BIS CRS Certification Online in India

BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) registration is a mandatory quality certification for specified electronic and IT products sold in India. Introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this registration ensures that products comply with Indian safety and performance standards before entering the market.

The CRS system provides a structured and transparent framework that helps protect Indian consumers from hazardous or poor-quality goods. It boosts product reliability, increases consumer confidence, and ensures that manufacturers adhere to the required safety norms. Without BIS CRS registration, the import, sale, or distribution of listed products is strictly prohibited in India.

Understanding the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was introduced in 2012 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The scheme mandates that specific product categories, ranging from mobile phones and laptops to LED lights, power adapters, and more, must be tested by BIS-recognized laboratories and registered with BIS before being sold in India.

Products must conform to applicable Indian Standards (IS), and manufacturers must affix the BIS Standard Mark along with a unique R-number on each certified unit. This ensures traceability and transparency in the supply chain. The CRS not only maintains consumer safety but also encourages manufacturers to maintain high product quality.

Role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and MeitY

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national body responsible for standardization, quality control, and certification of goods in India. It plays a central role in testing, evaluating, and certifying products under the CRS. BIS also audits manufacturers and ensures ongoing compliance through surveillance and re-certification processes.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the policy-making authority that first initiated the CRS in 2012. MeitY regularly updates the list of products under mandatory registration based on emerging technologies and public safety considerations. Both BIS and MeitY work together to expand the scope of regulated products and strengthen the enforcement of quality standards across India.

Why is BIS CRS Registration Mandatory for Certain Products?

BIS CRS registration is mandatory to protect Indian consumers from potentially unsafe or unreliable electronic and IT products. With increasing imports and digital device penetration, the risk of substandard goods entering the market has risen. CRS ensures that only those products meeting Indian Standards are allowed on shelves, thereby reducing safety hazards, electric shock risks, and fire incidents.

Mandatory BIS certification also:

• Promotes consumer trust by offering assurance of product safety and quality.
• Prevents unfair competition by eliminating non-compliant, low-cost products.
• Upholds India's regulatory ecosystem by enforcing standards aligned with public interest.
• Encourages global manufacturers to maintain consistent quality across all markets.
• Facilitates smooth import clearances at Indian ports, preventing costly delays or rejections.

Ultimately, BIS CRS registration is a strategic tool for ensuring product safety, building brand credibility, and securing market access in India.

Obtaining a BIS CRS certificate provides significant legal and commercial advantages for your business. This mandatory registration is crucial for any electronics and IT product manufacturer eyeing the Indian market.

1. Legal Market Access: BIS CRS registration is mandatory to manufacture, import, or sell electronic and IT goods in India, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
2. Boosted Brand Trust: The BIS CRS mark signals safety and quality, increasing customer trust and enhancing your brand's credibility in the Indian market.
3. Avoid Legal Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines, product bans, or legal action. BIS certification protects your business from such risks.
4. Competitive Edge: Certified products stand out, attracting quality-conscious buyers and giving your brand a strong advantage over uncertified competitors.
5. Smoother Logistics: Meeting BIS standards upfront helps avoid customs delays and ensures faster, disruption-free product entry into the Indian market.

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) covers a broad spectrum of electronic and IT products. The MeitY continuously updates the following list.

Understanding whether your product falls under the Compulsory Registration Scheme is the first critical step for market entry in India. Verifying this requirement is straightforward using official BIS resources.

• Visit the Official BIS Website (crsbis.in or bis.gov.in): The BIS maintains dedicated portals for its various certification schemes. For CRS, the primary portal is ‘crsbis.in’. Navigate directly to this official source for accurate and up-to-date information.
• Look for the "Compulsory Registration Scheme" or "Products under Compulsory Certification" Section: On the BIS website, locate the specific section or link related to CRS. This area typically contains detailed information, including notifications and the complete list of regulated products.
• Review the Updated List of Products: Within the CRS section, you'll find a regularly updated list of electronic and IT products that mandate BIS CRS registration. This list is categorized by product type and the corresponding Indian Standard (IS) number. Carefully cross-reference your product's category and technical specifications with this list.
• Identify the Relevant Indian Standard: Each product category under CRS is linked to a specific IS. This standard outlines the quality, safety, and performance criteria your product must meet. Knowing the correct IS number is essential for product testing.
• Check for Notifications by Other Ministries: While MeitY is the main authority for electronics, remember that other ministries, like MNRE for solar products, also notify items under CRS. Ensure you check all relevant ministerial notifications on the BIS website to confirm your product's status.
• Utilize Search Tools (if available): Some sections of the BIS website might offer search functionalities where you can enter product keywords or IS numbers to quickly check if your item is covered. This can help streamline your search.
• If Your Product Falls Under Any Listed Category, You Need BIS CRS Certification: If your product's description or technical specifications match, it means your product requires BIS registration under CRS of MeitY before it can be legally sold. Do not proceed with market entry without obtaining this essential certification.

Not all electronic products require BIS CRS registration. Certain categories are exempt from this mandatory certification. However, it's crucial to verify any exemption directly with official sources.

• Specialized Industrial Equipment: Products designed purely for industrial use, not for general consumer application, might be exempt. This typically applies to large-scale machinery or components specifically for manufacturing processes and not sold as standalone consumer products.
• Products for Export Only: Goods manufactured in India solely for export purposes are generally exempt from BIS CRS registration. This exemption applies as these products are not intended for sale within the Indian domestic market.
• Products Imported for Specific Uses: Items imported into India for purposes such as demonstration, research and development, or testing are typically exempt. They are not meant for commercial sale or distribution within India.
• Components and Spare Parts: BIS CRS registration typically applies to the final, assembled product, not the individual components used to manufacture it (unless those components are notified separately).
• Products of Specific Size/Weight/Power Characteristics: In some cases, products exceeding certain dimensions, weight, or operating on specific power configurations (e.g., three-phase power supply, single-phase exceeding 16 Amperes) might have conditional exemptions, especially if imported in low annual volumes. Always check specific notifications for these technical exemptions.

To confirm an exemption, always verify your product's status on the official BIS website (crsbis.in) or consult with a BIS compliance expert.

Accurate and complete documentation is key to a smooth registration. Missing documents cause delays.

Checklist of Documents for Indian Applicants

Indian manufacturers need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents to apply for BIS CRS registration.

• Company Registration Proof: Provide your Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and Articles of Association (AOA) for companies, or LLP Agreement/Partnership Deed for LLPs/Partnerships. For proprietorships, relevant business registration documents are required.
• Factory Address Proof: Submit documents verifying your manufacturing unit's address. This could include a valid lease deed, electricity bill, or property tax receipt.
• GST Registration Certificate: A copy of your Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration certificate is mandatory.
• Brand Name Registration Proof: If your brand name is trademarked, provide the Trademark Registration Certificate. If the brand is unregistered but in use, provide proof of its prior use.
• Authorized Signatory Details: Include a letter of authorization for the person signing the application. Their photo ID and address proof are also needed.
• Undertakings and Affidavits: Submit specific undertakings and affidavits as per BIS formats (e.g., Form II and Form III), affirming compliance and accuracy of information.
• Manufacturing Process Details: Provide a detailed manufacturing process flow chart. Also, include a list of all manufacturing machinery and testing equipment used in your factory.
• Product Technical Specifications: This is crucial. Submit the Critical Component List (CCL), circuit diagrams, PCB layout, user manual, and a detailed product description.
• In-house Test Reports (if available): Any internal test reports conducted by your factory on the product can be supplementary.
• Layout Plan of Factory: A detailed layout plan of your factory premises, indicating office, lab, storage, and production areas, is required.

Specific Documentation for Foreign Applicants

Foreign manufacturers have additional requirements, primarily involving the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

• Nomination of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): A formal nomination letter appointing your AIR in India is mandatory. This letter must clearly state the AIR's responsibilities and legal accountability.
• AIR's Undertaking and Affidavit: The AIR must submit a notarized affidavit-cum-undertaking (as per BIS specified format, e.g., Format A or B), accepting their role and responsibilities for compliance.
• AIR's Business Registration Proof: Provide the AIR's company registration documents, such as their Certificate of Incorporation, MOA & AOA, or relevant partnership deeds.
• AIR's ID and Address Proof: Copy of the AIR's authorized signatory's photo ID and address proof.
• Foreign Manufacturing Unit's Business License: Submit a copy of your overseas manufacturing unit's business license or equivalent registration certificate from your home country. This document should ideally be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
• Declaration of Brand Ownership/Authorization: If the brand owner is different from the manufacturer, a brand authorization letter is required. If the brand owner is in India, their documents establishing ownership/registered user status are also needed.
• Factory Details: Similar to Indian applicants, provide your factory's full address and detailed manufacturing unit information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Documentation

Many applications face delays due to easily avoidable documentation errors.

• Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Ensure all fields in the application forms are fully and correctly filled. Mismatches between different documents (e.g., names, addresses, model numbers) are a major cause of rejection.
• Outdated or Invalid Documents: Always use current and valid versions of all certificates and licenses. Test reports must not be older than 90 days at the time of final application submission.
• Uncertified Translations: Any non-English documents must be translated into English by a certified translator. Submit both the original and the translated versions.
• Illegible Scans: Ensure all scanned copies are clear, legible, and of good quality. Poor scans can lead to queries and delays.
• Incorrect Brand Ownership Proof: Establish who owns the brand, especially if it's different from the manufacturer or AIR. Provide proper authorization letters where necessary.
• Discrepancies in Product Details: The critical component list (CCL), circuit diagrams, user manual, and test report must all describe the same product model and its specifications consistently. Any deviation will trigger a query from BIS.
• AIR-Related Issues (for Foreign Manufacturers): Ensure the AIR's documents are complete and their undertaking is correctly signed and notarized. An unqualified or improperly appointed AIR can derail the entire process.

Getting your BIS CRS certification might seem complex. We simplify the process into clear, manageable steps.

Step 1: Foundational Preparedness for All Manufacturers

Before initiating the online application, lay a strong foundation for your BIS CRS registration.

• Gather Comprehensive Company Information: Collect all legal documents related to your manufacturing unit. This includes business registration certificates, proof of factory address, and details of the authorized signatory. Ensure all names and addresses match exactly across documents.
• Compile Detailed Product Information: Prepare exhaustive technical specifications for your product. This means critical component lists (CCL), circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, user manuals, and detailed product descriptions. Ensure these documents accurately reflect your product's design and functionality, as they will be crucial for testing and application scrutiny.
• Identify the Correct Indian Standard (IS): Determine the specific Indian Standard (IS) applicable to your product from the official BIS website. This IS number dictates the tests your product must undergo and the performance criteria it must meet. Incorrect IS selection can lead to application rejection.
• Verify Internal Quality Control Processes: While a factory inspection isn't mandatory for CRS, having robust internal quality control processes in place helps ensure your product consistently meets the required standards.

Step 2: Account and Profile Creation on the BIS CRS Portal

The application process begins with setting up your digital presence on the BIS platform.

• Register on the BIS CRS Portal: Visit the official BIS CRS online portal (crsbis.in) and create a new manufacturer account. This involves providing basic company details and generating login credentials. This account will be your primary interface with BIS throughout the process.
• Complete Company Profile: Fill in all required information in your company profile, including contact details, manufacturing unit address, and details of your brand. Accuracy is paramount here; any discrepancies can cause delays.
• Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) (Mandatory for Foreign Manufacturers): If you are a foreign manufacturer, you must legally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative. This AIR will act as your local liaison with BIS and is legally responsible for your product's compliance in India. Their details, along with a formal nomination letter and an affidavit-cum-undertaking, must be submitted during this stage. The AIR's role is critical in facilitating communication and document submission.

Step 3: Product Testing in a BIS-Recognized Laboratory

This is a crucial phase where your product's compliance is physically verified.

• Generate Test Request on the BIS Portal: After creating your profile, generate a test request through the BIS CRS portal for your specific product model. This request will specify the applicable Indian Standard and generate a unique QR code.
• Select a BIS-Recognized Laboratory: Choose a laboratory from the list of BIS-recognized test labs that are accredited for your product's specific Indian Standard. You can find this list on the BIS website.
• Submit Product Samples for Testing: Send your product samples to the selected BIS-recognized laboratory. Ensure the samples are representative of your production and are accompanied by the generated QR code and a copy of the test request. The lab will conduct rigorous tests according to the specified IS.
• Obtain the Test Report: Upon successful completion of testing, the laboratory will issue a comprehensive test report. This report details the test results and confirms your product's conformity to the applicable Indian Standards. This test report is a mandatory document for your BIS CRS registration application and must not be older than 90 days when you submit your final application. For instance, a printer seeking certification must pass all tests specified in its applicable Indian Standard.

Step 4: Final Application Submission and Grant of License

This is the culmination of your efforts, leading to official certification.

• Submit Online Application (Form I): Log back into the BIS CRS portal using your credentials. Fill out the comprehensive online application form (Form I). Upload all supporting documents, including the test report obtained from the BIS-recognized lab. Ensure all fields are accurately completed.
• Pay Applicable Fees: Pay the required application, processing, and registration fees online through the portal. Keep the payment acknowledgment for your records.
• Submit Hard Copies (if required): In some cases, BIS may require the submission of hard copies of the application and supporting documents to their office within a stipulated timeframe (e.g., 15 days of online submission). Confirm this requirement on the BIS portal.
• Application Scrutiny by BIS: BIS officials will meticulously review your entire application, including the submitted documents and the test report. They may raise queries or request additional information if any discrepancies or shortcomings are found. Respond promptly to these queries to avoid delays.
• Grant of Registration and License: Once BIS is satisfied that your product fully complies with the relevant Indian Standards and all documentation is in order, it will grant your BIS CRS registration. You will receive a unique Registration Number (R-number) and a license to use the BIS Standard Mark on your certified products. You can then legally manufacture, import, and sell these products in the Indian market.

These are the direct government fees charged by BIS for the certification process.

Testing Charges and Other Associated Costs

Beyond the direct BIS fees, several other significant costs contribute to the total expenditure for BIS CRS registration.

• Product Testing Charges: These are often the most variable costs. The charges depend entirely on your product's complexity, the number of tests required by the applicable Indian Standard (IS), and the specific BIS-recognized laboratory you choose. Highly complex electronics with multiple testing parameters will incur higher fees.
• Consulting Services Fees: Engaging experienced consultants, like RegisterKaro, is highly recommended. Their fees cover expert guidance, document preparation, liaison with BIS and test labs, and overall project management. These fees vary based on the service scope and complexity of your product. Investing in expert help can save you time, prevent errors, and ultimately reduce overall costs by avoiding resubmissions.
• Documentation Preparation Costs: This includes expenses for compiling technical specifications, creating diagrams, preparing user manuals, and obtaining certified translations if your original documents are not in English.
• Product Modification Costs: If your product fails initial testing, you might need to modify its design or components to meet the Indian Standard. These modifications can incur additional development, material, and retesting costs.
• Sample Shipping Costs: You will incur charges for shipping product samples to the BIS-recognized testing laboratory, especially for foreign manufacturers.
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Charges: For foreign manufacturers, the AIR will charge a service fee for their legal and administrative responsibilities. This is an ongoing cost as long as your BIS registration is active.

The typical timeline for obtaining BIS CRS registration ranges from 4 to 8 weeks.

After obtaining your BIS CRS certification, your company must adhere to continuous post-registration rules and compliance. This ensures your products remain legal and trusted in the Indian market.

BIS Standard Mark and Labeling Requirements

Proper marking and labeling are critical for all certified products.

• Mandatory Display: After receiving your certification, you must prominently display the BIS Standard Mark on your products, their packaging, and user manuals. This mark visually confirms your product's compliance.
• Inclusion of Unique R-Number: The BIS Standard Mark must include your unique Registration Number (R-xxxxxxxx). For example, a printer certified under the scheme would display its specific BIS registration number. This R-number allows for easy traceability and verification of the product's authenticity.
• Strict Labeling Guidelines: BIS provides specific guidelines for the Standard Mark's size, design, color, and placement. The mark must be legible, indelible, and non-removable under normal usage conditions. It should also include essential product details like brand name, model number, manufacturer's name, and country of origin.
• E-Labeling Option: For certain electronic products with integrated displays, BIS permits e-labeling. This allows the mark and required information to be displayed electronically, but physical marking might still be required on packaging.
• No Unauthorized Changes: Any modification to the marking or label, even minor ones, must receive prior approval from BIS. Unauthorized changes can lead to the suspension of your BIS CRS registration.

Market Surveillance and Product Verification by BIS

Post-certification, BIS maintains vigilance to ensure continued compliance.

• Continuous Monitoring: BIS actively conducts market surveillance activities. They randomly pick samples of BIS-certified products from the open market, retail outlets, or even directly from dispatch stations.
• Verification Testing: These collected samples undergo retesting in BIS-recognized laboratories. This process verifies that products consistently conform to the applicable Indian Standards even after the initial certification.
• Ensuring Continuous Compliance: This surveillance mechanism is crucial. It ensures manufacturers maintain the quality and safety standards that led to their certification. It acts as a deterrent against manufacturers compromising product quality post-certification.
• Manufacturer's Responsibility for Surveillance Costs: Licensees are typically responsible for the cost of samples drawn during surveillance and their subsequent testing fees. BIS collects these charges in advance or as part of the ongoing surveillance process.
• Addressing Non-Conformity: If a surveillance sample fails to meet the standards, BIS will notify the licensee (or the Authorized Indian Representative for foreign manufacturers). Strict procedures are then followed, which can include penalties, product recalls, or even suspension or cancellation of the registration.

Non-compliance with BIS CRS regulations carries severe consequences for manufacturers, importers, and sellers in India.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, outlines stringent penalties to deter the sale of non-certified or sub-standard electronic and IT products.

• Heavy Monetary Fines: The most common consequence is the imposition of substantial financial penalties. For a first offense, the fine can be a minimum of Rs. 2 Lakhs, which may extend up to ten times the value of the non-compliant goods. Repeated violations lead to even higher fines, potentially up to Rs. 5 Lakhs or more, per offense.
• Product Seizure and Confiscation: BIS has the authority to conduct raids and search operations on warehouses, retail outlets, and e-commerce platforms. Non-compliant products found during these operations are immediately seized and confiscated, leading to significant financial losses for the business. Recent crackdowns have targeted major e-commerce players.
• Sales Ban and Market Restriction: Products found to be non-compliant will be prohibited from being sold, manufactured, or distributed in the Indian market. This effectively halts your business operations for that product line, leading to a loss of revenue and market share.
• Imprisonment: In severe cases of non-compliance, particularly if the sale of unsafe products leads to harm or poses a significant risk to public health and safety, individuals responsible (such as company directors or authorized representatives) can face imprisonment for up to two years.
• Damage to Brand Reputation and Consumer Trust: Selling products without proper BIS CRS registration or those found to be non-compliant severely damages your brand's credibility. Consumers in India highly trust the BIS mark; its absence or violation can lead to a significant loss of consumer confidence, negative publicity, and a decline in sales that is hard to recover from.
• Legal Action and Consumer Lawsuits: Non-compliant products, especially those that cause injury or malfunction, can lead to consumer lawsuits under the Consumer Protection Act. This can result in significant legal costs, compensation payouts, and further reputational harm.
• Increased Scrutiny and Operational Costs: Businesses found to be non-compliant will face increased scrutiny from BIS. This often translates to more frequent inspections, mandatory retesting, and the need to implement costly corrective measures, including product redesign or quality control system overhauls.
• Import/Export Disruptions: For foreign manufacturers, non-compliance can lead to detention and destruction of goods at Indian ports. It can also impact future import permissions and potentially affect your ability to export to other regulated markets.

The BIS CRS certificate is the official document issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. It authorizes manufacturers to affix the BIS Standard Mark, along with a unique "R-number", on their products, signifying compliance with Indian safety and performance standards.

The BIS CRS certificate includes critical information such as the manufacturer’s name and address, applicable Indian Standard (e.g., IS 13252:2010), product category, scope of registration, registration number, validity period, and official seal of the certifying body.

How to Download Your BIS CRS Certificate Online?

Once your product has completed the testing and application process, and BIS has granted the registration, you can typically download the certificate from your applicant dashboard on the e-BIS portal.

1. Access the BIS CRS Portal: Go to the official BIS CRS online portal.
2. Login: Use your registered email ID and password to log in to your account.
3. Navigate to "Operative Licenses" / "My Applications": After logging in, look for a section or tab that displays your approved applications or "Operative Licenses." This might be under a "Licensee" or "My Dashboard" section.
4. Identify Your Registration: Find the specific product registration for which you want to download the certificate. Your registration will have a unique R-Number (e.g., R-XXXXXXXX).
5. Download Certificate: There should be an option (e.g., an icon, a "Download" button, or a link) next to your approved registration details to download the official BIS CRS certificate in PDF format.
6. Save the Certificate: Download the PDF file to your computer for your records and use it in product labeling and market entry.

Important Note: The certificate can only be downloaded after your application has been fully approved and the registration granted by BIS. If you face issues, ensure your application status is "Granted."

How to Check the Status of Your BIS CRS Registration

You can easily track your application status online.

1. Visit the BIS Official Website: Go to the official Bureau of Indian Standards website at the e-portal. This is the main portal for all BIS-related services.
2. Navigate to the 'CRS' Section: On the homepage, find the 'Conformity Assessment' tab and click on the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) section. This section lists services related to electronics and IT goods under mandatory registration.
3. Access the Manakonline Portal: Use the Manakonline link provided in the CRS section or directly visit Manak Online. This is the platform for filing, tracking, and checking BIS registrations.
4. Select ‘Search Granted Licenses’: On the Manakonline dashboard, click on the ‘Search Granted Licenses’ option. This lets you view current and approved licenses issued under CRS.
5. Enter Required Details: Fill in details such as your Registration Number (R-number), company name, or product category. Accurate information will help you fetch your registration status quickly.
6. View Status and Details: Once the details are submitted, the system displays your registration status. You can see details like validity, issue date, and registered product.
7. Download Certificate (If Available): If the certificate has been granted, you may see an option to download it in PDF format. This document serves as official proof of BIS registration.