What is the CRS Mark?

The CRS Mark, or Compulsory Registration Scheme mark, is a product certification administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It is mandatory for certain electronic and IT products sold in India. The CRS mark ensures that the product complies with Indian safety standards and is safe for use by consumers.

Introduced in 2012, the CRS aims to regulate the quality of imported and domestically manufactured electronics to prevent substandard or unsafe products from entering the Indian market.

• Who Needs a CRS Mark?

Manufacturers of electronic and IT products that fall under the list specified by MeitY must obtain BIS registration and affix the CRS mark before selling or importing such products in India.

This applies to:

Indian manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers exporting to India

List of Products Under CRS (Examples)

The list keeps expanding and currently includes 70+ product categories, including:

LED lights and drivers

Mobile phones and accessories (adapters, batteries)

Laptops, tablets, and desktops

Power banks

Smartwatches and wearable devices

Television sets and monitors

Microwave ovens and induction cooktops

UPS/Inverters

Bluetooth speakers and audio devices

• Note: BIS updates the list periodically. Always check the latest list before manufacturing or importing.

• Uses of the CRS Mark

Product Safety Assurance:

Ensures that the electronic products meet Indian safety standards, reducing risks of hazards like short circuits, electric shocks, or overheating.

Legal Compliance:

Products under the CRS category must carry the CRS mark and BIS registration to be sold legally in India. Non-compliance can result in penalties, product seizures, or bans.

Market Access in India:

CRS certification is mandatory for product entry into the Indian market — especially for imports. It acts as a gate-pass for doing business in the country.

Consumer Protection:

Helps protect consumers from low-quality or unsafe electronics by ensuring only certified products reach the shelves.

• Benefits of CRS Mark for Manufacturers

✅ Legal Authorization to Sell:

With the CRS mark, manufacturers gain legal permission to sell or distribute their electronic products in India.

✅ Builds Brand Trust:

CRS-certified products are viewed as trustworthy and safe by distributors, retailers, and consumers alike.

✅ Prevents Product Recalls or Bans:

Certification helps manufacturers avoid compliance-related problems, ensuring uninterrupted business operations.

✅ Boosts Market Access for Importers:

Foreign manufacturers with CRS registration can easily enter India’s booming electronics market, giving them a significant competitive advantage.

✅ Enhances Product Quality:

The process of certification encourages better quality control and testing practices at the manufacturing stage.

✅ Government Recognition:

CRS-registered products carry the BIS logo and registration number — offering credibility and authenticity to the brand.

• How to Obtain CRS Mark (BIS Registration)

Check Product Category:

Confirm whether your product falls under the CRS list on the BIS or MeitY website.

Test in BIS-Recognized Labs:

Your product must be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory in India. The test reports must confirm compliance with relevant Indian Standards (IS codes).

Submit Application:

Apply for BIS registration through the BIS online portal, attaching:

Test reports

Factory details

Business documents

Brand and model information

Grant of Registration:

Once BIS verifies all documents and test results, it issues a BIS Registration Certificate, which includes a unique R-number to be printed along with the CRS mark on the product and packaging.

Surveillance and Renewal:

BIS may conduct surveillance audits and requires renewal of registration periodically.

• CRS Mark Example

Here is how the CRS mark typically appears on a certified product:

• Conclusion

The CRS Mark is essential for manufacturers and importers of electronic and IT goods in India. It ensures product safety, boosts consumer confidence, and opens the door to one of the largest consumer markets in the world. By complying with the Compulsory Registration Scheme, businesses can legally manufacture, sell, or import electronic products into India while also enhancing the credibility and quality perception of their brand.