BIS Compulsory Registration
Scheme (CRS)— Complete Guide

• Standards Development: Formulating and publishing Indian Standards (IS) across diverse sectors including electronics, electrical equipment, food, chemicals, and civil engineering.
• Product Certification: Administering the ISI Mark Scheme, Hallmarking, Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
• Testing & Laboratory Services: Operating and accrediting testing laboratories that evaluate products against Indian and international standards.
• International Cooperation: Engaging with ISO, IEC, and other international bodies to align Indian standards with global best practices.
• Hallmarking: Registering and verifying hallmarked gold jewelry and silverware to protect consumers from under-carat products.

• Consumer Safety: Protect Indian consumers from substandard, unsafe, and counterfeit electronic and IT products.
• Quality Assurance: Bring electronic products in line with Indian and international safety and performance standards.
• Fair Trade: Prevent the dumping of inferior-quality goods from foreign markets into India.
• Domestic Industry: Build a quality-conscious ecosystem within India's electronics manufacturing sector.
• Hazard Reduction: Reduce risks such as electric shock, fire, electromagnetic interference, and environmental damage from non-compliant electronics.

Note: BIS fees are periodically revised. Verify current fees on www.manakonline.in. Lab fees vary by laboratory, scope, and number of samples.

Note: IS numbers are indicative. Always verify the exact applicable Indian Standard on BIS/MeitY notifications. Standards are subject to revision.

• What is BIS CRS Registration?+

  BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) Registration is a mandatory certification required for specified electronics and IT products before they can be legally manufactured, imported, or sold in India. It is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the BIS Act, 2016 and MeitY notifications.

• Is BIS CRS Registration mandatory for all electronic products?+

  No. CRS registration is mandatory only for product categories specifically listed in the MeitY notifications under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order. Products not covered may still voluntarily seek BIS certification under other schemes.

• Can a foreign company obtain BIS CRS Registration directly?+

  Yes. Foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS CRS Registration through the BIS Online Portal. However, they must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) — a legally registered entity in India — who acts as the primary contact and liaison between the foreign manufacturer and BIS.

• Is a separate registration required for each model/variant of a product?+

  Generally, yes. Each distinct model or variant with different performance parameters or safety-critical components requires separate testing and registration. However, BIS may allow a family of models or similarity assessment approach in some cases, where minor variants can be covered under a single registration by demonstrating similarity to the tested model.

• What is the validity of a BIS CRS Certificate?+

  A BIS CRS Certificate of Registration is typically valid for 2 years from the date of issue. Renewal must be applied for before the expiry of the current certificate to avoid a compliance gap and potential enforcement action.

• Can BIS CRS Registration be transferred from one company to another?+

  BIS CRS Registration is generally not transferable. In cases of mergers, acquisitions, or change of ownership, a fresh application for registration in the new entity's name must be submitted to BIS.

• What are the penalties for selling products without BIS CRS Registration?+

  Selling, stocking, or importing CRS-notified products without valid BIS registration is a violation of the BIS Act, 2016. Penalties include fines of up to Rs 2 lakh for a first offence and up to Rs 5 lakh for subsequent offences, imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both. Enforcement authorities can also seize and destroy non-compliant products.

• What laboratories are approved for BIS CRS product testing?+

  BIS maintains a list of recognized laboratories for CRS product testing, including NABL-accredited laboratories, government laboratories, and BIS-recognized private testing facilities. For foreign manufacturers, BIS-recognized overseas laboratories may also be used. The approved lab list is available on bis.gov.in.

• Is there a fast-track option for BIS CRS Registration?+

  BIS does not officially offer a fast-track registration pathway. However, ensuring completeness and accuracy of documents before submission, choosing laboratories with shorter turnaround times, and promptly responding to any BIS queries can significantly reduce the total time to obtain registration.

• Does BIS CRS Registration cover all markets within India?+

  Yes. A BIS CRS Registration is valid across all states and union territories of India. There are no state-level variations in CRS registration requirements — it is a central government scheme administered uniformly across the country.

• Can BIS CRS Registration be suspended or cancelled?+

  Yes. BIS has the authority to suspend or cancel a CRS Registration if the registered product fails surveillance testing, the manufacturer fails to maintain required quality standards, registration was obtained through misrepresentation, or the registered entity fails to cooperate with BIS inspections.

• Do I need to update my BIS registration if I change my product's design?+

  Yes. Any significant change in product design, components, circuit configuration, or safety-critical parameters that could affect conformance to the applicable Indian Standard must be reported to BIS. Depending on the nature of the change, fresh testing and updated registration may be required. Minor changes may be covered by submitting a variation application.