When Rajat, a small electronics importer from Delhi, shipped his first batch of smart speakers, he expected a smooth customs clearance. Instead, the shipment was held for 21 days because the model wasn’t registered under BIS CRS. He didn’t know testing alone would take over two weeks, and the total certification cost would exceed his original estimate.
Stories like this are extremely common. Businesses underestimate both the time and money needed for BIS CRS approval — and most online information doesn’t clearly explain the real-world cost or the practical timeline. This guide breaks it down with clarity, updated for 2025.
Before diving into numbers, it’s important to understand why the certification exists. BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) mandates safety compliance for more than 70+ electronics categories sold in India. Whether you import or manufacture, BIS requires product testing, documentation, and registration before the item enters the Indian market.
A clear understanding of these steps helps avoid customs delays, retesting expenses, and losses from non-compliance.
Businesses frequently underestimate costs because BIS fees alone don’t cover testing, logistics, retesting, or incidental charges. Below is a realistic cost structure for 2025.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BIS Application Fee | 1,000 – 3,000 | As per BIS schedule |
| Testing Fee (Per Model) | 20,000 – 1,80,000 | Depends on product category & lab |
| Sample Courier Charges | 5,000 – 25,000 | For domestic or overseas shipping |
| Retesting (If Sample Fails) | 20,000 – 1,80,000 | Same as testing fee |
| Factory Authorization Letter / Legal Docs | 3,000 – 12,000 | If notarization or attestation needed |
| Consultant Support (Optional) | 15,000 – 40,000 | Depends on complexity |
Interpretation:
Most brands end up spending more on testing and logistics than the BIS fee itself. Costs increase for multiple variants, overseas lab testing, or retesting if the product fails the first time.
The overall timeline includes testing + BIS review + corrections. Many businesses only consider the approval time and ignore testing or documentation delays.
| Stage | Typical Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Preparation & Shipping | 2–7 days | Depends on factory, packaging, and logistics |
| Product Testing at BIS-Recognized Lab | 7–25 days | Varies by product category |
| Test Report Issuance | 2–4 days | Lab finalizes documentation |
| BIS Application Review | 10–15 days | BIS officer verifies documents |
| Query Resolution (If raised) | 2–10 days | Applicant responds via portal |
| Final CRS Registration | 2–5 days | BIS issues registration number |
Interpretation:
A realistic total timeline is 25–45 days.
If the product fails testing, or documents are incomplete, timelines can extend by several weeks.
Many businesses assume the process is predictable, but in reality, several factors can impact overall duration and expenses.
A structured compliance plan avoids these delays.
Before starting, prepare all manufacturer and importer documents thoroughly. This ensures samples move directly to testing without last-minute changes.
Why this matters:
Completing these steps without interruption can save up to two weeks of delay.
Ignoring or postponing CRS compliance can cause operational and financial disruptions.
A Chennai-based accessories importer had 1,600 smartphone chargers detained because the model wasn’t CRS-certified. He received a notification requiring BIS test reports. The shipment remained stuck for 27 days, and demurrage exceeded ₹4.2 lakh — more than the cost of CRS itself.
The takeaway is simple: early certification prevents far higher losses.
Businesses who plan ahead generally complete certification faster and at lower cost.
These small steps often save both money and 7–10 days of timeline.
Understanding the BIS CRS certification cost and timeline helps you plan imports, launch schedules, and compliance budgets confidently. Early preparation cuts delays, testing bottlenecks, and penalties at customs.
If you want support with documentation, lab coordination, or BIS application handling, the Green Permits team is available to assist.
📞 +91 78350 06182
📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
The cost can vary a lot depending on your product and testing needs, but most companies end up spending ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per product. This includes testing, BIS fees, and documentation.
On average, the entire process takes 25–30 working days. The biggest chunk of time goes into product testing, which usually takes 2–3 weeks.
No! CRS certification does not require a factory audit. Only product testing from a BIS-approved lab is mandatory.
Yes, you can. If you’re a foreign manufacturer, you simply need an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to file the application on your behalf.
Customs may stop your shipment, your products can be seized, and BIS can impose penalties. Basically—selling without CRS certification is risky and not worth it.
