How to Get BIS CRS Certification in India: Step-by-Step Process for Electronics Manufacturers

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When an electronics brand in India prepares to launch a new product, there’s always one silent fear in the background — will compliance delay the launch?
Most founders discover CRS requirements only when customs flags a shipment or an e-commerce platform refuses to list their product.

This guide breaks down the BIS CRS certification process in a simple, manufacturer-friendly way so you can plan better and avoid surprises.

What Is BIS CRS Certification and Why It Matters

BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) is a mandatory safety approval for 70+ electronic and IT products.
Manufacturers, importers, and private label brands must register each model before selling in India.

Why CRS is important

  • Allows legal sale/import of electronics
  • Ensures product safety and reliability
  • Prevents customs detention or marketplace rejections
  • Helps distributors trust your brand

Which Electronic Products Need BIS CRS

Category Examples
Mobile & Computing Smartphones, laptops, tablets
Power Accessories Chargers, adapters, power banks
Lighting LED lamps, luminaires
Entertainment Televisions, monitors
IoT & Wearables Smartwatches, fitness trackers
Energy & Storage Batteries, UPS systems
Networking & CCTV Routers, cameras

A Short Founder Story

A Delhi-based electronics brand was prepared to launch its new fast charger. Inventory was ready, marketing lined up, and retail partnerships confirmed.
But when their first shipment arrived at the port, customs held it — the model number didn’t appear under their BIS registration.

It took them four weeks of follow-up, warehouse charges, and customer delays to fix a simple compliance gap.

Stories like this are common. BIS CRS matters not because it’s a rule, but because it protects your launch timelines.

Step-by-Step BIS CRS Certification Process in India

Most electronics founders feel BIS CRS is complicated until they see the actual flow. The process is structured — you just need the right information in the right order.
Here’s how manufacturers typically complete CRS certification, based on real scenarios we see every week.

1. Confirm That Your Product Falls Under CRS

Your first task is to check whether the product is included in the CRS list.
Many founders assume “simple electronics don’t need BIS,” but even items like adapters, LED bulbs, or smartwatches fall under mandatory certification.

Founder insight:
Most people only find out their product needs CRS when Amazon, Flipkart, or a distributor asks for the BIS number.

2. Submit Your Product to a BIS-Recognized Lab for Testing

Typical Timeline: 7–20 working days

This is the backbone of the approval.
The BIS-recognized lab tests:

  • Electrical safety
  • Fire risk and thermal protection
  • Component quality
  • Mechanical strength
  • Model and variant consistency

Humanized insight:
Founders often assume that all product variants qualify under one test report.
But even small changes — battery capacity, PCB layout, wattage — can require separate testing.
Understanding this early prevents repeated delays.

3. Prepare Your Documents Before Filing

Documentation decides whether BIS approves your application quickly or sends you into a long query loop.

Common requirements:

  • Company and factory documents (GST, CIN, PAN)
  • Brand authorization (for OEM/ODM imports)
  • Lab test report
  • Product label artwork
  • Technical specifications
  • Declaration forms

Where founders slip:
Even a minor mismatch — model name on the test report vs. label artwork — can get your application rejected.

4. File the Application on the BIS Portal

This step requires accuracy.
Details like the model number, manufacturing site, test report reference, and product description must match perfectly.

Humanized insight:
Think of filing a BIS application like applying for a passport.
One digit wrong → the entire form comes back.

5. Respond to Queries and Receive CRS Registration

Typical Timeline: 7–15 working days

BIS officers review your application and may raise queries for:

  • Mismatched product labels
  • Incorrect technical details
  • Wrong factory address
  • Missing authorization letters
  • Model discrepancies

Once cleared, you receive the CRS registration number.
This number must appear on:

  • Product
  • Packaging
  • User manual

Real-world example:
One client’s approval was delayed by 10 days because their factory address on GST didn’t match the address on the test report.

6. Maintain Compliance After Registration

After approval, you must:

  • Print the CRS number correctly
  • Register new models before launching
  • Keep test reports for audits
  • Renew CRS before expiry
  • Inform BIS if manufacturing changes

Ignoring these responsibilities can lead to cancellation.

Expected Timelines for Manufacturers

Stage Typical Duration
Product Testing 1–3 weeks
Documentation Prep 3–5 days
Filing & Processing 1–2 days
BIS Review & Approval 1–2 weeks
Total Time 3–6 weeks

Documents Required (Simplified)

Applicant Type Key Documents
Indian Manufacturer GST/CIN/PAN, factory documents, lab report, model details, artwork
Importer / Private Label Brand authorization, OEM agreement, IEC, test report in manufacturer’s name

Common Mistakes That Delay BIS CRS Approval

  • Wrong or incomplete model numbers
  • Incorrect variant groupings
  • Missing brand authorization letters
  • Label artwork that doesn’t match the test report
  • Incorrect selection of Indian Standard
  • Uploading incomplete documents

Small errors here can delay launches by weeks.

Risks if You Ignore BIS CRS

  • Shipments stuck at customs
  • Products delisted by marketplaces
  • Distributors halting orders
  • BIS cancellation of registration
  • Operational and cashflow disruptions

Process Overview

Step What Happens Timeline
Identify Standard Check CRS applicability 1–2 days
Testing Lab testing for safety compliance 7–20 days
Documentation Prepare accurate documents 3–5 days
File Application Upload on BIS portal 1–2 days
BIS Review Query resolution & approval 7–15 days

Conclusion

BIS CRS certification can be a smooth process if planned ahead.
Electronics businesses that coordinate testing early, prepare documents correctly, and respond quickly to BIS queries sail through the process without delays.

If you want worry-free BIS CRS support, expert documentation review, and faster approvals, we’re here to help.

Need BIS CRS Registration Support?

📞 +91 78350 06182
📧 wecare@greenpermits.in

 

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FAQs

BIS CRS is a mandatory registration scheme for specific electronic and IT products to ensure safety compliance before sale in India.

Yes. Importers must ensure each model is tested and registered under BIS CRS before the product enters the Indian market.

Most manufacturers complete the process in 3–6 weeks, depending on testing and BIS review timelines.

Variants require separate approval unless they qualify as a “series model” under BIS rules.

Key documents include GST/CIN, brand authorization, BIS lab test report, model details, packaging label artwork, and declarations.