BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) Requirements: Updated Product List & Compliance Rules

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When Arjun, an electronics importer from Mumbai, shipped his first lot of smart speakers, he was convinced that CE certification was all he needed. But at the port, customs halted the consignment.
The officer looked at him and said, “This product needs BIS CRS. Where is the registration?”

That moment captures a common Indian business reality — most brands don’t realize they fall under CRS until a shipment gets stuck or a buyer requests compliance.

This guide simplifies everything you need to know.

What is BIS CRS and Why It Matters for Electronics Businesses in India

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is a mandatory compliance framework for specific electronic & IT products sold in India.
If your product is listed under CRS, you must:

  • Test it in a BIS-recognized lab
  • Apply for CRS registration
  • Mark the product with the BIS CRS number
  • Renew as needed

Applies to:

  • Indian manufacturers
  • Importers
  • Foreign OEMs supplying to Indian brands

Does NOT apply to:

  • Products not listed under CRS
  • Certain industrial-grade components
  • Items classified under voluntary certification

The confusion usually arises because product categories expand every few years — especially with IoT, LED, IT equipment, and consumer electronics.

Updated BIS CRS Product List (2022 + 2023 + 2024 + New Additions + Withdrawn Standards)

Below is the complete and updated list across all recent amendments. This includes older categories (2012 onward), later additions, and recently updated IS codes.

A. Information Technology (IT) & Office Equipment — CRS Mandatory

Product Category IS Standard Notes
Laptop/Notebook/Tablets IS 13252 (Part 1) Charging accessories may require additional IS
Desktop Computers IS 13252 (Part 1) Includes AIO
Printers, Plotters IS 13252 (Part 1) Mandatory for all sizes
Scanners IS 13252 (Part 1)
UPS/Inverters (≤ 10 kVA) IS 16242 (Part 1) Updated testing requirements
Electronic Clocks IS 13252 (Part 1)

B. Audio/Video Consumer Electronics

Product IS Standard Notes
LED/LCD TVs IS 616 Includes smart TVs
Plasma TVs IS 616 Older tech but still under CRS
Smart Speakers IS 616 Added in later amendments
Amplifiers, Players IS 616 All consumer A/V products

C. Power Accessories & Charging Devices

Product IS Standard Notes
Power Banks IS 13252 (Part 1) Mandatory for all lithium battery–based banks
USB Chargers IS 13252 (Part 1) Includes travel chargers
Adapters/SMPS IS 13252 (Part 1) Applies to branded & OEM imports

D. LED & Lighting Products

Product IS Standard Notes
LED Modules IS 16103
LED Luminaires IS 10322 Streetlights, indoor, outdoor
Self-Ballasted LED Lamps IS 16102 One of the most common CRS categories

E. Smart Devices / IoT / Wearables

Product IS Standard Notes
Smart Watches IS 13252 (Part 1) Highly searched category
Fitness Bands IS 13252 (Part 1)
Smart Locks IS 13252 (Part 1)
Wireless Earbuds/Headphones IS 616
Bluetooth Speakers IS 616

F. Surveillance & Communication Devices

Product IS Standard Notes
CCTV Cameras IS 13252 (Part 1) Mandatory
Video Recorders IS 13252 (Part 1) DVR/NVR
Routers/Modems IS 13252 (Part 1) Wi-Fi/4G/5G
VoIP Phones IS 13252 (Part 1)

G. Power Conversion, Energy Meters & Other Products

Product IS Standard Notes
Solar Inverters IS 16221 (Part 1 & 2) BIS + MNRE conditions
Induction Cooktops IS 302-2-6 Household
Electronic Musical Systems IS 616
Set-Top Boxes IS 13252 (Part 1) Mandatory

H. Withdrawn or Replaced Standards (2023–2024 Updates)

Old IS Code New Status Replacement
IS 13252:2010 Withdrawn IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 + Amendments
IS 616:2010 older editions Updated IS 616:2017
Certain LED accessory categories Merged Under IS 16102/10322

BIS CRS Registration Requirements (Documents & Pre-Checks)

Before filing, ensure the following documents are ready:

Company Documents

  • GST, PAN, CIN
  • Authorization letter (if importer)
  • Indian address for handling compliance

Manufacturer/OEM Documents

  • ISO certificate
  • Factory address proof
  • Authorization letter to Indian applicant
  • Product circuit diagrams, PCB layout (if asked)

Product-Specific Documents

  • Product photographs
  • Technical specifications
  • Rating label artwork
  • User manual

Testing Prerequisites

  • Product samples (usually 1–3 samples)
  • Correct IS code mapping
  • Model number consistency
  • Safety labeling before testing

Step-by-Step BIS CRS Registration Process in India

A short breakdown manufacturers and importers can actually follow:

1. Identify applicable IS standard

Product category must match BIS list.

2. Conduct product testing in a BIS-recognized lab

  • 10–30 days typical
  • Testing is mandatory for each model
  • Series guidelines may reduce testing quantity

3. Gather all documents

From OEM + importer.

4. Submit CRS application on BIS portal

Includes test reports, labeling proofs, authorized signatory details.

5. BIS evaluation & clarification

BIS may raise queries on:

  • Test report format
  • Manufacturer address
  • “Brand ownership” proofs

6. Grant of CRS Registration

Validity: 2 years

7. Marking requirements

Every product must print:

  • Brand
  • Model
  • CRS Registration Number
  • BIS logo (if required)

Common BIS CRS Compliance Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Wrong IS standard mapping

Example: Importer mapping smart speaker under IS 13252 instead of IS 616.

2. Missing brand authorization letter

CRS strictly checks brand ownership.

3. Using old test reports

BIS accepts only recent BIS-approved lab reports.

4. OEM testing ≠ BIS CRS testing

CE/FCC/UL has zero relevance.

5. Changing model number post-testing

Testing model ≠ selling model leads to rejection.

BIS CRS Penalties, Non-Compliance Risks & Real-World Scenarios

Business Risks

  • Shipment seizures by customs
  • Penalty under BIS Act (up to ₹2 lakh+)
  • Orders blocked by marketplaces
  • Import license suspension

Example

A Jaipur-based company imported 5,000 smartwatches assuming they were “general electronics.”
Customs detained them for lack of CRS, leading to a 60-day delay and ₹4 lakh testing + re-export cost.

Updated BIS CRS Fees, Timelines & Validity

Category Details
Testing Time 10–30 days
Sample Requirement 1–3 units/model
BIS CRS Processing 15–30 days
Registration Validity 2 years
Renewal Requires updated test report
Testing Fee ₹20,000–₹1,50,000 (varies by product)

Mandatory Marking Requirements for 2024–2025

Products must include:

  • CRS Registration Number
  • Brand name
  • Model number
  • Rating details (voltage, wattage)
  • Safety warnings
  • BIS-compliant label size + contrast

Quick Compliance Checklist

  1. Is your product listed under CRS?
  2. Have you identified the correct IS standard?
  3. Are model names consistent across documents?
  4. Is OEM authorization letter valid?
  5. Do you have correct testing samples?
  6. Are rating labels prepared?
  7. Have you prepared all OEM + importer documents?
  8. Have you reviewed series guidelines?
  9. Have you uploaded complete test reports?
  10. Have you verified marking requirements?

Conclusion

BIS CRS compliance is not just a requirement — it protects your shipments, unlocks marketplace approvals, and ensures your brand is legally secure.
The process looks complicated, but with the right guidance, businesses complete CRS smoothly and save time, money, and stress.

If you need a fast, hassle-free BIS CRS registration, our team is here to support you.

📞 +91 78350 06182
📧 wecare@greenpermits.in

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FAQs

CRS covers electronics like IT equipment, A/V devices, LED lights, smart devices, power accessories, and more.

Yes. Foreign certifications do not replace BIS CRS.

Typically 20–40 days including testing + BIS approval.

KYC documents, user manual, rating labels, product photos, OEM authorization, and technical details.

Yes, under BIS series guidelines — only if models meet specific conditions.