BIS Registration for Smart Watches IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010
Smartwatches under IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 are classified as regulated information technology equipment that must comply with mandatory safety standards before being marketed in India. These wearable devices, widely used for fitness tracking, communication, and real-time notifications, integrate advanced electronics within compact and continuously operating systems. Given their direct contact with the human body and constant power usage, ensuring electrical safety, thermal stability, and performance reliability is essential.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), mandates certification for smart watches to mitigate risks such as electric shock, overheating, insulation failure, and fire hazards. Compliance with IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 ensures adherence to prescribed safety and quality benchmarks, enabling lawful sale while enhancing user safety and product credibility.
Importance of BIS CRS Certification for Smart Watches
BIS certification is mandatory for electronic products, including smartwatches, to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance. Here’s why BIS CRS for smart watches is necessary:
Ensures Electrical Safety – Protects users from electric shocks, short circuits, and overheating.
Regulatory Compliance – Ensures adherence to Indian Standards for smart watches, enhancing credibility in the market.
Boosts Consumer Confidence – Certified products assure customers of quality, reliability, and safety.
Facilitates Market Access – CRS certification is a legal requirement to sell smartwatches in India, ensuring smooth market entry.
Minimizes Risks – Compliance with BIS standards helps manufacturers avoid legal issues and penalties.
Who Needs BIS Certification under IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010
BIS certification under IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 is mandatory for entities involved in the manufacturing, importing, or sale of smart watches in India. Compliance under the CRS scheme is required before these products can be legally introduced into the market.
Applicable to:
Manufacturers – Domestic and foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS certification prior to sale.
Importers – Importers must ensure that smart watches are BIS-certified before entering the Indian market.
Brand Owners –Companies selling under their own brand must ensure compliance, even if manufacturing is outsourced.
Basic Requirements
There are four key factors on which a BIS Licence is based. Without fulfilling these requirements, an applicant cannot apply for BIS Certification/Registration in India. To obtain BIS registration, the following conditions must be met:
Manufacturer: The BIS licence is issued only to the manufacturer, not to traders, importers, or distributors. However, in the case of foreign manufacturers, an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) can submit the application on their behalf. The final licence is always granted in the name of the manufacturer.
Manufacturing Location:The exact manufacturing address must be clearly mentioned in the application and supporting documents. If a manufacturer operates multiple production units for the same product, a separate BIS licence is required for each manufacturing location.
Product:BIS registration is granted product-wise. Each product category requires a separate licence. However, if a product has multiple models under the same category, one licence can cover all those models .
Brand or Trademark: Every brand name or trademark must have its own BIS licence. If the same product is sold under different brands, separate licences are required for each brand or trademark.
Indian Standard IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 for Smart Watches
The Indian Standard for smartwatches, IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, outlines the safety and performance specifications for these devices. Compliance with this standard ensures that:
Electrical safety is maintained, preventing hazards like electric shocks.
Performance benchmarks such as data transfer speeds and storage capacity are met.
Data security features, including encryption and recovery mechanisms, are effective.
Devices are tested for durability under various environmental conditions.
Tests Performed
Before obtaining BIS Certification for Smart Watches, products undergo rigorous testing in BIS-recognized labs:
Electrical Safety Tests
Evaluates insulation resistance and protection against electric shocks.
Protection of Equipment Users
It refers to safety measures and standards designed to protect people from potential hazards while using electrical, electronic, or mechanical equipment, ensuring the products are safe and reliable for use
Data Protection Testing
Verifies the effectiveness of encryption and recovery mechanisms.
Environmental Testing
Tests the device’s durability under different temperature and humidity conditions.
BIS Registration Process for Smart Watches
The BIS registration process differs slightly for domestic and foreign manufacturers but broadly follows these steps:
For Foreign Manufacturers
For Domestic Manufacturers
Nominate an Indian Representative: A foreign manufacturer must appoint an Indian Representative with a valid business presence in India to handle the registration process for CRS Registration.
Submit Online Application: Domestic manufacturers directly apply on the BIS portal to begin the registration process.
Online Application Submission: The representative submits an application via the BIS portal, ensuring all details are accurate.
Sample Testing: Like foreign manufacturers, samples are tested at a BIS-recognized lab.
Sample Testing: Smart Watch samples are tested in a BIS-approved laboratory for compliance with IS 13252 (Part 1) : 2010.
Submit Application: A complete application, including test reports, is submitted to the BIS.
Submit Complete Application: The application, along with test reports and required documents, is submitted online or in hard copy.
BIS Verification: The BIS reviews technical and KYC documents.
BIS Verification: The BIS reviews technical and KYC documents.
License Grant: After successful verification, the BIS issues a license for using the BIS CRS mark.
Grant of License: Upon successful verification, the BIS grants a license, allowing the use of the BIS CRS mark.
Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration
General Documents:
BIS application form.
GST Certificate
MSME certificate
Authorized person Aadhaar
Company PAN Card
Contact Details
Trademark Certificate (Class 9,11)
Additional Documents for Foreign Manufacturers:
AIR (All India Representative) Details
Trademark Certificate (Class 9,11)
Application form 1.
Authorized representative's photo ID.
Business license (original + English translation).
Technical Documents:
CCL (Critical Component List)
CDF Form
Product Marking Plate
Product Manual
Product Diagram
Timeline and Validity of BIS CRS Registration
Timeline:The timeline for obtaining BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) generally ranges from 20 to 30 working days, depending on factors such as product testing, documentation accuracy, and application verification. The process begins with testing the product in a BIS-recognized laboratory, followed by online application submission, document verification, and approval from BIS authorities.
Domestic Manufacturers
Foreign Manufacturers
30 Days
45 Days
Validity:The BIS CRS registration certificate is typically valid for 2 years. After this period, manufacturers or importers must apply for renewal of the BIS licence to continue manufacturing, importing, or selling the product in the Indian market. Renewal can be granted for up to 5 years, provided the product continues to comply with the applicable BIS standards and regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
Compliance with IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 is essential for businesses dealing in smart watches in India. BIS CRS registration ensures adherence to critical safety standards, reducing risks such as overheating, electrical faults, and user safety concerns while improving device reliability. In the rapidly expanding wearable technology market, certification not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also strengthens consumer trust and brand positioning.
EVTL India is one of the leading BIS consultants in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. With expert assistance, businesses can streamline certification processes, ensure compliance accuracy, and achieve faster approvals, enabling smooth and efficient market entry.
End-to-End Assistance from EVTL India
From legal compliance and product testing to training, research, product development, and complete conformity assessment, EVTL India provides a single-window solution for all product certification needs. We are among the leading BIS CRS registration consultants, offering both mandatory and voluntary certification consultancy services to manufacturers and importers across India and globally.
Complete paperwork, testing, and guidance related to BIS registration.
Creation of samples in accordance with requirements for 100% sample conformity in the testing facility.
Liaison with the Bureau, which includes detailed application preparation, submission, and response to occasional queries with clarifications.
Informing businesses about changes in rules, standards, and regulations
Representing companies before government authorities when needed.
Giving guidance for product registration under Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), including the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
faq
1. Is BIS certification mandatory for smart watches?
Yes, BIS CRS registration is mandatory before selling or importing smart watches in India.
2. Which standard applies to smart watches?
IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 governs safety requirements for IT equipment, including wearable devices.
3. Who can apply for BIS registration?
Only manufacturers can apply; foreign manufacturers must appoint an AIR.
4. What risks are covered under this standard?
It addresses risks like electric shock, overheating, insulation failure, and fire hazards.
5. How long does the BIS registration process take?
Typically 20–30 working days, depending on testing and documentation.
6. What is the validity of BIS certification?
The certification is valid for 2 years and renewable thereafter up to 5 years.