Comprehensive Overview of the Compulsory Registration Scheme

(CRS) in India

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), initiated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the authority of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), was launched to regulate the quality and safety of electronics and information technology products in India. This initiative ensures that products meet Indian Standards before they can be manufactured, sold, or imported into the Indian market. The scheme is pivotal in safeguarding consumer interests and promoting high-quality manufacturing standards.

Evolution of CRS Notifications

The CRS journey began with the notification of the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012, by MeitY, which was published in the Gazette of India on 3rd October 2012【35†source】. Over time, multiple phases have expanded the list of product categories covered under this scheme:

Phase I (3 October 2012) – [MeitY Notification]

Initially covered 15 categories of electronic items:
- Video Games Consoles
- Laptop/Notebook/Tablets
- Plasma/LCD/LED Televisions
- Optical Disc Players
- Microwave Ovens
- Visual Display Units
- Set-top Boxes
- Automatic Data Processing Machines
- Amplifiers with Input Power of 2000W and Above
- Electronic Musical Systems with Input Power 200W and Above
- Printers and Plotters
- Telephone Answering Machines
- Copying Machines/Duplicators
- Smart Card Readers
- Cash Registers

Phase II (7 November 2014) – [DEitY Notification]

Added 15 additional product categories to the compulsory registration list:
- Power Adaptors for IT Equipment
- Mobile Phones
- Barcode Scanners
- Digital Cameras
- Video Cameras
- Set-Top Boxes for Cable and Satellite
- Microwave Ovens (including Convection Microwave Ovens)
- Electronic Clocks with Mains Power Supply
- Wireless Keyboards
- Point of Sale Terminals
- Visual Display Units, Monitors of Size 32 inches and above
- Electronic Musical Instruments with Power Input Below 200W
- Scanners
- Cash Registers
- Copying Machines (Multifunction Printers including Copier, Printer, Scanner)

Phase III (17 August 2017) – [MeitY Notification]

13 new product categories were added under CRS:
- Recessed LED Luminaries
- LED Luminaires for Road and Street Lighting
- LED Flood Lights
- LED Hand Lamps
- LED Lighting Chains
- LED Emergency Luminaires
- UPS/Inverters of rating ≤ 10kVA
- Plasma, LCD, and LED TVs (up to 32”)
- Visual Display Units and Monitors (up to 32”)
- CCTV Cameras and Recorders
- Adapters for Household Electrical Appliances
- USB-Driven Barcode Readers, Iris Scanners, Optical Fingerprint Scanners
- Smart Watches

Phase IV (1 April 2020) – [MeitY Notification]

12 additional product categories introduced:
- Standalone LED Modules for General Lighting
- Lighting Chains (Rope Lights)
- Keyboard
- Induction Stove
- ATMs
- USB External Hard Disk Drives
- Wireless Headphones and Earphones
- USB External Solid-State Storage Devices (>256 GB)
- Electronic Musical System (<200W)
- Standalone SMPS (≤48V output)
- Non-Plasma/LCD/LED TVs
- Rice Cooker

Solar Photovoltaics Registration (2017) – [MNRE Notification]

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) introduced compulsory registration for solar-related products:

Crystalline Silicon Terrestrial PV Modules
Thin-Film Terrestrial PV Modules
PV Modules (Si wafer and Thin Film)
Power Converters for Photovoltaic Systems
Utility-Interconnected Photovoltaic Inverters
Storage Batteries for Solar Photovoltaic Applications

Other Ministries’ Involvement in CRS

Beyond MeitY, several other ministries have enforced compulsory registration for specific product categories:

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers:
- Ortho Phosphoric Acid under Quality Control Order, 2021, conforming to IS 798: 2020【25†source】
- Polyphosphoric Acid under Quality Control Order, 2021, conforming to IS 17439: 2020【26†source】
- Trimethyl Phosphite under Quality Control Order, 2022, conforming to IS 17412: 2020【27†source】
Ministry of Textiles:
- Cotton Bales under Quality Control Order, 2023

Who Can Apply for CRS?

Only manufacturers (including factory owners) can apply for CRS registration if their products fall under the scope of:

MeitY
MNRE
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Ministry of Textiles

The manufacturers can be domestic or foreign entities with a liaison or branch office in India.

Process of CRS Registration
Application Submission: Manufacturers must apply to BIS for registration.
Testing and Conformity: Products must be tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.
Issuance of License: A registration number and a license to use the Standard Mark are issued upon meeting conformity requirements.
Labeling: All registered products must display the Standard Mark with a unique registration number.

Role of Omega QMS Pvt Ltd in Facilitating Market Access and BIS Registration:

Omega QMS Pvt Ltd plays a pivotal role in enabling international and domestic manufacturers and brands to gain seamless market access to India through comprehensive, end-to-end support for obtaining BIS Registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Their services are designed to streamline the entire certification process, ensuring that manufacturers meet Indian regulatory requirements efficiently.

Key support services provided by Omega QMS Pvt Ltd include:

Regulatory Consultation: Offering expert advice on Indian regulatory frameworks and guiding manufacturers through the specific requirements for CRS compliance.
Documentation Support: Assisting in the preparation and submission of all necessary documents, including applications, declarations, and technical documentation required by BIS.
Product Testing Coordination: Facilitating product testing in BIS-approved laboratories by managing scheduling, communication, and compliance with testing procedures.
Liaison with Authorities: Acting as a direct communication channel between manufacturers and regulatory authorities, ensuring smooth handling of approvals and inquiries.
Audit and Inspection Assistance: Providing guidance and support during factory audits and inspections to ensure manufacturers comply with all BIS standards.
Post-Certification Support: Offering services for ongoing compliance, including renewal of certifications, product modifications, and assistance with surveillance audits.
Customized Strategy for Market Entry: Developing tailored strategies to expedite the market entry process for manufacturers, ensuring that products are compliant with Indian standards upon launch.
Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Services: Omega QMS Pvt Ltd can also act as an Authorized Indian Representative for foreign manufacturers, a mandatory requirement for companies without a physical presence in India. This service is offered at no additional cost, providing significant value by ensuring full compliance without any extra financial burden on the manufacturers.

With its specialized expertise and in-depth understanding of Indian regulatory systems, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd helps manufacturers significantly reduce the time, cost, and complexity involved in securing BIS registration. Their end-to-end solutions ensure that brands and manufacturers can focus on business growth while Omega QMS handles all regulatory hurdles for smooth market access.

Compliance Guidelines

As per the CRS Orders:

No person or entity is allowed to manufacture, store, sell, or import non-compliant products.
Manufacturers must adhere to the latest BIS standards during their registration cycle.
Regular surveillance testing is conducted to ensure ongoing compliance.

Penalties and Enforcement

Violations of CRS norms can lead to:

Seizure of non-compliant products.
Penalties as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act.
Cancellation of CRS registration.

Benefits of CRS for Manufacturers and Consumers

For Manufacturers:

Enhances product credibility in the Indian market.
Ensures a level playing field for domestic and international manufacturers.

For Consumers:

Provides assurance of safety and quality.
Protects against substandard and unsafe products.

Conclusion

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that electronic, IT, chemical, textile, and renewable energy products sold in India adhere to strict safety and quality standards. With its periodic updates and inclusion of new product categories, CRS continues to strengthen consumer protection and promote high manufacturing standards across industries.

Manufacturers seeking to enter the Indian market must comply with these regulations to ensure the lawful distribution of their products while contributing to the nation’s commitment to quality and safety. By partnering with Omega QMS Pvt Ltd, manufacturers can ensure a hassle-free, efficient, and fully compliant entry into the Indian market, supported by industry-leading expertise and end-to-end regulatory services.