CRS Registration Guide

Foreign manufacturers exporting electrical and IT products to India must ensure their products meet BIS regulatory standards under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Products covered under CRS require a valid BIS Registration Certificate before import, distribution or sale in India.

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BIS Registration for Foreign Manufacturers – Complete CRS Registration Guide (2026)

Foreign manufacturers that want to export electrical and information technology products to India need to ensure that their products meet the regulatory standards under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The products included under the CRS plan require a valid BIS Registration Certificate before they are imported, distributed or sold in the Indian market.

India is one of the fastest growing consumer marketplaces in the world for electrical devices. For global manufacturers wanting to tap this market, regulatory compliance is an important step. Whether you manufacture Mobile Phones, Laptops, LED Lighting Products, Power Banks, CCTV Cameras, Printers, Batteries, Televisions, or any other notified electronic device, BIS Certificate is a crucial requirement to access the Indian market legally.

Apart from the Indian manufacturers, the overseas manufacturers are also required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), if they do not have a registered office in India. During the period of the registration procedure and the validity of the registration, the AIR serves as the official liaison between the foreign producer and the Bureau of Indian Standards.

This exhaustive guide will cover all the necessary information for foreign manufacturers regarding BIS Registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, including eligibility criteria, the role of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), products covered, required documents, laboratory testing, the registration process, timelines, renewal, post-registration compliance and continuing regulatory duties.

What is BIS Registration for Foreign Manufacturers?

BIS Registration is a product certification offered by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for certain electronic and information technology devices.

The registration is a proof that the product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard and has successfully undergone the tests carried out by a BIS-accredited laboratory.
BIS CRS Registration is the legal permission to export and sell notified electronic devices in India for foreign manufacturers. Products covered under CRS program cannot be imported or placed on the Indian Market without a valid registration.

The registration process is similar to that for manufacturers in India, but for foreign applicants there are additional requirements relating to identification of the manufacturer, international documentation, appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and continued interaction with BIS.

What Is the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)?

The Government of India has created the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) to ensure that electronic and IT goods marketed in the country conform to stipulated safety and quality criteria. Under this plan the manufacturers are obliged to get their products tested against the applicable Indian Standard before filing for registration. Once the application and supporting documentation are verified by BIS, it issues a Registration Certificate which permits the manufacturer to use the required Standard Mark along with the Registration Number.

The CRS scheme currently covers a broad range of electronic products, including:

Mobile Phones

Laptops & Tablets

Smart Watches

LED Lamps

LED Drivers

Power Banks

UPS Systems

Television Sets

CCTV Cameras

Printers & Scanners

AV Equipment

Batteries

Power Adaptors

Wireless Devices

+ More MeitY Notified

Foreign firms must check routinely if their products are included in the obligatory registration list as the Government from time to time adds to the CRS product list through notifications and Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

Why Do Foreign Manufacturers Need CRS Registration?

Foreign manufacturers exporting notified products to India are required to obtain BIS CRS to comply with the Indian regulatory requirements.

Allows the legal import and sale of notified products in India
Establishes compliance with the relevant Indian Standards
Improves trust among Indian importers, distributors and consumers
A valid BIS Licence reduces the risk of customs clearance issues due to non-compliance
Supports long-term growth and success in the market
Builds brand credibility by adhering to accepted safety standards
Helps manufacturers meet procurement and distribution requirements in India

Notified products could be restricted from import, face regulatory action, or be denied market access if they do not have CRS Registration.

Who Can Apply for BIS Registration?

Only the actual foreign manufacturer of the product is eligible to apply for BIS Registration under the CRS scheme.

Eligible Applicants

Generally Not Eligible

(unless also the actual manufacturer)

The registration is accorded to the place of manufacture where the product is produced. If manufacturing is done at more than one factory in different countries or different manufacturing sites, usually separate registrations are required for each manufacturing site.

Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

An important requirement for foreign manufacturers is the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). Where the foreign manufacturer does not have a liaison office, branch office or registered business establishment in India, a nominated AIR shall represent the manufacturer before BIS.

The Authorized Indian Representative shall be responsible for:

Submitting and coordinating the BIS application
Acting as the official channel of communication with BIS
Responding to technical or regulatory questions
Regulatory correspondence maintenance
Assisting with post-registration compliance
Assisting in renewal and amendment applications where required

Compliance Coordination

Your legally authorized channel bridging communication between foreign manufacturing plants and the Bureau of Indian Standards.

The representative is a key player throughout the registration lifecycle, so choosing an experienced and reliable AIR is an important step.

Eligibility Criteria for BIS CRS Registration

Foreign manufacturers seeking BIS Registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) must fulfill strictly defined compliance parameters set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Because registration is location-specific, applicants must definitively prove that products manufactured at their facility adhere completely to Indian Quality Standards.

01 ➜ Real Manufacturer Requirement

Only the actual manufacturer of the product is granted the BIS Licence. The manufacturing facility abroad must maintain robust production infrastructure, highly skilled technical know-how, and strict quality control systems. Eligible applicants must be:

⚠️ Ineligible Entities: Importers, third-party distributors, retailers, standalone traders, and marketing brands without direct factory ownership are fundamentally ineligible to hold a BIS Licence.

02 ➜ CRS Scheme Coverage Verification

Only specific hardware, electronics, and smart products officially notified by government ministries (like MeitY) are covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Registration is strictly standard-specific. Manufacturers must prioritize:

03 ➜ Authorized Indian Representative Appointment

Overseas manufacturers operating without an active legal presence in India are legally mandated to formally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The designated AIR serves as the official operational liaison before the Bureau of Indian Standards, carrying complete accountability for regulatory declarations, structural submissions, and subsequent audit communications. The AIR appointment must be legally finalized and signed prior to the submission of any online BIS filings.

04 ➜ Mandatory Laboratory Testing

Prior to formally submitting your registration dossier, random product samples must successfully undergo performance and safety evaluations inside a BIS-approved laboratory situated in India. The laboratory will construct a highly detailed Test Report confirming exact compliance with applicable Indian safety standards. Because BIS licenses cannot be processed without this, valid sample reports must be finalized within the designated regulatory timelines.

05 ➜ Fully Operational Factory Assessment

The manufacturing location must be fully operational and actively producing the specified products when the audit or verification checks occur. BIS requires precise internal standard tracking, documentation, and tooling. Key structural factors verified include:

Physical Address of the Manufacturing Plant
Specific Units of Production Setup
Complete End-to-End Manufacturing Process Flow
Quality Checking Protocols & Calibration Reports
Maximum Unit Production Capacity Metrics
List of Testing Equipment Available Onsite

COMPLIANCE & REGISTRATION PATHWAY

CRS BIS Registration Process

A step-by-step compliance guide for foreign manufacturers seeking certification under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.

STEP 01

Check Relevant Indian Standard

The first step is to verify whether the product comes under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, then find the relevant Indian Standard (IS). Each notified product is linked to a particular Indian Standard specifying its safety and performance requirements.

STEP 02

Designate an AIR

Foreign manufacturers shall, before starting the application, appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) if required. The AIR is the single point of contact between the manufacturer and BIS during registration and throughout its validity.

STEP 03

Prepare Technical & Legal Docs

The manufacturer prepares all necessary technical and legal documents relating to the manufacturing facility, products, trademark ownership, and AIR authorization, ensuring flawless alignment with Indian requirements.

STEP 04

Product Testing in BIS Lab

Products for which registration applies are sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory in India for testing against the relevant Indian Standard to secure an official Test Report.

STEP 05

BIS Application Submission

Once testing is completed, the formal application is submitted through the online BIS portal with all supporting data:

STEP 06

Application Review by BIS

BIS authority strictly reviews files and verifies the details. If clarifications are needed, they request them before certification:

STEP 07

Grant of Registration

Upon satisfaction, BIS issues the CRS certificate. The manufacturer is authorized to apply the BIS Standard Mark and allotted Registration Number on products. Goods can now legally enter, sell, and market in India.

Documents Required for CRS Licence for Foreign Manufacturers

The documentation requirements for foreign manufacturers are more extensive than those for domestic manufacturers because BIS must verify the legal status of the overseas company, the manufacturing facility, and the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to ensure complete compliance and accountability.

Company Documents

Manufacturing Facility Documents

Factory Layout
Manufacturing Process Flow Chart
Production Line Details
Manufacturing Equipment List
Quality Control Facilities
Production Capacity Details

Product Documents

Product Specification Sheet
Product Catalogue
User Manual
Product Photographs
Product Labels
Circuit Diagram (where applicable)
PCB Layout
Critical Component List
Bill of Materials (if applicable)

Laboratory Documents

Trademark Documents

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Documents

How Long Does BIS Registration Take?

If you have already tested your product and want to use the earlier test results for BIS CRS Certification, the test reports should not be older than 90 days from the date of receipt of the online application. If you want to submit an extra test report of a brand whose product has been tested and accepted by BIS earlier, that report should also not be older than 90 days from the date of application. If all documentation provided is in order, BIS will proceed with the CRS registration; only separate samples are acquired during the surveillance procedure.

If all documentation and test results submitted are in order, a BIS CRS Licence will be awarded within 20 working days. If the documentation and conformity are not sufficient in the first instance and the deficiency is not corrected within 30 days, the BIS officer will issue a rejection letter.

How Foreign Manufacturers Can Shorten Delays

Identifying the appropriate Indian Standard at the beginning.
Preparing documentation prior to testing.
Keeping on an experienced Authorized Indian Representative.
Confirming product samples are fully compliant prior to laboratory testing.
Responding promptly to BIS inquiries.

A well-prepared application usually moves more smoothly through the approval process than one that requires repeated clarifications.

Product Testing Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers

Before a foreign manufacturer can get a CRS Certificate under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), the product must pass testing in a BIS-recognized laboratory for compliance with the applicable Indian Standard. Product testing is one of the most critical stages of the registration process — the laboratory's test report is used by BIS to evaluate the product's compliance with the stipulated safety and performance requirements.

Testing may include, subject to product category and applicable Indian Standard:

Electrical Safety Tests

Insulation Resistance Tests

Leakage Current Tests

Temperature Rise Tests

Mechanical Strength Tests

Fire Hazard Tests

Functional Performance Tests

Marking and Label Verification

Environmental Tests

Protection Against Electric Shock

Critical Component Verification

The product to be tested shall be the same as the product to be exported and marketed in India. If there are any major changes to the design, construction, safety-critical components, or technical specifications following testing, further assessment or other compliance actions may be needed. Manufacturers are recommended to finalise the product design before the testing process is started.

BIS Registration Fees for Foreign Manufacturers

A minimum 2-year registration fee and processing fee is required. The stated amount is for one test report. An additional test report will be charged an additional processing fee of Rs. 20,000 for the New Application and Inclusion routes.

The cost of a CRS Licence for electronic items depends on: Place of Manufacture (domestic/abroad) • Type of Product and Quantity of Models • Applicable government fee and service cost.

Fee Type New Application Renewal Fee Inclusion Fee

Application Fee INR 1,000 INR 1,000 –

Processing Fee INR 25,000 × 2 = 50,000 25,000 × 2 = 50,000 15,000 × 2 = 30,000

Registration Fee INR 1,000 × 2 = 2,000 INR 1,000 × 2 = 2,000 –

Total INR 53,000 INR 53,000 INR 30,000

* Fees are indicative and subject to change as per applicable BIS/government notifications; additional test reports attract an extra processing fee of Rs. 20,000 for New Application and Inclusion.

Responsibilities of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

The key person responsible for ensuring compliance throughout the lifecycle of the BIS Registration is the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

The AIR may be responsible, depending on the applicable BIS requirements, for:

Acting as the official contact point with BIS.
Communication between BIS and the manufacturer.
Filing applications, amendments or renewal requests.
Answering technical and regulatory questions.
Maintaining records in respect of the registration.
Ensuring compliance post-registration.
Assisting with regulatory inspections or verification activities as required.

END-TO-END CRS BIS CONSULTANCY

Why Choose Kar Parivartan?

For a foreign manufacturer, the BIS Registration process requires technical expertise, regulatory know-how, and smooth coordination between all stakeholders — BIS, testing laboratories, logistics partners, and the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). Kar Parivartan provides seamless, end-to-end compliance management under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.

Product applicability assessment.
Identification of the applicable Indian Standard
Appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and also provide AIR Services.
Preparation of all the documents
LAB Coordination
Prepare and file the BIS application
Resolve queries raised by BIS
Post-registration compliance

CRS Registration Guide FAQ

Get authoritative answers to your questions about the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for electronics and IT products in India.

Can a foreign manufacturer apply for BIS Registration?

Yes. Foreign manufacturers of electronic and IT products can register their products with BIS to export and sell them in India.

Must I register with BIS before I can export products to India?

If your product is on the mandatory CRS product list, you need BIS Registration before importing, distributing or selling the product in the Indian market.

What is an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?

An AIR is an individual or organization appointed to act as a representative of a foreign manufacturer before the Bureau of Indian Standards. The AIR is the official contact point for application submission, regulatory communication and post-registration compliance.

Is AIR appointment mandatory?

Where the foreign manufacturer does not have a registered office, branch office or liaison office in India, appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative is generally mandatory under the CRS scheme.

Who can act as an Authorized Indian Representative?

The AIR could be the Indian subsidiary of the manufacturer, a liaison office, branch office, importer, or any other eligible entity authorized by the manufacturer, depending on the applicable BIS guidelines.

Can one AIR represent several foreign manufacturers?

An AIR may be authorised to represent multiple manufacturers if the applicable BIS conditions and authorization requirements are satisfied.

Can one AIR register multiple products?

Yes. BIS requirements provide that one Authorized Indian Representative can file several registration applications for the same manufacturer.

Does the AIR hold the BIS Registration?

No. The foreign manufacturer is issued the BIS Registration Certificate; the AIR represents only the manufacturer before BIS.

What products require BIS Registration?

BIS Registration is mandatory for products notified under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, such as Mobile Phones, Laptops, Televisions, LED Lighting Products, Power Banks, Batteries, UPS Systems, CCTV Cameras, Printers, Scanners and other notified electronic products.

Can I export products to India without BIS Registration?

No. If a product needs BIS Registration, exporting or selling it in the Indian market without registration could lead to regulatory action, customs issues, or restrictions on sale.

Is product testing mandatory?

Yes. Products must be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory against the applicable Indian Standard before the registration application is submitted.

Are test reports from foreign laboratories acceptable?

Generally, BIS requires that testing be done in BIS-recognized laboratories as per the applicable requirements.

Is factory inspection necessary?

The CRS registration process is mainly based on product testing and document verification. However, BIS may verify or request additional information whenever it considers it necessary under applicable regulations.

Does one registration cover more than one factory?

No. BIS Registration is issued for a particular manufacturing site; separate manufacturing facilities generally need separate registrations.

What if production is outsourced to another factory?

Changing where the product is manufactured can have regulatory implications. Before moving manufacturing, manufacturers should seek guidance from BIS on the applicable compliance requirements.

Still have questions? Talk to our BIS/CRS compliance experts →