CRS Certificate for Electronic Products: Registration, Process, and Cost Guide

• CRS Certification is mandatory for electronic and IT products notified under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme.
• Businesses must get BIS CRS Registration Consumer Protection before manufacturing, importing, or selling electronic goods in India.
• All CRS products must be tested in a BIS-recognised laboratory before applying for certification.
• BIS CRS Registration is required for manufacturing, importing, and selling electronics in India.
• Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) to apply for CRS.

Introduction

Launching electronic and IT products in India? Your essential first step is securing CRS Certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification is mandatory for key product categories like LED lighting, power banks, adapters, and smart devices under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Many businesses face costly issues—from customs delays and marketplace rejections to heavy compliance notices—simply because they lack clear guidance on the CRS process and the specific BIS standards that apply to their product.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We provide a straightforward, realistic view of CRS Certification: what it is, why it's legally required, and how it ensures your electronics are safe and high-quality for the Indian consumer. By following these clear instructions on BIS requirements, manufacturers, importers, and private label brands can plan their compliance correctly, avoid expensive mistakes, and guarantee a faster, smoother product launch.

What Is CRS Certification?

CRS Certification is a term that indicates the necessity of compliance under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), which has been introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for electronic and IT products that are sold in India.

The CRS Full Form is: Compulsory Registration Scheme

Under this scheme, particular electronic products such as laptops, LED lights, power banks, adapters, capacitors, and several IT accessories must be tested in a BIS-recognised laboratory and registered with BIS before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

CRS Certification guarantees that electronic goods are in accordance with the Indian safety standards, that the hazards due to electricity are reduced, and that the goods are performing reliably when used by consumers.

Key Points About CRS Certification

• It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• It is mandatory for all products listed under the CRS Product List.
• Both Indian and foreign manufacturers must obtain CRS Registration.
• Testing must be done only in BIS-recognised laboratories.
• Products must display the BIS CRS Registration Number on packaging and product labels

Why does CRS Certification Exist?

CRS was created to ensure that electronic products available in the Indian market follow strict electrical safety norms.

Its main purpose is to protect consumers from:

• Electrical Shocks
• Overheating or Fire Risks
• Product Malfunctions
• Substandard Electronics

By enforcing compulsory registration, the Indian government aims to create a market where only tested, safe, and compliant products are allowed to reach customers.

CRS Mandatory Products List and Covered Categories

CRS Certification applies to products in categories like:

• Information Technology equipment
• Audio/video devices
• Electronic components
• LED and lighting products
• Power supply units
• Smart and connected devices

Scope Of BIS-CRS Registration

BIS was brought to provide safety to the customer when they purchase products from any manufacturer. The scope of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is quite vast and include the following.

• Standardization BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) when was introduced developed and published various standards for products, processes to ensure the quality, safety check for the product they manufacture so that the customer must be provided with a good quality product.
• Promotion BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) promote the use of standards in various industries, government agencies. This helps the companies to maintain a quality of a product they are selling, thus help in reducing the risk of fraud.
• Customer Protection BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) plays a very crucial role in safeguarding the interest of the consumer by making sure that products that are present in the market for sale must meet the required quality and safety standards.
• Research And Development BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) engages in research and development activities so that they continue to update and improve the standards that are present and all the technical advancements and be updated to the emerging trends.

Each product category is linked to a specific BIS Standard (IS Number) that defines its required safety parameters.

Who Needs CRS Certification?

CRS applies to:

• Indian manufacturers
• Foreign manufacturers
• Importers
• Private label brands
• OEM/ODM suppliers
• Marketplace sellers (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)

Any business dealing with CRS-notified goods must complete CRS Registration before the product enters the supply chain.

Why are CRS Certification Important for Electronic Products?

CRS Certification is essential because it ensures that electronic products meet BIS safety and quality standards before reaching users. Electronic items are sensitive to power surges, heat, and electrical variations therefore, testing under the Compulsory Registration Scheme helps prevent risks and ensures reliable performance.

Key Reasons CRS Is Important

• Safety Assurance:Protects users from electrical hazards like fire, shock, or overheating.
• Standardised Quality: Keeps unsafe, low-grade electronics out of the market.
• Market Acceptance: Required by online platforms and major distributors.
• Legal Compliance: Mandatory for all products listed under CRS.
• Import Clearance: Customs releases shipments only with a valid BIS CRS Registration.
• Consumer Trust: BIS markings show the product is tested and certified.
• Lower Failure Rate: CRS testing reduces defects, returns, and performance issues.

BIS Standards Connected with CRS Certification

Frequently Applied Standards

• IS 13252 – IT and office equipment
• IS 616 – Audio/video electronics
• IS 10322 – Lighting equipment
• IS 17012 – Resistors
• IS 2993 – Capacitors

Why Do Standards Matter?

• Testing strictly follows the IS Standard
• BIS auditor checks compliance line-by-line
• Packaging must mention the same standard

BIS Marking Guidelines for CRS Products

BIS requires every CRS-registered electronic product to follow strict marking rules. These markings help authorities, buyers, and marketplaces verify that the product is compliant and tested as per Indian standard.

Mandatory BIS R-Number Marking Requirements

• The product must display the BIS CRS Registration Number (R-XXXXX), often referred to as the R-Number.
• The Brand Name and Model Number must match exactly with the BIS certificate.
• The relevant Indian Standard (IS Number) must be printed on the product or packaging.
• Marking must be clear, readable, and permanent on the body or nameplate label.
• Packaging must carry the BIS logo in the correct format prescribed by BIS.
• No misleading or modified BIS logos are allowed.
• If the product is too small (e.g., a small capacitor), marking must be printed on the packaging or accompanying documents.

Required Documentation for CRS Application

Collecting the correct paperwork is crucial for a smooth BIS filing. We ensure all documents meet the precise requirements before submission:

• IS 13252 – IT and office equipment
• Factory/Unit Registration Proof: Official copy of the business or manufacturing license.
• Manufacturer's ISO 9001 Quality Certificate: Proof of the factory's established Quality Management System.
• Detailed Product Technical Datasheet (TDS): Comprehensive technical specifications of the electronic product.
• Circuit Diagram / PCB Layout Schematics: Technical drawings showing the internal electronic design (if applicable).
• Comprehensive Model/Variant Declaration List: A clear list classifying all models to be covered under the certificate.
• Official BIS-Approved Laboratory Test Report: The mandatory test results from a recognized lab, valid for 90 days.
• Brand Ownership Proof (Trademark Certificate): Legal proof of ownership for the brand name used on the product.
• Manufacturer/AIR Authorization Letter (PoA): The Power of Attorney authorizing the Indian representative to file on behalf of a foreign factory.

CRS Certification Step-by-Step Process

5-Step CRS Certification Process

The CRS process is straightforward when managed correctly. Here is the clear path to approval:

• Step 1: Standard Identification and Scope Every product must be mapped to the correct mandatory Indian Standard (IS Number). We define the exact scope, identify applicable standards (e.g., IS 13252 or IS 10322), and confirm model grouping rules.
• Step 2: BIS-Recognized Product Testing The product is physically tested in a BIS-approved laboratory. This stage confirms compliance with all mandatory safety parameters, including thermal stability, electrical strength, material quality, and stress performance.
• Step 3: Document Compilation and Application Filing We prepare the required technical and legal documentation (as listed above). The application is then filed on the official BIS online portal, ensuring all factory details, model data, and the lab test report are accurately uploaded.
• Step 4: BIS Review and Compliance Audit The BIS officials conduct a thorough examination of the test report, documentation, brand ownership, and factory classification. Successful review leads to the grant of the registration number.
• Step 5: Official CRS Registration and Product Marking Upon approval, BIS issues the CRS Registration Number (R-XXXXX). The final, mandatory step is correctly marking the product and packaging with the BIS logo, the R-Number, and the IS Standard number before market release.

Eligibility for CRS Certification: BIS Registration for Importers and Manufacturers

Partnering with Silvereye Certifications: Expert Management for BIS CRS Success

Silvereye Certifications transforms the often-complex CRS Certification journey into a seamless compliance process. We utilize our deep technical expertise to manage all testing and documentation requirements end-to-end, ensuring manufacturers and importers achieve market entry quickly and minimize regulatory risk.

Conclusion

The BIS CRS certification requirements are a must for every manufacturer, importer, and private label brand associated with the production and selling of electronics. Such products may include LED drivers, power banks, capacitors, resistors, or IT items. CRS provides safety, acceptance in the market, and legal compliance.

Silvereye Certifications tackles all the aspects—from testing to BIS filing and query handling to packaging compliance and renewals.

In case your company is going to introduce a new electronic product or is working on customs/BIS issues, our compliance professionals will assist you through the entire process.