BIS Product Certification vs BIS CRS: A Quick Guide
Manufacturers and traders intending to carry out their business activities in India are sure to know about the BIS Product Certification Scheme and BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme).
The BIS Product Certification Scheme and BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)come under BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) and are meant to ensure quality ofproduct and safety of consumer. Still, both have their own uses and apply to products ofdifferent groups.
What is the BIS Product Certification Scheme?
The BIS Product Certification Scheme is a certification programme that manufacturercan utilize to place the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on the products that meet IndianStandards. It is one of the oldest schemes for guaranteeing quality in India besidesbeing highly recognized.
A series of manufacturing locations are checked by officials from BIS who look in detail not only at the quality control systems but also at the sampling procedures during certification. A certification will only be given after they have tested all samples and have ensured that the product will conform to the standards. From time to time the company also organizes regular inspections to make sure that they keep up with the quality levels agreed upon.
Major products that require certification under this BIS programme are cement, electrical items, steel goods, pressure cookers, LPG cooking gas cylinders, and bottled drinking water.
What is BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)?
The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) came into being by the order of the Government of India for controlling the production of electronic gadgets and the computers industry. CRS is different from the ISIcertification scheme in that there is product testing undertaken at BIS-recognised laboratories followed by the BIS online registration.
Instead of a license, an importer is given a number, and on the goods the BIS Logo with the Registration No has to be printed.
BIS CRS is applicable to various types of household LED lights, mobile phones laptops power adapters, smart watches televisions electronic accessories, etc.
Key Differences Between BIS Product Certification Scheme and BIS CRS
| Feature | BIS Product Certification Scheme | BIS CRS |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Type | ISI Certification | BIS Registration |
| Applicable Products | Industrial & consumer products | Electronics & IT products |
| Factory Inspection | Mandatory | Required |
| Product Mark | ISI Mark | Standard Mark with Registration number |
| Testing | BIS-approved laboratory | BIS-recognized laboratory |
| Purpose | Product quality & safety | Safety compliance for electronic products |
Which Scheme Applies to Your Business?
The certification that the business needs depends upon how or from where they get theproducts and what kinds of products they are dealing in.
If your manufacturing or import activities involve products like construction materials, household appliances, and industrial products which are in the mandatory ISI certification category, the BIS Product Certification Scheme is the way to go.
The BIS Certification and Registration Scheme (BIS CRS) should be chosen in cases where the products are electrical or IT related and have been listed in the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) notified by the Government of India.
Picking the right certification not only makes your business legally compliant but also helps in saving time by avoiding delays during export/import, customs problems, and fines from the regulatory authorities.
Benefits of BIS Certification
If you need your product to get either product Certification with BIS or conformity registration with BIS then getting certified would give you different benefits:
- Builds customer trust and confidence
- Ensures compliance with Indian regulations
- Improves product quality and safety
- Increases market acceptance
- Reduces legal and business risks
- Strengthens your brand reputation
- Facilitates smoother product approvals
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between the BIS Product Certification Scheme and BIS CRS?
The BIS is a Product Certification Scheme that grants an ISI license for products conforming to Indian Standards; Non electric BIS CRS is a registration scheme, which is mainly aimed at electronic and IT products.
2. Is factory inspection mandatory under the BIS Product Certification Scheme?
Yes. In most cases, BIS performs factory inspections and manufacturing process evaluation before granting a ISI certification.
3. Which products require BIS CRS registration?
Given on the list of notified electronic goods, there are mobile phones, LED lighting laptop Power bank, Television (TV) etc. and for these items, we need to take BIS CRS registration.
4. Can imported products obtain BIS certification?
Yes. Both Indian and foreign manufacturers are eligible to apply for BIS certification provided their products are per the relevant BIS standards and certification requirements.
Conclusion
Both the BIS Product Certification Scheme and BIS CRS are under the jurisdiction of the BIS, but they cover different product categories, their certification processes, and compliance requirements. Recognizing these differences would allow the manufacturers as well as the importers to opt for the suitable certification route and steer clear of the unnecessary delays.
In case you have any ambiguity, which certification is applicable for your product, approaching knowledgeable BIS experts can be a good idea to make the whole certification process easy and you might also get faster approvals by meeting completely the regulations.