How Foreign Manufacturers Can Get BIS CRS Registration in India?

Author : Brand Liaison | Published On : 24 Aug 2026

India has become an important market for electronic and IT product manufacturers worldwide. However, foreign manufacturers planning to sell applicable electronic and IT products in India must understand and comply with the country's product safety and regulatory requirements.

For products covered under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), obtaining BIS CRS Registration is an important compliance requirement before the product is placed on the Indian market. The CRS process involves product testing through a BIS-recognised laboratory, submission of an online application, technical documentation, and, for foreign manufacturers without an eligible Indian office or branch, appointment of an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).

This guide explains how foreign manufacturers can get BIS CRS Registration in India, the role of an AIR, documents required, testing requirements, and how a professional BIS CRS consultant can support the process.

What Is BIS CRS Registration?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) applies to notified electronic and IT products that are required to conform to the applicable Indian Standard.

Unlike BIS product certification schemes where a licence may be granted after assessment of a manufacturing facility, CRS is a registration-based conformity assessment route. Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products comply with the relevant Indian Standard and submit the required test report and documentation to BIS.

The official BIS CRS portal states that applicants must submit products for testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory and that the test report should generally be not more than 90 days old at the time of online submission.

For foreign manufacturers, additional requirements apply, particularly regarding the appointment of an Authorised Indian Representative.

Is BIS CRS Registration Mandatory for Foreign Manufacturers?

If a foreign manufacturer produces a product that falls within a category notified under the BIS CRS requirements, the manufacturer must comply with the applicable registration requirements before legally placing that product on the Indian market.

The requirement applies to the product and manufacturer regardless of whether the manufacturing facility is located in India or outside India. Therefore, foreign companies exporting covered electronic and IT products to India should determine the applicable CRS requirement before shipping or marketing their products.

The first step is to verify whether the product appears in the applicable CRS product list and identify the relevant Indian Standard.

Who Can Apply for BIS CRS Registration?

A foreign manufacturer can apply for BIS CRS Registration for its eligible products.

However, foreign applicants without a liaison office or branch office located in India must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) in the prescribed format. BIS specifically requires foreign applicants without an Indian liaison or branch office to nominate an AIR.

The AIR plays an important role in communicating with BIS and fulfilling the compliance responsibilities associated with the foreign manufacturer's registration.

What Is an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)?

An Authorised Indian Representative is an Indian resident nominated by a foreign manufacturer to represent it for BIS compliance purposes.

According to BIS, the AIR must be an Indian resident and is responsible for compliance with the applicable provisions of the BIS Act, Rules, Regulations, and the terms and conditions associated with the registration.

If the foreign manufacturer has an established branch or office in India, an employee of that branch or office may preferably be nominated as the AIR. If there is no such office, the foreign manufacturer must nominate an AIR in the prescribed manner.

Key responsibilities of an AIR include:

Acting as the official Indian contact for the foreign manufacturer
Coordinating communications with BIS
Supporting the BIS application and compliance process
Ensuring required documents and undertakings are submitted
Supporting compliance with BIS requirements
Communicating relevant changes to BIS
Assisting with registration-related matters in India

BIS also specifies that an AIR represents one manufacturing firm under the BIS conformity assessment schemes, subject to the exceptions specified in its guidelines.

Step-by-Step Process for Foreign Manufacturers to Get BIS CRS Registration

Step 1: Identify Whether Your Product Falls Under CRS

The first step is to determine whether your electronic or IT product is covered under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme.

Foreign manufacturers should identify:

Product category
Applicable Indian Standard
Product models and variants
Brand name
Manufacturing location
Applicable CRS requirements

Selecting the correct standard is important because the product testing and registration documentation will be based on the applicable Indian Standard.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Product Models and Variants

Manufacturers should prepare a clear list of the models and variants they intend to register.

Technical specifications should be consistent across:

Product specifications
Datasheets
Test reports
User manuals
Label artwork
Application documents
Product models submitted for registration

Differences between technical documents and the actual product can create unnecessary queries or delays during the application process.

Step 3: Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative

If the foreign manufacturer does not have a liaison office or branch office in India, it must appoint an AIR according to BIS requirements.

The AIR nomination and required affidavit/undertaking are important parts of the CRS application for foreign manufacturers. BIS provides prescribed formats and guidelines for this purpose.

Choosing an experienced AIR or compliance partner can make communication and documentation considerably easier for a foreign company that does not have an established compliance team in India.

Step 4: Arrange Product Testing

The product must be tested according to the applicable Indian Standard at a BIS-recognised laboratory under CRS.

The official BIS CRS instructions state that applicants should submit their product for testing to a BIS-recognised laboratory and submit the original test report with the application.

Foreign manufacturers should ensure that the laboratory receives the correct product configuration and complete technical information.

The test report should also meet BIS's applicable validity requirements. The CRS portal currently states that the test report should not be more than 90 days old at the time of online application.

Step 5: Prepare the Technical Documentation

Documentation is one of the most important parts of a BIS CRS application.

Depending on the product and applicable requirements, manufacturers may need documents such as:

Manufacturer's business registration documents
Product technical specifications
Product datasheet
User manual
Circuit diagram
PCB layout
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Critical Component List (CCL)
Component datasheets
Product photographs
Test report from a BIS-recognised laboratory
Brand/trademark documents
Brand authorisation, where applicable
AIR nomination documents
Affidavit-cum-undertaking
Label/marking artwork
Manufacturer details
Application-related declarations

The exact document requirements can vary depending on the product and current BIS guidelines, so manufacturers should verify the applicable checklist before filing the application.

Step 6: Review the Test Report and Technical Details

Before submitting the BIS CRS application, the manufacturer should carefully review the test report and supporting technical documentation.

Important details to verify include:

Manufacturer name
Manufacturing address
Product name
Model numbers
Brand name
Applicable Indian Standard
Product configuration
Test parameters
Critical components
Test report date

The information should be consistent across the test report and application documents.

Step 7: Submit the BIS CRS Application Online

Foreign manufacturers can submit the CRS application through the BIS online registration system.

The BIS CRS process requires applicants to complete the online application, upload the applicable documents, submit the required test report, and pay the prescribed fees.

For foreign manufacturers, the AIR-related documents must also be completed according to BIS requirements.

Step 8: BIS Reviews the Application

After submission, BIS reviews the application and supporting documents.

BIS may raise queries or request clarification if there are discrepancies, missing documents, or other issues with the application.

The manufacturer or AIR should respond to such queries accurately and within the applicable timeframe.

This is one area where an experienced compliance consultant can be particularly helpful because delayed or incomplete responses can prolong the registration process.

Step 9: Obtain BIS CRS Registration

Once BIS is satisfied with the submitted application, test report, documentation, and applicable compliance requirements, the CRS registration can be granted.

The manufacturer receives the relevant BIS CRS registration details, including the registration number associated with the approved product scope.

The manufacturer must then ensure that the product is marked and marketed according to the applicable BIS requirements.

Documents Required for Foreign Manufacturer BIS CRS Registration

While requirements can vary by product, foreign manufacturers should generally be prepared with the following:

Company Documents

Certificate of incorporation/business registration
Manufacturer's company details
Manufacturing address
Contact details

Product Documents

Product technical specifications
Datasheet
User manual
Product photographs
Model/variant details
Circuit diagram
PCB layout, where applicable
Bill of Materials
Critical Component List

Testing Documents

Test report issued by a BIS-recognised laboratory
Supporting technical information required by the applicable standard

Brand Documents

Trademark certificate, where applicable
Brand authorisation documents, where applicable

Foreign Manufacturer Documents

AIR nomination
AIR KYC/details
Required affidavit-cum-undertaking
Other declarations prescribed by BIS

The official BIS CRS portal provides guidelines and formats specifically for foreign applicants, including AIR nomination and affidavit-cum-undertaking requirements.

How Long Does BIS CRS Registration Take?

The actual timeline for BIS CRS Registration can vary depending on several factors, including:

Product complexity
Availability of laboratory testing
Test report completion
Accuracy of documentation
Number of models
BIS queries
Response time of the manufacturer/AIR
Payment and application processing

Therefore, foreign manufacturers should avoid relying on a fixed timeline and should begin the process well before their planned product launch or shipment to India.

BIS CRS Registration Fees for Foreign Manufacturers

The total cost of BIS CRS Registration depends on the specific product and application.

Expenses may include:

BIS application/registration fees
Product testing charges
Laboratory charges
AIR or compliance support charges
Documentation-related expenses
Additional testing, if required
Model inclusion or other applicable requests

Because testing costs can vary significantly between products and laboratories, manufacturers should evaluate the complete project cost based on their specific product and scope.

Common Challenges Faced by Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign companies often face additional challenges when applying for Indian product registration because they may not be familiar with India's regulatory system.

1. Selecting the Wrong Indian Standard

A product may appear to fit several categories, but the correct applicable standard must be identified before testing.

2. Inconsistent Technical Documents

Differences between the product, test report, datasheet, BOM, and application can result in queries.

3. Incorrect AIR Documentation

Foreign manufacturers without an eligible Indian office need to follow the prescribed AIR requirements carefully.

4. Test Report Issues

Submitting an unsuitable or outdated test report can create problems during application.

5. Multiple Product Models

Manufacturers with many models need to carefully determine which models and variants can be covered under the registration and what testing is required.

6. Communication Delays

Time-zone differences and communication gaps between overseas manufacturers, laboratories, AIRs, and Indian authorities can slow down the process.

How Brand Liaison Helps Foreign Manufacturers With BIS CRS Registration

Entering the Indian market can be challenging for a foreign manufacturer when the company is unfamiliar with Indian certification procedures.

Brand Liaison helps foreign manufacturers navigate the BIS CRS Registration process by providing end-to-end compliance support.

Our assistance can include:

Product & Standard Assessment

We help manufacturers determine whether their product falls under BIS CRS and identify the applicable Indian Standard and registration requirements.

Technical Documentation Support

Our team assists in reviewing product specifications and preparing the documentation required for the CRS application.

Laboratory Testing Coordination

We help coordinate product testing with the appropriate BIS-recognised laboratory and support manufacturers in understanding testing requirements.

Test Report Review

Before application submission, we can review the test report and relevant technical information to identify potential inconsistencies or documentation gaps.

AIR Support

For foreign manufacturers without an Indian office or branch, Brand Liaison can assist with the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) requirements and related compliance documentation, subject to the applicable BIS requirements.

BIS Application Support

We assist with preparing and submitting the BIS CRS application and coordinating the required documentation.

Query & Compliance Support

If BIS raises queries or seeks clarification, our team can help the manufacturer understand the requirement and prepare an appropriate response.

Registration & Post-Registration Guidance

Our support can continue beyond the initial registration by helping manufacturers understand requirements related to model inclusion, renewal, marking, and ongoing CRS compliance.

Why Foreign Manufacturers Choose a BIS CRS Consultant

Working with a professional compliance consultant can help overseas manufacturers better understand Indian regulatory requirements and coordinate different stages of the certification process.

A consultant can help bridge the gap between:

Foreign Manufacturer → Laboratory → AIR → BIS → Indian Market

This can make the process more organised and reduce the risk of avoidable documentation and procedural errors.

Conclusion

Obtaining BIS CRS Registration for foreign manufacturers requires proper planning, product testing, technical documentation, an appropriate AIR arrangement where applicable, and accurate online application submission.

Foreign manufacturers should first determine whether their product is covered under CRS, identify the applicable Indian Standard, arrange testing through a BIS-recognised laboratory, prepare the required documentation, appoint an AIR where required, and complete the BIS registration process.

With the right compliance support, foreign businesses can navigate the Indian regulatory framework more efficiently and prepare their products for entry into the Indian market.

Need BIS CRS Registration for Your Foreign-Manufactured Product?

If you are a foreign manufacturer planning to sell electronic or IT products in India, Brand Liaison can assist you with the BIS CRS Registration process.

Brand Liaison is a trusted BIS CRS Certification Consultant in Delhi, India, helping international manufacturers with product assessment, testing coordination, documentation, AIR support, BIS application, query resolution, and regulatory compliance.

📞 +91-9810363988
📧 [email protected]

Get in touch with Brand Liaison to understand the BIS CRS requirements applicable to your product and plan your Indian market entry with the right compliance support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a foreign manufacturer apply for BIS CRS Registration?

Yes. Foreign manufacturers of products covered under CRS can apply for BIS CRS Registration. Foreign applicants without a liaison office or branch office in India must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative according to BIS requirements.

2. Is an AIR mandatory for every foreign manufacturer?

Foreign applicants that do not have a liaison office or branch office in India are required to appoint an AIR in the prescribed manner. BIS provides specific guidelines for AIR nomination.

3. Where should foreign manufacturers test their products?

Products should be tested at a laboratory recognised by BIS under CRS, according to the applicable Indian Standard and testing requirements.

4. How old can the test report be when applying?

The BIS CRS portal currently states that the test report should not be more than 90 days old at the time of online submission.

5. Can Brand Liaison help with AIR requirements?

Brand Liaison can provide professional support for foreign manufacturers regarding applicable AIR requirements, documentation, and CRS compliance procedures.

6. Does BIS CRS Registration apply to all electronic products?

No. CRS applies to product categories notified under the applicable BIS/MeitY requirements. Manufacturers should verify whether their specific product and models fall under the applicable CRS list before beginning testing.

7. Can a foreign manufacturer add new models after obtaining BIS CRS Registration?

Yes, registered manufacturers can apply for inclusion of new models of the same product and brand under the same registration number, subject to the applicable BIS requirements and testing/documentation process.