BIS CRS Registration: What Every Manufacturer and Importer in India Should Know

In case you manufacture or import any electronic products into the country of India, you must have heard the phrase BIS CRS Registration on a number of occasions. This might have been mentioned by the customs official or perhaps requested by the distributor asking for your CRS number. However, it is mandatory, and neglecting it may cost you in terms of cargo, time and money.

As we at UMSPCS see people getting confused about this issue time and again, here is the complete guide to understanding BIS CRS.

What Is BIS CRS Registration?

CRS stands for Compulsory Registration Scheme. It is implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as per the BIS Act, 2016, and MeitY notifies the products covered under the scheme.

The scheme works like this. Certain electronic and IT products have to fulfil Indian safety standards prior to their manufacture, importation, sale or storage within India. After testing and registration, the product gets an ISI mark and registration number (R-number).

The scheme differs from the ISI mark license. The CRS depends upon testing done in a BIS-recognized laboratory and does not involve factory inspection in the regular manner.

Which Products Come Under CRS?

The list is long and keeps growing. Some common examples include:

• Mobile phones and smartphones
• Power banks and chargers
• Laptops, tablets and adapters
• Smartwatches and wearables
• LED lamps and luminaires
• CCTV cameras and video equipment
• Wireless headphones and speakers
• Microwave ovens and some other appliances

Every product category has an Indian Standard associated with it. For instance, many IT products come under IS 13252 (Part 1). Since there is a possibility of updating of the list, it would be best to see whether your product is listed now or not.

Why It Matters So Much

Many companies consider BIS registration as a formality which can be taken care of later. This approach is quite hazardous.

The sale or import of any notified product without BIS registration is an offence under the BIS Act. It may lead to a minimum fine of ₹2 lakh along with imprisonment of two years. In addition to this, there are other implications. The product consignment can be stopped by customs, while e-commerce sites can remove your product listing, and even retail stores can stop stocking your product.

There is also an advantage of the BIS mark. It signifies that the product is safe. The importance of such a mark cannot be overlooked, especially when the market is full of cheaper alternatives from outside.

The BIS CRS Registration Process, Step by Step

The process is straightforward once you know the sequence.

1. Confirm your product is covered. Check the notified product list and identify the correct Indian Standard for your item.
2. Get your product tested. Samples go to a BIS-recognized lab, where they’re tested against the relevant standard. If your product has multiple models or variants, the lab will advise which ones need separate testing.
3. Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Foreign manufacturers must nominate one. The AIR is responsible for communication with BIS and for compliance within India.
4. Prepare your documents. You’ll typically need the test report, a declaration of conformity, a power of attorney or AIR authorisation, a product label or sample marking, and manufacturer details.
5. Apply on the BIS portal. The application is filed online, along with the official fee.
6. Review and grant. BIS examines your application. If everything is in order, you receive the registration and your R-number.
7. Mark your product. The Standard Mark and registration number must appear on the product, packaging or both, as BIS requires.

How Long Does It Take?

But there is not one way to know since it all depends on the product being tested and the schedule of the lab, as well as the quality of the documentation that you have. Test time will take the longest, and problems usually stem from poor documentation, incorrect standards, or unsuccessful tests which require a re-test.

Validity and Renewal

A CRS registration is generally valid for two years and can be renewed. Put a reminder in your calendar well ahead of expiry, because a lapsed registration means you’re technically selling without one. Also remember that changes to your product design, components or manufacturing location may need to be reported to BIS.

Mistakes We See Often

• Assuming a foreign test report is enough. It usually isn’t unless it meets BIS requirements.
• Choosing the wrong Indian Standard for the product.
• Submitting mismatched details between the application, test report and label.
• Waiting until goods are stuck at customs to start the process.
• Forgetting to renew on time.

How UMSPCS Can Help

The process of being BIS compliant is not difficult but involves many details and even small mistakes may lead to loss of time. UMSPCS can assist manufacturing firms, importers and brands in complying with the regulations and help them complete all necessary procedures such as the assessment, lab work and others required by BIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is BIS CRS registration mandatory?
   Yes, for products on the notified list. Selling or importing them without registration is a violation of Indian law.
2. Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS CRS?
   Yes. They need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative who handles the application and compliance in India.
3. How much does BIS CRS registration cost?
   Costs vary by product, lab fees and the number of models or series. There’s also an official BIS fee. Contact us for a quote based on your product.
4. How long is a CRS registration valid?
   Typically two years, after which it can be renewed.
5. Do I need a separate registration for each model?
   Often yes, though similar models may sometimes be grouped as a series. The testing lab and BIS guidelines decide this.
6. Can I import samples without registration?
   There are limited provisions for samples used for R&D, testing or demonstration, but they have conditions. It’s best to confirm before shipping.
7. What happens if I sell without BIS registration?
   You may face fines, legal action, seizure of goods and removal of listings from online marketplaces.
8. Is CRS the same as ISI certification?
   No. Both are BIS schemes, but CRS covers specific electronics and IT products and works differently from the BIS ISI Certification process.

Source:- https://mtctecertification.substack.com/p/bis-crs-registration-what-every-manufacturer?r=88nagq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true