Quick answer
Many electronics, toys, footwear, cables, batteries, chargers, LED lights and other goods can only be imported into India if they are certified by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards). For electronics under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), the foreign factory registers its product with BIS through an Authorised Indian Representative, gets an R-number, and prints it with the standard mark on the product. Customs checks this at clearance, so confirm BIS status before you pay a deposit.
What BIS registration is
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets mandatory standards for products sold in India. For goods covered by a mandatory scheme, customs will not clear the shipment unless the product is certified and marked correctly.
- Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): mainly electronics and IT products, such as chargers, power banks, LED lights, adaptors and many batteries. The product is tested in a BIS-recognised lab and registered.
- Quality Control Orders (QCOs): government orders that make BIS certification mandatory for specific products, such as toys and many footwear, steel, chemical and appliance items.
How CRS registration works for a Chinese factory
- The manufacturer (not the importer) applies. A foreign manufacturer nominates an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR), often the importer or an agent in India.
- Samples are tested in a BIS-recognised lab against the Indian standard.
- BIS issues a registration with an R-number for that factory, brand and model.
- The factory prints the standard mark with the R-number on the product and packaging.
The registration is tied to a specific factory and model. If you switch factory or brand, you generally need a new registration.
How to plan BIS before you order
- Ask first: "Do you already have BIS registration for this exact model? Please send the certificate and R-number." Factories that already sell to India often do.
- Check the R-number on the BIS portal and make sure the factory name and model match.
- Allow time. If the factory has no registration, lab testing and approval take weeks to months. Build that into your launch plan.
- Don't ship first. Goods that arrive without required BIS can be held, re-exported or destroyed at your cost.
Common products that need BIS
| Product type | Typical scheme |
|---|---|
| Mobile chargers, adaptors, power banks | CRS |
| LED bulbs and LED lights | CRS |
| Certain batteries | CRS |
| Toys | QCO |
| Many types of footwear | QCO |
| Some kitchen and electrical appliances | QCO |
The lists change regularly. Always check the current BIS and QCO lists for your HSN code.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get BIS registration as the importer?
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Under CRS the registration is in the manufacturer's name. The importer can act as the Authorised Indian Representative that files for the foreign factory.
How do I check if a supplier's BIS registration is real?
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Ask for the certificate and R-number, then search the R-number on the BIS website and confirm the factory name, brand and model match.
What happens if my goods arrive without BIS?
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Customs can hold the shipment. Depending on the case, the goods may have to be re-exported or destroyed, with storage costs adding up meanwhile.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. Duty rates and import rules change — confirm current requirements for your HS code with DGFT, CBIC or a licensed customs broker.
