The PSR Compliance team clearly explained the BIS requirements and documentation, and guided us through each stage of the certification process.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards. It is India's national standards organisation, established under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS creates and enforces quality and safety standards for hundreds of products sold in India from steel to toys to electronics.
BIS Certification is an official approval that confirms your product meets the relevant Indian Standard (IS). Each product type has its own Indian Standard number (for example, IS 13252 for IT equipment, IS 616 for audio/video appliances). Once your product passes testing at a BIS-approved lab and you complete the registration process, BIS issues a Certificate of Registration. Your product can then carry the BIS Standard Mark and a unique R-number on its packaging.
Note : BIS certification is NOT optional. It is a legal requirement for all electronic and IT products notified under the CRS scheme. Selling without it is a criminal offence under the BIS Act, 2016.
What Is the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)?
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was launched in 2012 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in partnership with BIS. It specifically covers electronic and IT products.
Under CRS, manufacturers and importers must :
- Get their product tested at a BIS-approved or NABL-accredited laboratory in India.
- Register with BIS before the product is manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
- Display the Standard Mark (BIS logo) and a unique R-number on the product and its packaging.
- Renew their registration every 2 years and continue to comply with safety standards.
Unlike the ISI Mark Scheme (which requires a factory inspection), CRS is based on self-declaration of conformity supported by third-party lab test reports. This makes it faster and less complex but the responsibility for quality lies with the manufacturer.
CRS vs ISI Mark – What Is the Difference?
| Feature | CRS | ISI Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable To | Electronic and IT products | Wide range steel, cement, food, etc. |
| Factory Audit | Not required self-declaration | Mandatory factory inspection |
| Testing Required | Yes at BIS-approved labs | Yes extensive testing |
| Governing Body | MeitY + BIS | BIS |