In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ensures quality and safety standards for every product. In electronic products, obtaining BIS certification is not only regulatory but also a mark that enhances consumer trust. 

Understanding BIS Certification

Bureau of Indian Standards, also known as BIS, is India's national standards body. It formulates and implements standards for various products and services. The BIS certification process ensures that the products conform to the set standards, safeguarding consumer interests and promoting fair trade practices.

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Importance of BIS Certification for Electronic Products

• Legal Compulsion: Even for most electronic products, BIS certification is compulsorily required under the CRS. Without it, a manufacturer cannot lawfully sell his products within India.
• Consumer Safety: BIS certification ensures that electronic products are safe for use and do not harbor any health hazards to consumers.
• Quality Assurance: Certification shows that the product possesses high-quality standards, making it more marketable.
• Access to Market: Most wholesalers and retailers do not accept electronic products on their shelves unless they carry the BIS certification. Therefore, it is compulsory for entry into the market.
• Conformity to International Standards: BIS certification is mainly on par with international standards. This makes exportation easy.

Read our Blog: What are the benefits of a BIS Certificate?

Types of BIS Certification Schemes

There are two main types of schemes under which electronic products may be certified by BIS:

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

• Application: This scheme specifically deals with electronics and IT products.
• Factory Audit: Unlike other schemes, CRS does not require a factory audit; it is based on self-declaration of conformity.
• Testing Requirement: Products must be tested in BIS-approved laboratories to ascertain whether they meet the required standards.

ISI Mark Scheme

• Scope: This scheme encompasses a wide range of products beyond electronics.
• Factory Audit: This scheme requires an audit of the manufacturing facility.
• Certification Process: Involves significant testing and compliance checks.

For most electronic products, the manufacturers will primarily interact with the CRS.

Read our Blog: BIS Certification for Electronic Clocks with Mains Power 

Eligibility Criteria for BIS Certification

For the CRS, the eligibility criteria for BIS certification will include the following:

1. Type of Entity: The applicant has to be a manufacturer or an importer of electronic goods.
2. Product Category: The product should come in one of the categories that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has classified under compulsory certification.
3. Standards Compliance: It must adhere to relevant Indian standards according to BIS standards.

What are the Products covered under Compulsory Certification ?

These are some of the electronic products covered by BIS for CRS: 

• Television sets
• Laptops, Tablets, and Notebooks
• Mobile Phones
• Microwave Ovens
• LED, LCD Monitors
• Electronic Video Games
• Printers and Plotters
• Power Adaptors for IT Equipment
• Electronic Clocks
• Amplifiers
• Automatic Data Processing Machine
• Music Systems
• Scanners
• Set Top Box
• Video Monitors
• Wireless Keyboard
• POS Terminals
• Power Banks
• Smart Card Reader
• LED Lights
• LED Modules
• Power Adapters
• LED Luminaires
• UPS, Inverters
• NiCad Batteries
• Li-ion Batteries
• CCTV Camera
• PV Module
• Induction Stove
• External Hard Disk
• Solid State Drive
• Rice Cooker
• Wireless Microphone
• Digital, Video Camera
• Web Cam
• Smart Speaker
• Bluetooth Speaker
• Bluetooth Headset, Earbuds

The whole list of documents is available on the official BIS website.

Documents Required for BIS Certification for Electronics Products 

For obtaining BIS certification for electronic products, various documents have to be ready by the manufacturer, these include:

• Application Form: An application form along with the details of the manufacturing unit and product specifications must be filled.
• Self-Declaration of Conformity: A declaration that says the product meets all its requirements.
• Test Reports: Reports from accredited laboratories that the samples of products under offer and supplied conform to the relevant standard.
• Proof of Manufacturing Unit Registration: Documentation of the fact that the manufacturing unit is registered with the concerned local authority.
• Details of Authorized Signatory: Information about the authorized signatory of documents issued by the company.
• Product Sample Details: Details of samples presented for testing.

Step-Wise Procedure to Get BIS Certification for Electronic Products 

Getting BIS certification necessitates a series of step-by-step procedures:

Registration on the BIS Portal

• Go to the [BIS website] (https://www.crsbis.in/).
• Register by filling in some basic details about your company.

Application Preparation and Submission

• Fill in the application form available on the portal.
• Attach test reports and self-declarations.
• Submit your application through the portal.

Sample Testing

• Send samples of your product to a BIS-approved laboratory for testing.
• Tests to be performed by all standards relevant in India.

 Application Review

• After the test, the officials of BIS will check your application along with test reports.
• At this stage, they can also ask for some more information or clarification.

Granting of License

• After ensuring that your application has all the requirements, you will get the Certificate of Registration (CRS).
• It entitles you to display the R number and BIS standard mark on the product pack.

Compliance Checking

After getting certified, manufacturers must continue to comply with BIS regulations as mentioned below:

• Periodical testing of products to check continued conformity with safety requirements.
• Maintaining documents in compliance with BIS standards.

Cost of BIS Certification

The cost of getting BIS certification depends upon various factors:

• Application fees: Usually, there are some minimal charges for application for certification.
• Testing fees: Laboratory test costs will vary based on the nature and number of tests done.
• Consultancy fees: If third-party consultants are hired to facilitate the application process, that too comes with a separate cost.

It is better to contact the official portal of BIS or consult experts to get accurate cost estimates.

Benefits of Achieving BIS Certification

• Improved Marketing: With the BIS mark on the product, the buyer is likely to accept that product in a retail environment in terms of perceived quality.
• Trust in Brand: The brand building helps with consumer confidence in product quality and Safety
• Avoid Litigation for Non-Compliance with Regulations
• International Exposure: This complies easily with Indian standards which then helps open access to foreign markets.

Common Challenges in Obtaining BIS Certification

While obtaining BIS certification is vital for market entry, several challenges may arise:

• Documentation Issues: Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can lead to delays or rejections in processing applications.
• Testing Delays: Laboratory testing can take time due to high demand or limited resources at testing facilities.
• Regulatory Changes: Manufacturers must stay updated on changes in regulations or requirements related to electronic products.

Tips for a Successful Application Process

• Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate before submission.
• Engage Experts if Necessary: Consider hiring consultants who specialize in regulatory compliance to streamline the process.
• Stay Informed about Standards: Regularly check updates from BIS regarding changes in product standards or requirements.

Conclusion

BIS certification for electronic products is necessary for manufacturers that want to gain credibility and ensure compliance with safety standards in India's competitive market landscape. For any detailed process about securing a BIS certification, if needed, one might further contact experts or those engaged in consulting firms catering in this area.

This would ensure that there remains a proper quality guarantee provided by manufacturers for the protection of consumer interests while bringing a much better reputation to the brand in an increasing concern of the quality market arena in India.