Electronics · QCO 2026

BIS Certification for Digital Television Receivers (Satellite) in India: Complete Compliance Guide

DTH set-top boxes and satellite receivers require mandatory BIS ISI certification under IS 18112:2022 from 26 July 2026 before import or sale in India.

Published: May 2026 Reading Time: 8 min Category: Product Compliance / Consumer Electronics

Digital Television Receivers for Satellite Broadcast Transmission — including DTH set-top boxes, integrated satellite receivers, and hybrid OTT-satellite units — are subject to mandatory BIS ISI certification under IS 18112:2022. From 26 July 2026, no such product may be imported or sold in India without a valid BIS licence. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act 2016.

This guide covers the applicable standard, safety and performance requirements, the certification process, and key compliance considerations for manufacturers and importers.

📜 Applicable Indian Standards

📌 India has over 70 million DTH subscribers. IS 18112:2022 covers both electrical safety (power supply, leakage current, insulation) and performance (signal sensitivity, demodulation, HDMI output quality) — ensuring products reliably and safely serve India's broadcast environment.

🔬 Mandatory Requirements Under IS 18112:2022

Electrical Safety

SMPS insulation resistance, dielectric strength, leakage current limits, earth continuity (Class I units), and protection against overloading and short-circuit.

RF Performance

Satellite signal reception sensitivity (C-band and Ku-band), demodulation of DVB-S and DVB-S2 streams, channel switching time, and EPG functionality.

EMC Requirements

Conducted and radiated emission limits, ESD immunity, electrical fast transient (EFT/Burst) immunity per applicable IS/CISPR limits.

AV Output Quality

HDMI output signal integrity, composite AV output levels, and audio output conformance for both SD and HD content.

📋 Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process

  1. Model ClassificationConfirm whether the receiver is a standard STB, integrated TV-tuner, or hybrid OTT-satellite unit, as each may have distinct scope treatment under IS 18112:2022.
  2. Appoint AIR (for foreign manufacturers)Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative before filing the BIS application.
  3. Sample TestingSubmit representative units to a BIS-recognised laboratory for safety and performance testing. Typical testing time: 5–7 weeks.
  4. Online ApplicationSubmit application, test report, factory documents, trademark certificate, and AIR letter on BIS Manak Online portal (manak.bis.gov.in).
  5. Factory InspectionBIS officers inspect the manufacturing facility for quality systems, production process, and in-house testing capability.
  6. Licence Grant & MarkingBIS issues the ISI Mark licence. Apply the ISI Mark to the product body, packaging, and user manual.

📄 Documents Required

26 JulQCO Enforcement
5–7 wksLab Testing Time
70M+India DTH Subscribers
Hybrid STB Alert: Hybrid satellite/OTT units (combining DVB-S2 tuner with Android/streaming functionality) must be assessed for scope under IS 18112:2022. If the device also has significant computing or networking functions, additional standards may apply. Confirm scope with your certification consultant before submitting for testing.

Common Rejection Reasons

Common rejection causes include SMPS insulation or leakage current failures due to low-cost power supply designs, DVB-S2 sensitivity below the IS 18112:2022 minimum threshold at marginal signal levels, HDMI output signal levels outside permitted range, and EMC emission failures from inadequate PCB shielding on the LNB power supply circuit.

🏭 Special Considerations for Importers

Satellite receivers are imported in large volumes for India's DTH operators, FTTH service providers, and open-market retail. Each model variant (SD, HD, 4K) requires individual BIS ISI certification. Importers must hold valid BIS documentation for each model SKU before customs clearance.

Get BIS Certified — We Handle Everything

Global Approbation manages end-to-end BIS ISI / CRS registration for Digital Television Receivers for Satellite Broadcast Transmission — from lab testing to licence grant. Enforcement begins 26 July 2026.

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