How to Get a BIS Certificate for Smart Audio Devices in India?

The Bureau of Indian Standards is a department in India responsible for implementing rules and regulations, including ensuring the quality of specific listed products. To maintain transparency in the market supply chain, the authority established a Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). In the meantime, the purpose of establishing the CRS was to guarantee that IT and electronic products are available in the Indian market while adhering to particular safety and quality standards.

On the other hand, the BIS certification for smart audio devices like smart speakers, wireless headphones, and Bluetooth speakers has become mandatory. But what is the registration process for smart audio devices, including the documents that are included, and the importance of renewal? Read more in the next sections.

What is BIS Certification for Smart Audio Devices?

The specifications of smart audio devices are outlined under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). According to the Indian Standard IS 616:2017, the CRS is managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This standard outlines the safety protocols for audio, video, and similar electronic devices. 

In short, the BIS registration for smart devices demonstrates that all electronic smart devices that fall under CRS must be registered with BIS. Before their manufacturing, selling, or importation in Indian markets, they must meet safety and quality standards under IS 616:2017. 

Key Aspects for BIS CRS Registration for Smart Devices

1. Legal Requirement: The Indian government rules are too strict for the management of goods and services. While BIS licensing is a legal formality in India for all types of smart audio devices, including wireless headphones. 
2. IS 616:2017 Standard: For manufacturers to acquire the BIS for smart speakers, they must comply with IS 616:2017. Under this Indian Standard, the operators meet to safety requirements related to electric shock protection, EMC, and performance criteria.
3. BIS for Manufacturers: BIS certification is mandatory for manufacturers. They are the primary ones who design and sell the devices to third parties. Meanwhile, there is no need to obtain a BIS license for importers or sellers.
4. Testing and Conformity: It is the manufacturer’s responsibility that their produced smart audio devices meet specific BIS Indian Standards. In addition, the samples of products must undergo testing in a BIS-recognized laboratory.

List of Products Under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Under the category of smart audio devices, the smart speakers with and without displays, including Bluetooth speakers, also fall. These devices are listed under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). 

• Smart Speakers: The voice-assisted smart speakers (e.g., Siri and Alexa) with and without a display, categorized under the Indian Standard IS 616:2017.
• Bluetooth Speaker: The smart Bluetooth speakers are also part of the Indian Standard IS 616:2017. 

The Difference Between the BIS ISI mark and CRS for Electronics

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the main regulatory authority of manages both the ISI mark and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). However, these BIS schemes are used for specific products. BIS CRS is specifically only for IT and electronic products.

ISI Mark

Under this scheme, a wide range of products need to be registered with BIS, including industrial and general consumer goods. It further includes a few electronic products. Various items like cement, pressure cookers, or footwear must be BIS-certified before they are sold in Indian markets.

Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

Electronic products like LEDs, smart speakers, mobile phones, etc., are required to register with BIS under CRS. The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) only applies to electronic and IT products. The ISI mark scheme includes factory inspection, while CRS typically doesn’t include unit inspection. 

User Query: BIS Certification vs. ISI Mark vs. CRS Scheme: What’s the Difference?

How to get BIS certification for Smart Audio Devices?

Under the BIS mandatory requirement for audio devices, manufacturers need to register their products with the relevant authority. The procedure for BIS registration for devices includes the following steps:

Step 1: Online Application Submission

Complete the designated application form and provide the necessary information. Submit the application for audio devices on the BIS official online portal.

Step 2: Product Testing

For safety and quality purposes, the manufacturers need to test their products in a BIS-established laboratory. For the various audio devices, including Bluetooth speakers, the Indian Standard is IS 616:2017. A test report will be allotted to manufacturers after successful lab testing.

Step 3: Submitted Application Review

Submit the application form along with the required supporting documents to the BIS. To ensure compliance with standards, the application and documents will be verified by officials. 

Step 4: BIS Certification

If the application and documents meet the specific requirements of BIS, a CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) certificate will be allotted by BIS.

Documents required for BIS registration of Smart Audio Devices

Multiple documents need to be completed for the CRS for Electronics India. The requirements of documents can vary, but the general paperwork is:

• The BIS registration application form
• Manufacturing factory business license
• Completed CDF/CCL form
• Technical specifications of devices
• Product test report from a BIS-recognized lab
• If required, the  trademark registration certificate 
• Information about the authorized signatory
• For the foreign manufacturers, the requirement is to appoint an AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) who will deal with BIS for device registration.

Final Discussion | Indian Standard for Electronic Musical Systems

In conclusion, BIS certification under IS 616:21017 for smart speakers is a mandatory requirement. Before selling the smart audio devices in the Indian markets, they need to test them to protect users from harmful products. The valid license mark builds trust among customers and guarantees them that the product they are purchasing aligns with specific requirements. Manufacturers must adhere to the specific requirements of BIS and obtain a smart audio speaker license before selling their products in markets. Get in touch with a BIS consultant for smart audio device registration. LegalRaasta assists throughout the BIS CRS registration process for devices.

FAQ | BIS Registration Process for Headphones

1. What is BIS certification for smart audio devices?

Ans. To minimize the electric shock or fire risks, the smart electronic audio devices must register with BIS. Devices’ BIS certification is mandatory to ensure the 

2. What is the BIS certification cost for headphones?

Ans. The cost for BIS certification for wireless headphones includes the certificate charges and government registration fees. For processing, the cost ranges from Rs 25,000, and the license fee is Rs 1,000. 

3. What is the BIS CRS registration timeline for audio products?

Ans. To get the license for audio products, the registration process takes 4 to 8 weeks. 

4. What is the process for renewing the BIS license for smart audio devices?

Ans. In order to maintain the active status of the BIS license for smart audio devices, it is necessary to renew it. The license is active only for two years after BIS registration, and in the same case, it extends up to five years after renewal.

5. Can I download a BIS license online?

Ans. Yes, the manufacturers can download the BIS certificate themselves. Please visit the BIS online portal to download the license.