India Expands BIS CRS to Include Standalone Hard Disk Drives

India’s regulatory landscape for electronics is evolving with the expansion of the BIS CRS framework to cover additional product categories. The recent update introduces mandatory requirements for standalone hard disk drives, reinforcing the scope of BIS certification for IT and electronic hardware. This development reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen product safety and quality standards in the domestic market.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has amended the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) originally issued in 2021 by adding standalone hard disk drives (HDDs) to the list of regulated products. Under this revision, these devices must comply with Indian Standard IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, which specifies safety requirements for information technology equipment. The enforcement date for this requirement has been set for 05 November 2026, providing manufacturers and importers with a defined transition period to achieve compliance. Standalone Hard Disk Drives usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Scope Expansion Under the BIS CRS Framework

Prior to this amendment, certain storage devices were already regulated under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), including USB-based external hard drives and solid-state drives with capacities exceeding 256 GB. The inclusion of standalone HDDs closes a regulatory gap by ensuring that non-USB-integrated storage devices are also subject to the same safety and quality benchmarks.

Indian Standard IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 is aligned with international safety principles and addresses risks associated with electrical equipment, including fire hazards, electric shock, and mechanical safety. By extending these requirements to standalone HDDs, regulators aim to create a more consistent compliance environment across different types of storage technologies.

Implications for Market Access and Compliance

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of standalone hard disk drives must now prepare to meet BIS CRS requirements ahead of the November 2026 deadline. This includes product testing through BIS-recognised laboratories, registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards, and proper marking of compliant products.

Failure to comply with the updated regulation may result in restrictions on market entry, including the inability to import or sell non-certified products in India. Companies operating in the data storage segment should review their product portfolios and initiate certification processes early to avoid disruptions.

This regulatory update underscores India’s commitment to strengthening consumer protection and ensuring that electronic products meet established safety standards. Further details on compliance procedures and certification updates may be available through official BIS communications and related regulatory resources.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

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India Issues BIS Quality Control Order for Aluminium Products

India has announced a new regulatory measure for the aluminium sector through the Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2026. Issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the order introduces mandatory BIS certification requirements for a range of aluminium and aluminium alloy products intended for the Indian market. The move reflects the government’s broader efforts to strengthen product quality, industrial safety, and standardisation across manufacturing sectors. Aluminium and aluminium alloy products usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Under the new regulation, 17 categories of aluminium products will be required to comply with applicable Indian Standards (IS) and carry the ISI Mark granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The notified categories include products such as irrigation tubes, EC-grade aluminium rods, pharmaceutical packaging foil, and aluminium composite panels.

BIS Certification Requirements for Aluminium Products

The Quality Control Order (QCO) establishes compulsory conformity assessment obligations for manufacturers and importers supplying covered aluminium products in India. Companies falling within the scope of the regulation must ensure that their products meet the corresponding Indian Standards before placing them on the market.

The BIS certification process generally involves product testing, factory inspections, and ongoing surveillance activities to confirm compliance with Indian regulatory requirements. Once approved, manufacturers are authorised to apply the ISI Mark, demonstrating conformity with national quality and safety standards.

The implementation schedule has been structured according to enterprise size. Large and medium enterprises must comply with the order from 1 December 2026, while small enterprises have until 1 March 2027. Micro enterprises are granted additional transition time, with compliance becoming mandatory from 1 June 2027.

Exemptions and Market Access Implications

The order also specifies limited exemptions for certain activities. Products manufactured exclusively for export are excluded from the mandatory BIS certification requirements. In addition, up to 200 kilograms of covered products may be imported annually for research and development purposes, provided the materials are used strictly for non-commercial applications and appropriate records are maintained.

The introduction of this QCO is expected to increase regulatory oversight within India’s aluminium supply chain and may require manufacturers, exporters, and importers to review their compliance strategies ahead of the implementation deadlines. Companies supplying affected products to India may need to initiate certification planning early, particularly where factory audits, testing procedures, or technical documentation updates are required.

The latest notification forms part of India’s continuing expansion of mandatory quality control regulations across industrial materials and manufactured goods. Further regulatory guidance and certification updates may be published through BIS and related industry compliance channels.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

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India Updates WPC Rules for IP Camera Software Compliance

India has introduced a revised framework affecting WPC certification compliance for IP cameras, following an updated circular issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on February 2, 2026. The revision refines earlier guidance from November 2025 and focuses on software update timelines and security requirements for ER-certified devices. The updated WPC certification rules aim to provide manufacturers with greater flexibility while maintaining cybersecurity standards for connected surveillance equipment. IP cameras usually require WPC certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Extended Firmware Update Deadlines and EoL Requirements

A key change in the revised circular concerns the management of End-of-Life (EoL) software libraries within device firmware. Under the previous regulation, manufacturers were required to update expired libraries within six months. This deadline has now been extended to one year from the date of expiry, offering additional time for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to implement necessary updates.

Despite the extended timeline, compliance expectations remain strict. Devices that continue to operate using outdated or unsupported libraries beyond the one-year limit will be classified as non-compliant. This adjustment reflects a balance between practical development timelines and the need to maintain secure, up-to-date firmware in connected devices.

The revised circular also clarifies the status of products undergoing certification testing. Devices submitted as samples will be considered compliant during evaluation, provided EoL updates are completed within the new one-year timeframe and no vulnerabilities are identified during testing or disclosed externally. This clarification reduces ambiguity in the certification process and helps streamline product approvals.

Continued Enforcement of Security and Testing Obligations

While timelines have been relaxed, MeitY has maintained strict requirements for addressing security vulnerabilities. Emergency fixes must still be implemented immediately upon identification, and manufacturers are required to submit an impact analysis within ten days. Laboratory verification remains mandatory to confirm the effectiveness of corrective actions.

Importantly, the revised notification reinforces that any vulnerability detected during testing or verification will result in the product being deemed non-compliant. This applies equally to devices under evaluation and those already certified, underscoring the regulator’s continued emphasis on cybersecurity resilience.

Overall, the revision introduces greater clarity and flexibility without altering the core compliance framework. Manufacturers exporting IP cameras to India must ensure robust firmware management processes and timely updates to meet WPC certification requirements. Further regulatory details may be referenced through official certification resources and compliance updates issued by relevant authorities.

WPC certification is necessary for wireless products in order to be used and sold in India.
The national broadcasting authority WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) is responsible for this certification, in order to regulate the issuing of issuing of amateur radio licenses and the allocation and monitoring of the frequency spectrum.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). There is no cost or obligation for us to check for you. If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

For more information about WPC certification, please refer to our free brochure “WPC Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – May 2026

We regularly receive advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regarding new Quality Control Orders that will come into force shortly. Affected products must obtain BIS certification in order to be approved for import and distribution in India. Within the next month, the standard IS/IEC 62368: Part 1: 2023 will come into effect, covering safety requirements for audio/video equipment as well as IT and communication devices.

Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are mandatory regulations designed to ensure that certain products comply with national quality standards. While BIS standards are generally voluntary, QCOs make compliance compulsory and serve to protect humans, animals, and the environment, as well as to ensure product quality in India.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

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India Extends BIS Timeline for IS 302 (Part 1) Compliance

India has announced an extension to the implementation timeline for BIS certification under IS 302 (Part 1), impacting manufacturers of electrical appliances. The update, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), revises earlier deadlines and provides additional time for compliance with safety requirements applicable to household, commercial, and similar electrical products. This extension of BIS certification timelines under IS 302 (Part 1) is intended to ease the transition for manufacturers and ensure smoother regulatory alignment. Electrical appliances typically require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Revised Compliance Deadlines and Scope

The updated schedule introduces staggered deadlines based on manufacturer size, allowing different categories of businesses to adapt at a more manageable pace. Large-scale manufacturers are now required to comply by 1 October 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of 17 March 2026. Small-scale manufacturers have until 1 January 2027, while micro-scale enterprises are given until 1 April 2027.

IS 302 (Part 1) forms part of India’s broader safety framework for electrical appliances, aligning with internationally recognized safety principles. The standard outlines requirements related to electrical protection, construction, and operational safety to reduce risks associated with appliance use. Compliance with BIS certification ensures that products meet these essential safety benchmarks before entering the Indian market.

In addition to the revised deadlines, the notification clarifies specific exemptions. Up to 200 units imported for research and development purposes are excluded from the certification requirement. Similarly, products manufactured domestically in India exclusively for export are not subject to these compliance obligations.

Implications for Manufacturers and Market Access

The extension provides manufacturers with additional time to upgrade product designs, testing processes, and documentation to meet IS 302 (Part 1) requirements. This is particularly relevant for companies with complex product portfolios or those requiring design modifications to achieve compliance.

For global exporters and domestic producers alike, the updated timeline reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions and allows for better planning of certification activities. However, companies should not interpret the extension as a relaxation of technical requirements. All applicable safety criteria remain unchanged, and products must fully comply by the respective deadlines based on manufacturer classification.

Manufacturers targeting the Indian market should use this extended period to conduct gap analyses, coordinate with BIS-recognized laboratories, and ensure timely certification. Maintaining compliance with BIS certification remains essential for uninterrupted market access. Additional regulatory guidance may be available through official BIS publications and certification resources.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

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India Mandates BIS Compliance for CCTV Cameras by 2026

India’s regulatory landscape for surveillance equipment is tightening as BIS compliance becomes a mandatory requirement for CCTV cameras. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially ended previous relaxations, signaling a stricter enforcement phase under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO). This move marks a significant shift for manufacturers and importers relying on transitional provisions to maintain market access.

With the issuance of an Office Memorandum dated 16 January 2026, MeitY has withdrawn all exemptions related to Essential Requirements (ERs) for CCTV cameras. These relaxations had previously allowed certain non-compliant products to remain in circulation under defined timelines. However, authorities have now confirmed that no further extensions will be granted, effectively closing the transition window for legacy products. CCTV cameras and similar products usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

End of Transition Period for Non-Compliant Products

One of the most notable changes is the termination of the stock clearance period for CCTV cameras that do not meet ER standards. Earlier provisions permitted the sale of devices manufactured or imported before 9 April 2025, even if they lacked full ER compliance. This allowance has now been revoked, removing any remaining flexibility for outdated inventory.

Effective 1 April 2026, only CCTV cameras that meet the prescribed Essential Requirements and hold valid certification will be permitted for sale in the Indian market. This applies uniformly across domestic manufacturers, importers, and distributors. The update reinforces the government’s intent to ensure that all surveillance equipment adheres to defined safety, security, and performance benchmarks.

Compliance Implications for Market Access

The withdrawal of relaxations places immediate pressure on stakeholders to align with BIS ER certification requirements. Companies that fail to comply risk losing access to one of the world’s fastest-growing electronics markets. As a result, manufacturers must review their product portfolios, assess compliance gaps, and initiate certification processes without delay.

From a regulatory standpoint, ER compliance is designed to enhance product reliability and cybersecurity resilience, particularly for devices involved in surveillance and data capture. The stricter enforcement also reflects broader national priorities around digital infrastructure security and consumer protection.

Businesses operating in or entering the Indian market should ensure that their certification strategies are updated in line with the new deadline. This includes verifying technical documentation, conducting necessary testing, and securing approvals before the April 2026 cutoff. Additional regulatory guidance and updates may be available through official certification bodies and compliance advisory resources.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

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India: BIS Issues New Guidelines for Lithium Battery Capacity Verification

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released new implementation guidelines clarizing the verification of rated capacity for lithium batteries in India. This regulatory update aligns with a directive from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and introduces stricter compliance expectations for manufacturers of sealed secondary lithium-ion cells and batteries.

The guidelines specifically apply to portable sealed lithium-ion cells and batteries regulated under IS 16046 (Part 2). As part of the updated requirements, manufacturers must verify rated or declared capacity in accordance with Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3):2018, which defines discharge performance testing at 20°C. Lithium-ion cells and batteries usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Compliance Timeline and Testing Obligations

Existing BIS licensees must ensure compliance with the new rated capacity verification requirements either by 30 April 2027 or before their licence expires, whichever comes first. Following testing, companies are required to submit test reports issued by BIS-recognized third-party laboratories. In addition, a formal declaration must confirm that all remaining product models comply with the same discharge performance criteria.

The guidelines also define sample requirements for additional testing, including 23 cells and 3 batteries per evaluation. Failure to meet these obligations within the specified timeline may result in enforcement actions by BIS, such as suspension or cancellation of licences, or removal of specific models from the approved scope.

For new applicants, the framework allows some procedural flexibility. Applications may proceed if testing is underway or already submitted, provided that applicants commit to submitting the required rated capacity verification report before licence expiry. However, this transitional allowance will end after 30 April 2027. Beyond this date, BIS will not grant new licences under IS 16046 (Part 2) unless the test report explicitly includes rated capacity verification in line with IS 16047 (Part 3).

Regulatory Impact on Market Access

These guidelines take immediate effect and signal a tightening of technical verification requirements for lithium battery compliance in India. Manufacturers and exporters must review their testing procedures and documentation practices to ensure alignment with the updated BIS framework.

The introduction of mandatory rated capacity verification is expected to enhance product reliability and standardization in the Indian market. At the same time, it increases the compliance burden, particularly for companies managing multiple product models under a single licence.

Stakeholders are advised to act promptly to meet the new deadlines and avoid regulatory disruptions. Further details on compliance procedures and certification updates may be available through official BIS communications and certification resources.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

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India BIS Updates Lighting Standards to 2026 Edition

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced a significant update to its regulatory framework with the release of the 2026 edition of key lighting standards under the BIS CRS Scheme-II. The revised BIS lighting standards India 2026 apply to multiple product categories and introduce updated compliance requirements aligned with current safety and performance expectations. The changes were formalized through a recent Gazette Notification, setting clear timelines for implementation and withdrawal of previous versions. Lighting products usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The revised standards, including IS 10322 (all parts), IS 16102, and IS 16614, officially came into effect on 2 February 2026. Manufacturers are granted a transition period until 2 August 2026, after which the older standards will be withdrawn. Beyond this deadline, only products compliant with the updated 2026 standards will be eligible for certification and market access under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Scope of Affected Products and New Standard Adoption

The regulatory update impacts a broad range of lighting products currently covered under Scheme-II. These include fixed general purpose luminaires, recessed lights, street lighting systems, floodlights, hand lamps, lighting chains, rope lights, and emergency lighting products. Manufacturers operating in these segments must ensure that their products are evaluated against the revised technical requirements within the specified transition timeline.

In addition to revising existing standards, BIS has introduced a new adoption: IS 10322 Part 5 Section 18, aligned with IEC 60598-2-18. This standard specifically addresses luminaires intended for swimming pools and similar environments, reflecting a continued effort to harmonize Indian standards with international benchmarks. The inclusion of this category expands regulatory oversight to specialized lighting applications with unique safety considerations.

Compliance Implications and Pending Guidance

Manufacturers and brand owners are expected to begin preparations for compliance with the updated standards as early as possible. This includes reviewing product designs, conducting necessary testing, and planning certification updates to avoid disruptions in market access after the withdrawal deadline.

At present, BIS has not yet released detailed implementation guidelines or transition procedures for the revised standards under Scheme-II. Additionally, the official BIS online portal has not been updated to reflect the 2026 editions. Stakeholders should closely monitor further announcements from BIS to ensure timely alignment with procedural requirements once clarified.

These regulatory updates highlight India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen product safety and standardization in the lighting sector. Further details may be made available through official BIS communications and certification resources as implementation guidance is finalized.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

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BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – April 2026

We regularly publish advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regarding new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect in the near future. Affected products must be BIS-certified in order to be approved for import and sale in India. Several QCOs will enter into force in April 2026, with a particular focus on BIS certification for metal-based products such as cookware, utensils, aluminium products, and related accessories.

The Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are mandatory regulations that ensure certain products comply with national quality standards. While BIS standards are usually voluntary, QCOs make compliance compulsory for the specified products. This is intended to protect human health, animals, and the environment, as well as to ensure product quality in India. QCOs apply to a wide range of products such as chemicals, metals, toys, and electrical goods. Violations of QCOs can result in severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

Below is an overview of the new Quality Control Orders that will come into force next month:

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

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BIS Issues Extended Reality Products Certification Guidelines in India

The BIS certification for Extended Reality products has entered a new phase following the release of updated implementation guidelines by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The guidance applies to Extended Reality (XR) products, including Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) devices, and aligns with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notification issued on 29 October 2025.

The updated framework mandates compliance under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), introducing the safety standard IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for XR devices. A transition period allows manufacturers to continue using legacy standards such as IS 13252-1 or IS 616 alongside the new requirements until 1 May 2026. After this deadline, only licenses based on IS/IEC 62368-1 will remain valid. Extended Reality (XR) products usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Transition Requirements for Existing License Holders

Manufacturers currently holding BIS licenses for XR devices must undertake a structured transition to the new standard before the May 2026 deadline. This includes re-testing lead models in BIS-recognized laboratories according to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 and submitting updated test reports through the BIS online portal. Additionally, manufacturers must provide a formal declaration confirming that all associated product series comply with the revised standard.

Failure to meet these requirements within the specified timeframe may result in regulatory consequences, including license cancellation or removal of specific models from the approved scope. Upon successful verification, BIS will issue confirmation documentation listing compliant models, ensuring continued market access.

Application and Scope Change Provisions

The guidelines also define clear pathways for new applicants and modifications to existing licenses. Applications submitted under previous standards may still be processed, and new applications can be filed under either the old or new standards until 1 May 2026. However, applicants choosing the legacy standards must commit to transitioning to IS/IEC 62368-1 before the deadline.

After the transition period, BIS will no longer accept applications based on outdated standards. Similarly, any request to expand or modify a license scope—such as adding new XR models—must follow the same transitional rules. Requests under older standards will only be considered within the defined timeframe or until the manufacturer initiates the switchover process.

Overall, the updated BIS framework reflects India’s effort to enhance safety and regulatory oversight for emerging XR technologies. Manufacturers and exporters targeting the Indian market are advised to prioritize early compliance with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 to avoid disruptions. Further regulatory updates and certification guidance may be referenced through official BIS resources and related compliance channels.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.