Published: 1 Apr 2020
Gazette Notification for CRO Phase IV
BIS CRS Expansion Under Compulsory Registration Scheme – Phase IV
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the Gazette Notification for CRO Phase IV on 1 April 2020, expanding the scope of the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order. The notification introduced 12 additional electronic product categories that became subject to mandatory BIS registration before they could be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in the Indian market.
The objective of Phase IV was to strengthen product safety, ensure compliance with Indian Standards, and prevent the circulation of substandard electronic goods. Manufacturers—both domestic and foreign—were required to obtain BIS CRS Registration before placing these products on the Indian market.
Products Covered Under CRO Phase IV
The Gazette Notification added the following product categories under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme:
| Product Category | Applicable Indian Standard |
|---|---|
| Standalone LED Modules for General Lighting | IS 16103 (Part 1): 2012 |
| DC or AC Supplied Electronic Controlgear for LED Modules | IS 15885 (Part 2/Sec 13): 2012 |
| USB Type External Hard Disk Drives | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 |
| Wireless Keyboard | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 |
| Microwave Ovens | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 25): 2014 |
| Smart Watches | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 |
| Wireless Earphones & Earbuds | IS 616: 2017 |
| Rice Cookers | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 15): 2009 |
| Video Monitors (up to 32 inches) | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 |
| Printers / Plotters | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 |
| Scanners | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 |
| Television Sets (other than Plasma, LCD & LED TVs) | IS 616: 2017 |
Note: Several of these product categories have subsequently migrated to newer Indian Standards, such as IS/IEC 62368-1, as notified by MeitY and BIS. Manufacturers should always verify the latest applicable standard before applying for registration.
Why BIS CRS Registration is Mandatory
Products notified under CRO Phase IV cannot be legally manufactured, imported, stored for sale, sold, or distributed in India without valid BIS CRS Registration. Every registered product must:
- Be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory.
- Comply with the applicable Indian Standard (IS).
- Obtain BIS Registration before commercial sale.
- Display the Standard Mark and Registration Number as prescribed by BIS.
Failure to comply may lead to customs clearance issues, market restrictions, product recalls, penalties, or legal action under the BIS Act.
BIS CRS Registration Process
Manufacturers seeking BIS registration generally follow these steps:
- Identify the applicable Indian Standard and product category.
- Test the product in a BIS-recognized laboratory.
- Prepare technical documents and compliance records.
- Submit the CRS application to BIS.
- Obtain BIS Registration after successful evaluation.
- Mark the product with the BIS Standard Mark and Registration Number.
For foreign manufacturers, the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is mandatory before filing the application.
Challenges Faced by Manufacturers
Manufacturers frequently encounter issues such as:
- Identifying the correct product category.
- Determining the applicable Indian Standard.
- Managing laboratory testing requirements.
- Preparing technical documentation.
- Coordinating with Authorized Indian Representatives.
- Handling BIS queries during application review.
Professional guidance helps reduce approval timelines and avoid unnecessary delays.
OMEGA QMS – One Stop Solution for BIS CRS Registration
OMEGA QMS provides end-to-end support for manufacturers seeking BIS CRS Registration under CRO Phase IV. Our services include:
- Product category assessment
- Applicable standard identification
- Documentation support
- BIS-recognized laboratory coordination
- Application filing with BIS
- Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) assistance
- Query handling until registration is granted
With years of experience in BIS compliance, OMEGA assists both Indian and overseas manufacturers in achieving timely and hassle-free CRS registration for products covered under the Gazette Notification for CRO Phase IV.