Smart Speakers in India Require BIS Certification— Here’s How to Get It

Smart speakers are used in various locations, such as homes, due to their specific properties. The Google Home or Amazon Echo is a smart speaker. These voice-activated devices are a combination of a speaker and a virtual assistant. Furthermore, the voice-activated devices work for various functions, which makes them useful to use. Back in 2014, Alexa was introduced as the first virtual assistant that was designed by Amazon. Overall, the different and unique properties of smart speakers make them useful. 

But have you ever wondered how their quality is determined? Who ensures the functions of voice-activated devices? This is where the BIS for the smart speaker works. This signifies that the manufacturers who are operating the business of voice-activated devices like smart speakers are required to obtain a smart speaker BIS license. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how you can get a BIS certificate for the smart speakers, including the process fee and its importance. Let’s explore this page in more detail.

The BIS Registration for Smart Speakers

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) acts as the National Standards Body. The authority works for the specific products by implementing the rules and regulations. Under some specific products, the smart speakers also come with a requirement for the BIS testing. In short, the Bureau of Indian Standards mandates that all smart speakers, both with and without display, must be registered under IS 616:2017. With and without the display, voice-activated smart speakers come under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. It means the smart speaker manufacturers are not allowed to sell it in markets without the BIS registration. The certification for voice-activated devices is a legal requirement. 

It is required to identify that the smart speaker sample meet the safety and quality standards, which is crucial for customers. In addition, the specifications of smart speakers are further outlined in the IS 616: 2017. There is not matter whether the speaker has a display or not; they need to meet the safety and quality standards. 

The Specifications of Voice-Activated Smart Speakers

A smart speaker with voice activation typically contains multiple features, from wireless connectivity to the ability to control other smart home devices. The other specifications are

  • Offer the connectivity of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; some also support AirPlay 2. 
  • The voice assistants are Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
  • The audio qualities are 360-degree sound, dual voice-coil woofers, and dedicated tweeters.
  • A smart speaker acts as a virtual home assistant. Even from a distance, the voice of the speaker can be controlled. 

Why is a license required for smart speakers?

The BIS published the guidelines for smart speakers with and without displays on 1st April,  2021. Prior to marketing the smart speakers, it is essential that they are registered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. The BIS registration for smart speakers is important because –

Benefit

Explanation

Ensuring safety

The BIS license for smart speakers acts as a protector. Ensuring the safety standards protect the users from the potential hazards. In electrical devices, short circuits and power surges are common and effective events. But it can be decreased by verifying the functions.

Guaranteeing Quality

The registration with BIS includes the product testing steps with evaluation. The process is evulate to ensure the benchmarks of smart speakers. The BIS is quality assurance for the users, as it gives them confidence in the reliability and performance of smart speakers. 

Legal Requirement

In Indian markets, only those manufacturers who have a smart speaker BIS certification can work. It means the manufacturers are legally eligible to sell smart speakers in Indian markets, which protects them from the potential seizure of their businesses.

Builds Trust

The mark of BIS registration signals to the customers that the product has undergone a stringent testing process and has been approved by a verified authority. This is crucial to increase the trust of users, which directly boosts sales.

Steps for BIS Registration for With and Without Display Smart Speakers

As the voice-activated smart speakers come under the CRS, they need to obtain a license. You need to follow.

  • Online Application: For BIS registration, apply online by visiting the official online portal.
  • Sample Testing: Submit the product samples to a recognized BIS laboratory for testing. 
  • Document Submission: With the application form, attach important documents like proof of identity, address, and many more.
  • Application review and inspection: The officials of the Bureau of Indian Standards might inspect to ensure compliance. The documents with the application will also be verified to find mistakes.
  • License Issuance: Once the application is approved, the BIS license for smart speakers is issued to the manufacturers.

Supported Documents for Smart Speaker BIS License

Along with test reports of speaker samples, the manufacturers need to provide other supporting documents. The required documents are:

  1. A completed CDF/CCL form
  2. The form of the BIS application 
  3. License of manufacturing unit registration (with English translation).
  4. The manufacturer’s ISO certificate 
  5. Trademark certificate (if applicable).
  6. Authorization letter (if applicable).
  7. Product technical specification sheet/user manual.
  8. Proof of registration for the AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) company 

What are the important considerations?

Compulsory Registration Scheme

The voice-activated smart speakers fall under the CRS. This means the BIS registration for speakers is compulsory.

Foreign Manufacturers

The non-Indian manufacturer needs to hire an authorized Indian representative. It also provides evidence of company registration in India.

Application Cost

The manufacturers need to invest in various costs that arise during BIS certification in India. The expense includes the fees, annual license fees, processing fees, and testing fees. 

Sum Up | BIS License for Speakers in India

In essence, the smart speaker manufacturers need to understand the requirements of the national authority. They can only get market access if they have a valid license. However, if they trade in India without a certificate for smart speakers, they can suffer from the potential penalties, including fines or imprisonment. To avoid the legal penalties and increase sales of smart speakers in the market, register for the license now. For a seamless BIS for smart speaker process, connect with the professionals of LegalRaasta Pvt Ltd. The organization has years of experience in BIS license provision. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is required to register with BIS for smart speakers?

Ans. All manufacturers and importers who wish to sell smart speakers in the Indian market need to obtain a license.

  1. What is the timeline to obtain the BIS for smart speakers?

Ans. Typically, the BIS license registration process takes 4 to 5 months. However, it depends on the paperwork and other factors.

  1. Is obtaining the license for a voice-activated device like smart speakers important?

Ans. Yes, the speakers come under the CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme), which mandates registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards. 

  1. What happens if I do not register my smart speaker business with BIS?

Ans. Not having a valid license leads to product seizure, legal penalties, and potential safety hazards. 

  1. What are the four things on which the BIS certificate depends?

Ans. The four steps for a BIS license are manufacturer, factory location, product category, and trademark.

Hey there! I'm Rajni Prajapati, and I'm a bit of an SEO content nerd. For the past 5 years, I've been diving deep into the world of search algorithms and user intent to craft blog posts that are both informative and easily discoverable. I love helping businesses share their stories in a way that reaches the right audience.

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