The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, responsible for the development and maintenance of standards to ensure quality and safety in various products and services. One of the key initiatives under BIS is the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) was introduced by BIS to ensure that certain products meet specified Indian standards for safety and quality. This scheme mandates that manufacturers must register their products with BIS and comply with relevant Indian standards before they can be sold in the Indian market. Here are the main aspects of the CRS:
Objectives
Consumer Safety: To protect consumers from substandard and unsafe products.
Quality Assurance: To ensure that products sold in the Indian market meet consistent quality benchmarks.
Regulatory Compliance: To facilitate compliance with Indian standards, making the market safer and more reliable.
Key Features
Product Categories: The CRS initially covered electronic and IT products, but has since expanded to include other categories like household appliances, lighting, and more.
Mandatory Registration: Manufacturers (both domestic and international) must obtain a BIS registration for their products under the CRS. Without this registration, the sale, import, or distribution of these products is prohibited.
Testing and Certification: Products must be tested in BIS-recognized laboratories to ensure they meet the applicable Indian standards. Only after passing these tests can manufacturers apply for registration.
BIS Labeling: Registered products must carry the BIS registration mark, indicating compliance with the required standards. This mark helps consumers identify compliant products easily.
Process
Application Submission: Manufacturers submit an application for registration along with required documents and test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories.
Evaluation: BIS evaluates the application and test reports to ensure compliance with the relevant standards.
Registration Grant: Upon successful evaluation, BIS grants the registration, allowing the manufacturer to use the BIS mark on their products.
Surveillance: BIS conducts periodic surveillance and testing of registered products to ensure ongoing compliance.
Product Examples
Products currently under the CRS include:
Electronic and IT goods (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, printers)
Household appliances (e.g., microwaves, refrigerators)
Lighting products (e.g., LED lights)
Certain medical devices and safety equipment
Documents Required
1. GST of the company
2. Aadhar Card
3. MSME
4. PAN Card
5. Trademark
6. Model Numbers
Importance of CRS
Consumer Confidence: Enhances consumer confidence by ensuring products are safe and reliable.
Market Regulation: Helps in regulating the market and preventing the sale of non-compliant, substandard products.
International Trade: Facilitates international manufacturers in complying with Indian standards, thus promoting fair trade practices.
Conclusion
The Compulsory Registration Scheme by BIS plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and safety of products in the Indian market. By mandating registration and compliance with Indian standards, the CRS helps protect consumers and ensures that only products meeting stringent quality criteria are available for purchase.
