Last quarter, a Korean brand shipping LED TVs to India was held at Nhava Sheva port for three weeks.
Their team had obtained BIS Registration under the CRS Scheme, but customs insisted on an ISI Mark license because TV panels had recently come under a new Quality Control Order (QCO).
The result: ₹9 lakh in demurrage and a missed launch date.
This incident captures how easily businesses mix up two major certification pathways — ISI Mark (Scheme I) and BIS CRS Registration (Scheme II).
Both are issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), but they serve different products, processes, and legal purposes.
If you’re a manufacturer, importer, or brand owner preparing to enter the Indian market, understanding the difference is critical for compliance, market entry speed, and avoiding seizures at ports.
What is the ISI Mark (Scheme I)?
The ISI Mark is India’s oldest and most recognized quality seal.
It signifies that a product conforms to an Indian Standard as per the BIS Certification Scheme I, governed by the BIS Act 2016 and its Quality Control Orders (QCOs)【26†SOPs for E-Waste Recycler†L10-L20】.
How it works:
- The manufacturer must apply for a license under a specific Indian Standard (IS).
- BIS or its authorized inspection agency audits the factory to verify production process, testing facilities, and quality controls.
- Sample testing is done in BIS-recognized labs.
- Once approved, the manufacturer is granted a license to use the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on the product and packaging.
- Regular surveillance and market samples ensure continued compliance.
Used for: Industrial, construction, electrical, and consumer products where performance and safety depend on consistent manufacturing quality — for example, cement, steel, pressure cookers, electrical appliances, PVC pipes, and batteries.
What is BIS CRS (Scheme II)?
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was introduced in 2012 by MeitY (Ministry of Electronics & IT) and MNRE (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy) to cover electronics and IT goods.
How it works:
- The manufacturer (or authorized Indian representative for foreign brands) gets product samples tested in a BIS-recognized lab.
- A Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) is submitted with the test report through the BIS portal.
- After scrutiny, BIS issues a Registration Number (“R-number”) which must appear on the product.
- No factory audit is needed in most cases; compliance is verified through lab tests and documentation.
Used for: Smartphones, laptops, LED lamps, power banks, USB drives, inverters, and solar PV modules — essentially electronic items notified by MeitY or MNRE under their respective Orders.
Why two schemes?
Because different products pose different risks.
- ISI Mark (Scheme I): Covers products whose failure can affect safety, infrastructure, or public health.
- CRS (Scheme II): Focuses on electronic equipment where performance and safety can be verified by lab testing without factory inspection.
Both schemes are legal tools to implement India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and Import Regulations, which mandate certification for specific products before they are sold or imported.
Comparative Table — ISI vs BIS CRS (2025 Edition)
| Parameter | ISI Mark (Scheme I) | BIS CRS (Scheme II) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) + MeitY/MNRE for notifications |
| Legal Basis | BIS Act 2016 + Quality Control Orders (QCOs) | MeitY & MNRE Orders (under Electronics & Renewable Energy Sectors) |
| Type of Certification | License to use the Standard Mark (ISI) | Registration based on Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) |
| Applicable Products | Industrial, mechanical, building materials, electrical appliances | Electronic and IT goods, solar PV modules, cells, inverters |
| Factory Audit | Mandatory before license grant and periodic surveillance | Generally not required (except special cases) |
| Testing | In BIS-approved labs and witnessed samples during audit | Independent lab testing + report upload |
| Validity | 2 years (initial), renewable for 2–5 years | Indefinite subject to product continuity and periodic renewal |
| Marking | ISI logo + License No. (e.g., CM/L-xxxxxxx) | BIS logo + R-number (e.g., R-12345678) |
| Inspection Surveillance | Regular factory audits and market sampling | Market sampling or document review as required |
| Typical Timeline | 30 – 60 days (domestic) | 15 – 30 days after lab test report |
| Penalty for Non-Compliance | Up to ₹2 lakh and product seizure; import ban by DGFT | Import restrictions, customs hold, ₹1 – 2 lakh fine |
| Target User | Domestic manufacturer or foreign OEM with Indian factory | Importers, foreign brands, and domestic assemblers |
| Examples | Steel bars, cement, domestic electric press, helmet | Laptop, LED bulb, smart TV, inverter, solar cell |
When does each scheme apply?
Step 1 – Check if your product is listed under a Quality Control Order (QCO).
If yes, and the QCO specifies “Scheme I of BIS,” you need an ISI license.
Step 2 – If your product is electronic / IT / solar, check the CRS product list on the MeitY or MNRE websites.
If listed there, apply for BIS Registration under CRS.
Step 3 – If your product is new or not listed, check forthcoming notifications on the “Upcoming QCOs” page of BIS.
1 – LED Lamps
| Requirement | Applies under | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer LED Lamp | BIS CRS | Notified by MeitY (2015) under Electronics Goods Order |
| Industrial LED Luminaire | ISI Mark Scheme I | Covered by QCO issued under BIS Act (2018) |
Lesson: A manufacturer of both types needs two separate certifications — CRS for consumer products, ISI for industrial ones.
2 – Battery Chargers and Power Banks
- Power Banks → CRS Scheme II (under MeitY notification).
- Electric Vehicle Battery Chargers → ISI Mark Scheme I (covered under BIS QCO).
Business Impact:
An importer who wrongly applies for only CRS without ISI license can face customs rejection under DGFT notifications.
Step-by-Step Overview of Each Process
ISI Mark Certification Process
- Identify IS Standard & QCO.
- Submit application on BIS Portal.
- Factory audit by BIS officer to verify testing and production facilities.
- Product sample testing in BIS-recognized lab.
- Grant of license after compliance.
- Periodic surveillance audits and renewal every 2–5 years.
CRS Registration Process
- Get sample tested in a BIS-recognized lab.
- Apply online with SDoC and test report.
- BIS scrutiny and issuance of R-number.
- Affix BIS logo + R-number on product and packaging.
- Renew registration periodically if product specs change.
Real Timeline & Cost Estimates (Indicative 2025)
| Parameter | ISI Scheme I | CRS Scheme II |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | ₹1,000 |
| Testing Cost | ₹25,000 – ₹1 lakh (depends on product) | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Factory Audit / Inspection | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 + travel | Not applicable |
| Average Processing Time | 45 – 60 days (domestic) / 90 days (foreign) | 15 – 30 days after lab report |
| Renewal Validity | 2 – 5 years | Indefinite subject to continuity |
| Annual Surveillance Fee | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | None or nominal |
(Figures based on BIS fee notifications and market averages for 2025)【27†Fee Structure†L1-L20】
Penalties & Non-Compliance Risks
1. Legal Penalties
Under the BIS Act 2016 and Environment Protection Act, sale or import of non-certified goods can lead to:
- Fine up to ₹2 lakh per offence for manufacturers and importers.
- Product seizure and recall by regulators.
- Blacklisting by DGFT or Customs, blocking future imports.
2. Business Risks
- Customs delays: CBIC Instruction 27/2025 mandates BIS validation at clearance.
- Loss of brand trust: Selling without mark violates consumer-protection norms.
- E-commerce delisting: Platforms like Amazon and Flipkart require BIS numbers for electronics since 2024.
The Indian Context for 2025
Rise of QCOs across sectors
More than 150 QCOs have been issued since 2023 covering chemicals, toys, automotive components, batteries, and electronics.
The government’s goal is “Zero Defect – Zero Effect” manufacturing, ensuring that unsafe imports don’t enter the market.
BIS CRS expansion
MeitY’s latest lists add smart watches, UPS systems, wireless earphones, and smart speakers under CRS.
By 2025, the scheme covers more than 70 categories of electronics and IT goods.
Mini Case Study — A Startup Electronics Importer
An Indian startup importing Bluetooth speakers from China in 2024 skipped BIS registration thinking their OEM’s certificate was enough.
Customs detained the shipment under Section 111(d) of the Customs Act.
After applying for CRS through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), they received registration in 21 days — but lost ₹4 lakhs in demurrage and missed festive sales.
Lesson: BIS certification is non-transferable. Each brand must obtain its own registration or license before import.
2025 Updates & Future Trends
- Digital Verification: BIS is launching QR-based verification for both ISI and CRS numbers to help customs and consumers scan and validate certificates.
- Integrated portal: A single window for Scheme I and II is planned to reduce paperwork and duplicate testing.
- Transition Products: Certain categories like batteries and solar equipment may shift from CRS to ISI licensing as testing infrastructure grows.
Why Green Permits Advises a Pre-Compliance Audit
Before filing your BIS application, we recommend a Pre-Compliance Audit covering three aspects:
- Product Mapping: Identify which scheme (QCO vs CRS) applies.
- Document Preparation: Test reports, marking drawings, factory layout.
- Regulatory Sequencing: If your product needs both EPR and BIS, decide which to obtain first.
This audit cuts application time by 30 % and reduces risk of rejection by CPCB or BIS.
Final Thoughts & CTA
BIS certification isn’t just a compliance formality — it’s a market passport for your product in India.
Knowing whether your product falls under ISI or CRS can be the difference between smooth imports and costly delays.
At Green Permits, we help manufacturers, importers, and startups navigate the entire BIS journey — from product mapping and testing to license or registration grant.
📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
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FAQS
ISI is a factory-based license under BIS Scheme I, while CRS is a product registration under Scheme II for electronics and IT goods.
Importers of electronics need CRS registration (R-number). Industrial or safety products under a QCO need ISI.
CRS registration typically takes 15–30 days; ISI licensing may take 45–60 days including audit.
No, CRS relies on lab test reports and SDoC, while ISI requires factory inspection.
Customs can seize goods, DGFT can suspend imports, and BIS may impose penalties up to ₹2 lakh.
