CRS Certification for Electronic
Explore why Obtaining BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme).
Certification is required for electronic and IT products sold in India.
Find out more about the value of certification regulation CRS, registration process, eligible products, required documentation, validity period, renewal process and how Diligence Certification can help you on your compliance journey.
Introduction
India has a fast-growing electronics market that presents numerous opportunities, but it is important to understand and comply with the regulatory framework. One requirement, that must be considered, and cannot be negotiated, is the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The CRS requires certain electronic and IT products to be tested and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to be eligible for manufacture, import, sale or distribution in India.
If you were exporting laptops or Bluetooth speakers to India. Without CRS certification, your shipment may be detained at customs, refused by e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, or barred from retail distribution. This blog dives into what CRS is, who needs it, which products it covers, how to obtain it, and why partnering with experts such as Diligence Certifications can simplify the entire process especially in an evolving regulatory environment of 2025.
What Is CRS Certification?
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is a certification under the BIS that is operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced in 2012, which ensures that certain electronics and IT products comply with relevant Indian safety and quality standards before they are marketed.
How It Works:
Product testing in BIS-accredited labs.
Online application submission.
Receipt of a Registration Number (R-number).
Mandatory BIS CRS marking on certified products.
Product testing in BIS-accredited labs.
Online application submission.
Receipt of a Registration Number (R-number).
Mandatory BIS CRS marking on certified products.
Who Must Apply?
● Domestic Manufacturers
Indian manufacturers of notified products can apply directly to BIS.
● Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign entities must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) a legally registered Indian entity authorized to act on their behalf for CRS applications.
In both cases, only the actual manufacturer not distributors or traders is eligible to apply.
Products Requiring CRS Certification?
CRS covers more than 70–76 categories of products, including but not limited to:
Mobile phones, power banks, LED TVs, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, laptop adapters, microwave ovens.
Components like SMPS, chargers, battery packs and accessories also require separate certification.
Additional listings: CCTV cameras, USB devices, smart meters, set-top boxes, LED lighting, PV modules, and more.
It's worth noting that CRS classifications and product lists are periodically updated under MeitY notifications—manufacturers must stay current.
Why CRS Certification Matters?
Legal Compliance:- Without CRS, no electronics can legally be imported, sold, or marketed in India. Customs can detain uncertified, e-commerce platforms will refuse to list the items, and if products were sold, can be legally stopped from sale too.
Safety & Reliability:- CRS guarantees that products meet Indian standards for both safety and safety performance, that's there to protect consumers and reduce the risk of hazardous products.
Consumer Trust:- The BIS mark is widely regarded by Indian consumers as a mark of quality and safety so certification will greatly increase credibility.
5. Step-by-Step CRS Certification Process
Identify Product:- Confirm if your product is listed under CRS notifications and identify the relevant Indian Standard (IS) number.
Product Testing:- Send samples to a BIS-accredited lab in India for testing against appropriate IS standards.
Prepare Documents
Key documents include:
Manufacturer business license
Trademark certificate or brand proof
Test reports
For Indian firms: MSME certificate, PAN, GST of AIR (if applicable)
For foreign firms: documents of AIR and their authorization.
Submit Application:- Apply via the BIS CRS online portal, submitting test reports and documents.
BIS Review:- BIS scrutinizes applications and may conduct audits or inspections if required.
Receive Certificate:- On approval, BIS issues a registration certificate with a unique number and grants permission for the CRS mark.
Identify Product:- Confirm if your product is listed under CRS notifications and identify the relevant Indian Standard (IS) number.
Product Testing:- Send samples to a BIS-accredited lab in India for testing against appropriate IS standards.
Prepare Documents
Key documents include:
Manufacturer business license
Trademark certificate or brand proof
Test reports
For Indian firms: MSME certificate, PAN, GST of AIR (if applicable)
For foreign firms: documents of AIR and their authorization.
Submit Application:- Apply via the BIS CRS online portal, submitting test reports and documents.
BIS Review:- BIS scrutinizes applications and may conduct audits or inspections if required.
Receive Certificate:- On approval, BIS issues a registration certificate with a unique number and grants permission for the CRS mark.
Validity & Renewal
The initial validity is 2 years.
You must apply for renewal at least 30 days prior to expiry.
Renewals are possible for up to 5 years, provided product design or standards remain unchanged often no retesting is required.
The initial validity is 2 years.
You must apply for renewal at least 30 days prior to expiry.
Renewals are possible for up to 5 years, provided product design or standards remain unchanged often no retesting is required.
Recent Updates (as of 2025)
QR Code Labeling: BIS is introducing QR-based product marking for easier verification and transparency; adoption may be gradual across product categories.
E-Waste & RoHS Integration: CRS now encourages compliance with e-waste management and RoHS rules, particularly for phones and batteries anticipated to become a linked requirement in future evaluations.
QR Code Labeling: BIS is introducing QR-based product marking for easier verification and transparency; adoption may be gradual across product categories.
E-Waste & RoHS Integration: CRS now encourages compliance with e-waste management and RoHS rules, particularly for phones and batteries anticipated to become a linked requirement in future evaluations.
Role of Diligence Certifications
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