements
Point of Difference | Domestic Manufacturer | Foreign Manufacturer |
---|---|---|
Application Portal | Direct to BIS | Through Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) |
Factory Inspection | May be requested post-grant | Not applicable under CRS (Scheme II) |
Address on Mark | Factory Address in India | AIR Address in India |
Sample Testing | Sent to Indian Lab | Sample must be imported for testing in India |
Communication | Direct with BIS | Through AIR only |
Post-Grant Surveillance & Ongoing Compliance
BIS may randomly pick market samples for re-testing to ensure continued conformity.
Manufacturers must maintain:
- Test reports for each batch,
- Production records, and
- Updated marking details.
Failure to co-operate during surveillance can result in suspension of the registration.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Incomplete lab reports – Ensure every parameter under the IS standard is tested.
- Mismatched documents – Factory address in lab report must match BIS application.
- Missing Authorization Letter (for foreign brands).
- Expired Test Report – Older than 90 days → retesting required.
- Incorrect marking on product label.
- Late renewal → R-number may be deactivated on portal.
Pro tip: Keep a digital folder with all BIS forms, lab reports, and receipts for future renewals or audits.
Quick Checklist Before You Apply
✓ | Requirement |
---|---|
☐ | Product under BIS CRS notification |
☐ | BIS-recognized lab selected |
☐ | Sample tested & test report received |
☐ | All documents (PAN, GST, IEC, manual, label design) ready |
☐ | Application filed online at manakonline.in |
☐ | Fees paid & acknowledgement downloaded |
☐ | Responded to BIS queries (if any) |
☐ | Registration certificate received |
☐ | Product marking as per guidelines |
Final Words from Green Permits
BIS CRS certification isn’t just paperwork — it’s your ticket to enter India’s fast-growing electronics market safely and legally.
From testing to final license, the process takes 30-45 days — but a single error can stretch it to months. That’s where experts help.
📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
👉 Book a Consultation with Green Permits to simplify your BIS journey today.