BIS Expands CRS Mandatory Categories: Smart Home Devices, Wearables & Power Banks Now Require Certification Before Listing on Amazon & Flipkart

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has expanded the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) to include three new product categories: smart home devices, wearables, and power banks — effective immediately. For sellers on Amazon India, Flipkart, Meesho, and other domestic e-commerce platforms, this means a new mandatory compliance requirement before any product in these categories can be listed or continue to be sold.

What is the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)?

The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme mandates that manufacturers — whether Indian or foreign — register their products with the Bureau of Indian Standards before selling them in India. Under CRS, a product must be tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory and the test report submitted as part of the registration application. Upon successful registration, the manufacturer is granted a licence to use the BIS CRS mark on the product.

CRS was first introduced in 2012 for certain electronic products and has since expanded significantly. As of 2026, over 100 product categories require mandatory CRS registration before they can be sold in India — including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, LED lights, and now smart home devices, wearables, and power banks.

Which Products Are Now Covered?

How Does This Affect E-Commerce Sellers?

Amazon India, Flipkart, Meesho, and other major Indian marketplaces have updated their product compliance requirements in line with the BIS notification. Specifically:

• Existing listings in the affected categories are being flagged, and sellers have been asked to upload valid BIS CRS certificates through the seller portal's compliance section.
• New listings in these categories will be blocked at the listing creation stage if a valid CRS certificate is not provided.
• Import shipments of these product categories may be held at customs if the BIS certificate is not available at the time of import.
• Foreign manufacturers selling through Indian importers must register under BIS Scheme X (the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme) or authorise an Indian agent to hold the registration.

The BIS CRS Registration Process — Step by Step

1. 1
   Identify the applicable BIS standard

   Each product category is tested against a specific Indian Standard (IS). Confirm the correct standard for your product with a BIS-recognised consultant or directly on the BIS portal.
2. 2
   Test the product at a BIS-recognised laboratory

   Arrange for product samples to be tested at a BIS-recognised / accredited laboratory. The lab issues a test report upon successful completion of testing. Testing timelines typically range from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the product category.
3. 3
   Prepare the application documentation

   Compile the full application package: valid test report, product specification sheet, factory details, authorisation letters (for foreign manufacturers), and any other documents specified in the scheme.
4. 4
   Submit the application on the BIS portal

   Applications are submitted online through the BIS portal (www.manakonline.in). The portal requires creation of a manufacturer account and submission of the full documentation package.
5. 5
   BIS review and grant of registration

   BIS reviews the application and supporting documents. Additional information or clarification may be sought. Upon approval, a Registration Certificate is issued along with a unique Registration Number (R-XXXXXXXX).
6. 6
   Mark the product and upload to marketplace

   Mark all units with the BIS CRS mark and Registration Number. Upload the Registration Certificate to the marketplace compliance portal — Amazon Seller Central (under Product Compliance), Flipkart Seller Hub, etc.

Timelines and Costs

Foreign Manufacturers — BIS Scheme X

Foreign manufacturers who do not have a manufacturing facility in India must register under BIS Scheme X (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme). Under Scheme X, the foreign manufacturer appoints an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) who is responsible for ensuring compliance. The AIR holds the BIS certificate and is the point of contact for BIS. Key differences for Scheme X:

• Testing must be done at a BIS-recognised laboratory (which may be in India or abroad, subject to BIS approval)
• A factory inspection by a BIS officer at the manufacturing site is mandatory for most categories
• An Authorised Indian Representative agreement must be submitted
• BIS Scheme X registration typically takes 3–6 months

Common Mistakes That Delay Approval

• Incorrect product model scope: Registrations are model-specific. A single registration does not cover product variants with different hardware specifications. Each distinct hardware model requires a separate registration.
• Incomplete test reports: Test reports must cover all applicable parameters under the relevant Indian Standard. A report that was prepared for a different market (e.g., CE or FCC testing) is not accepted by BIS unless specifically approved.
• Expired Authorised Indian Representative agreements: For Scheme X applicants, AIR agreements must be current and notarised. Expired documents are a common rejection reason.
• Factory inspection delays: For Scheme X products requiring factory inspection, schedule the inspection well in advance. BIS inspector availability can add 4–8 weeks to the timeline.

What to Do Right Now

1. Audit your current product catalogue for smart home devices, wearables, and power banks.
2. Check whether existing BIS registrations cover all current hardware models in your catalogue.
3. For products without a BIS registration, initiate the lab testing process immediately — timelines are long and delay = lost sales.
4. Upload all valid certificates to your marketplace seller portals to prevent listing suppression.
5. Set up a renewal calendar — BIS CRS registrations must be renewed annually.