The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is mandatory for over 85 categories of electronics and IT products sold or imported into India. Without a valid BIS CRS registration number (R-number) printed on the product and its packaging, your goods cannot clear Indian customs — and if they do slip through, BIS enforcement can seize them in the market.
This guide walks you through the entire process in plain language, so you know exactly what to do, what to prepare, and what pitfalls to avoid.
📋 Before You Begin: Check If Your Product Needs CRS
The first step is confirming your product falls under the Electronics & IT Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order (and its amendments). Common covered categories include LED lamps, laptops, tablets, mobile chargers, set-top boxes, CCTV systems, power banks, solar inverters, and many more. Always check the latest BIS notification as new products are periodically added.
📌 BIS CRS does NOT require a factory inspection. It is a self-declaration scheme — meaning you test your product at a recognised lab, declare conformity, and apply online. This makes it faster and less expensive than the ISI scheme.
🔎 Step 1 — Identify the Applicable Indian Standard (IS)
Each product category under CRS has a specific Indian Standard (IS) it must comply with. For example, LED lamps must comply with IS 16102, while power adapters for IT equipment must comply with IS 13252. The BIS Manak Online portal lists the applicable IS for each product category. Getting this wrong means invalid test reports and rejection of your application.
🧪 Step 2 — Get the Product Tested at a BIS-Recognised Lab
Testing must be done at a NABL-accredited laboratory recognised by BIS for the specific IS standard. BIS maintains a list of recognised test labs on its portal. Key points to note:
- Submit samples that represent the exact production model being registered
- Testing timelines vary: typically 2–6 weeks depending on the lab and product complexity
- Test reports are valid for a limited period — BIS will reject reports older than 90 days at the time of application
- All test parameters specified in the IS must be covered — partial test reports are rejected
📁 Step 3 — Prepare Your Documentation
Before logging into the BIS portal, gather all required documents:
- Valid Test Report from BIS-recognised lab (not older than 90 days)
- Declaration of Conformity signed by the manufacturer
- Product details form — model number, technical specs, manufacturing details
- Manufacturer's identity proof — business registration, GST, address proof
- Authorisation letter — if an Indian agent is applying on behalf of a foreign manufacturer
- Label/marking sample showing where the BIS R-number will appear on the product
- Schematic/circuit diagram for certain product categories
💻 Step 4 — Apply on the BIS Manak Online Portal
- Create an AccountRegister on the BIS Manak Online portal at www.manakonline.in as a manufacturer or authorised representative.
- Select Product Category & IS StandardNavigate to the CRS section, select your product category and the applicable Indian Standard.
- Fill the Application FormEnter all product details — model name, variant, technical specifications, manufacturing location, and contact details.
- Upload DocumentsUpload the test report, declaration of conformity, and all supporting documents in PDF format.
- Pay the Application FeePay the BIS registration fee online. Fees vary by product category — typically in the range of ₹1,000–₹10,000.
- Submit ApplicationSubmit the complete application for BIS review.
⏱️ Step 5 — BIS Review & Grant of R-Number
BIS typically reviews applications within 30–60 working days. During this period, BIS may raise queries or deficiencies — your consultant or authorised representative must respond promptly. Once approved, BIS issues the Registration Certificate with a unique R-number (format: R-XXXXXXXX/2024).
🏷️ Step 6 — Mark the R-Number on Your Product
Once certified, every unit and its packaging must display the BIS logo along with the R-number. The marking must be permanent, legible, and placed in a visible location. BIS has specific size and placement guidelines — non-compliant marking can result in market withdrawal notices even after certification.
🔁 Step 7 — Renewal Before Expiry
BIS CRS certificates are valid for 2 years (or until the IS standard is significantly revised). You must renew before expiry, which may require fresh testing if the standard has been updated. BIS provides an online renewal pathway through the Manak Online portal.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting test reports from labs not recognised by BIS for the specific IS standard
- Applying for a model that differs from the one actually tested (even minor component changes can invalidate the certificate)
- Ignoring BIS query responses — delays beyond 30 days can lead to application abandonment
- Printing the R-number before the certificate is issued (premature marking is a violation)
- Allowing the certificate to expire before renewal — importing with an expired certificate is treated as uncertified
Get Your BIS CRS Registration Done Right
Global Approbation handles the entire CRS process — lab selection, documentation, portal submission, and deficiency responses — so you receive your R-number without delays.
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