If you manufacture or import electronics in India, you’ve probably heard terms like BIS, ISI mark, and CRS registration.
They sound similar, but they’re not the same — and getting them mixed up can cost you weeks of delay at customs or even a product seizure.
Let’s break it down in plain language.
A Real-World Story
Last year, a Noida-based importer shipped a full container of Bluetooth speakers just before Diwali. The goods were perfectly packaged — but customs held them for almost two months.
Why? The importer assumed that “BIS certificate” meant an ISI mark. In reality, those products needed CRS registration, not ISI.
This simple confusion between BIS, ISI, and CRS cost the company its peak sales season.
First Things First – What is BIS?
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is India’s national standards body. It sets quality benchmarks for products and ensures that what reaches the market is safe and reliable.
BIS operates through several certification schemes, the two most common being:
- Scheme I (ISI Mark Licence) — the traditional certification with factory inspection, used for hundreds of industrial and consumer goods.
- Scheme II (Compulsory Registration Scheme or CRS) — designed for electronic and IT products where safety and conformity are confirmed through testing in a BIS-approved lab.
Understanding the Difference – BIS, ISI & CRS
Think of BIS as the regulator, and ISI and CRS as two different pathways to prove compliance.
| Feature | ISI (Scheme I) | CRS (Scheme II) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Cement, pressure cookers, footwear, wires, household appliances, steel items | Electronics and IT goods — laptops, adapters, LED lamps, routers, TVs, smart watches, etc. |
| Process Type | Factory inspection + testing before licence | Testing in a BIS-approved lab + online registration (no factory visit initially) |
| Mark on Product | ISI mark with licence number | CRS mark with registration number |
| Who Applies | Indian or foreign manufacturers (through the FMCS route) | Manufacturers of electronic/IT products; importers rely on the manufacturer’s CRS number |
| Inspection | Mandatory before licence and during surveillance | Not required at approval; possible during market checks |
| Fees (approx.) | Varies by product — includes marking and licence fees | ₹1,000 application + ₹25,000 processing + ₹1,000 per year maintenance |
In short:
- ISI = Full certification with inspection.
- CRS = Self-declaration based on test reports.
Both lead to BIS-approved products — just through different routes.
Which One Applies to You?
- If your product is an electronic or IT item, check the CRS list on the BIS portal. Most modern devices — adapters, LED bulbs, laptops, power banks, speakers, routers — fall under CRS.
- If your product is industrial, electrical, or mechanical, like steel, cement, footwear, or pressure cookers, you’re likely under the ISI scheme.
- If your factory is outside India, BIS uses the FMCS route for foreign manufacturers of ISI-type products.
Choosing the wrong path can mean your goods won’t clear customs or can’t be sold legally in India.
Typical Cost Touchpoints
| Stage | ISI (Scheme I) | CRS (Scheme II) |
|---|---|---|
| Testing | Mandatory at BIS-approved labs | Mandatory at BIS-approved labs |
| Government Fee | Based on IS standard and production volume | ₹1,000 application + ₹25,000 processing (includes one test report) + ₹1,000 annual maintenance |
| Renewal | Every 1–2 years with inspection | Renewal every 2 years with updated test report |
Tip: Always budget for testing separately. Many applicants underestimate this cost — especially for multi-model registrations.
Timelines — What You Can Expect
| Step | ISI | CRS |
|---|---|---|
| Document Prep + Testing | 2–3 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| BIS Review & Approval | 4–6 weeks (includes factory inspection) | 1–2 weeks (document review only) |
| Average Total Time | 6–10 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
Delays often come from small details — missing test parameters, inconsistent labels, or outdated declarations. A quick compliance check before filing can save weeks.
Labeling Rules at a Glance
- ISI products: must carry the ISI mark, licence number, and standard number.
- CRS products: must display the BIS registration number and model name exactly as approved.
- For importers: ensure your overseas supplier uses the same artwork and model name that appear on the approved test report. Even a small mismatch can block customs clearance.
Penalties & Compliance Risks
Operating without BIS or CRS certification isn’t a small mistake.
Under the BIS Act, companies can face:
- Fines starting from ₹1 lakh and up to five times the value of goods
- Product seizure and recall
- Temporary suspension from import/export
- In serious cases, imprisonment for up to two years
It’s not just about avoiding penalties — a compliance failure can harm brand trust, distributor relations, and even investor confidence.
Step-by-Step: CRS Registration (for Electronics)
- Identify the Indian Standard applicable to your product.
- Test your product in a BIS-approved lab.
- Prepare product artwork with the CRS mark and registration number.
- Apply online through the BIS CRS portal.
- Respond quickly to any queries from BIS officers.
- Once approved, print the CRS number on each product and package.
Step-by-Step: ISI Mark Licence (for Other Products)
- Understand which IS standard and Quality Control Order apply.
- Conduct testing at a BIS-recognized lab.
- Prepare a factory audit and quality documents.
- Host BIS officers for an inspection of your production site.
- After approval, affix the ISI mark and maintain records for periodic surveillance.
Quick Decision Guide
| Question | If YES → | If NO → |
|---|---|---|
| Is your product an electronic or IT item notified by MeitY? | CRS Registration | Go to next question |
| Is there a government Quality Control Order (QCO) for your product? | ISI Mark Licence | Likely voluntary or other certification |
| Is your manufacturing facility outside India? | FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer route) | Apply under ISI or CRS depending on product type |
Why Getting It Right Matters
Every delay in certification is a delay in business. Missing BIS compliance can stop a shipment, disrupt your supply chain, or even trigger a recall.
On the flip side, certified products gain faster market access, stronger distributor confidence, and better eligibility for government tenders.
Think of BIS as your product’s passport into the Indian market.
Your Next Step
Green Permits helps manufacturers and importers navigate the BIS landscape — from identifying the right scheme (ISI, CRS, or FMCS) to managing lab testing, document preparation, and licence renewals.
We make compliance smooth, predictable, and business-friendly.
📞 +91 78350 06182
📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
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