BIS Registration (CRS) for Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets IS 16333 (Part-3)

The BIS CRS Registration for Indian Language Support for mobile phones under IS 16333 (Part 3) is mandatory. The registration ensures that devices support Indian languages, including Unicode for typing and readability, essential for local market sales. Manufacturers are required to test samples at BIS-approved laboratories and submit the necessary report for obtaining a license.

 

The BIS registration process demonstrates that manufacturers show their dedication to creating products that meet international standards and provide user-friendly experiences.  The registration process functions as a mandatory legal requirement that organizations must follow. The Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Orders 2012 require all products to obtain BIS approval.

 

Key Specifications of Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets

The mobile phone handsets that enable Indian language usage serve as crucial resources for enhancing digital access across different language-speaking communities. The CRS Registration of IS 16333 (Part 3) requires all mobile devices that manufacturers sell in India to support both English and at least one Indian language. The certification verifies compatibility with Unicode UTF-8 encoding and provides SMS, MMS, and email support, together with regional language input and display options to enhance digital access for users. The handset provides user-friendly features for people who want to use Indian languages together with English.

 

Key highlights for Mobile Phone Handsets IS 16333 (Part-3 Under CRS.

• Language Support Requirement: Any device marketed in India should be able to show at least 22 of the officially recognized Indian languages and should be able to enter text using at least one of those languages.
• Unicode Compliance: Guidelines are to ensure that the character sets used to write the Indian languages conform to the Unicode standard.
• Legal Framework & Application: The IS 16333 (Part 3): 2022, without Amendment 1, will remain in effect for all mobile phones sold in India until September 19, 2025.
• Compliance Determination Process: The manufacturer who will sell mobile phones in India must provide a self-declaration of compliance to all of the languages required by the IS 16333 (Part 3): 2022. 
• Regulatory Objective: The purpose of the IS 16333 (Part 3): 2022 and the intent of the regulations are to assist in supporting multilingual efforts by the Government of India for disaster response communications and creating a digitally inclusive society.

 

BIS Update for Mobile Phone Handsets 2026

Under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, which was updated by the Quality Control Order (QCO) dated January 22, 2026, all electronic goods covered by this order must comply with the relevant Indian safety standards. These products are required to undergo testing and obtain a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and they must display the BIS Standard Mark. The provisions of this order will come into effect six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.

 

Benefits of the BIS CRS Certificate for IS 16333 (Part-3)

All certified holders will receive significant value from the BIS CRS Certificate for IS 16333 (Part-3) by offering these three key benefits.

• Legal and Market Access: As mobile handsets must have this certificate to sell in India, products without BIS approval can be seized, producing large fines and potential for legal action.
• Language Accessibility and Inclusiveness: The BIS CRS Scheme design supports operation through English, Hindi, and all regional languages, making it much easier for those who do not speak English to be able to use their mobile device.
• Increased Level of Credibility: The in-market BIS mark provides buyers of mobile handsets with a clear visual indication that this manufacturer's product is safe and has been produced to an acceptable level of quality.
• Simplified Logistics: With the BIS CRS system, it is much easier for importers of mobile handsets to complete the required customs processes and therefore, significantly reduces the amount of time it takes for these companies to receive their products at port or receiving location.
• Competitive Advantage: Companies that have obtained certification have a definitive advantage compared to other companies that do not sell certification-compliant products, especially considering that they are selling lower-quality products without having gone through the BIS CRS certification process. 

 

Document Required for BIS Registration of Mobile Phone Handsets in India

The BIS Registration for Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets requires the following documents: 

• Completed BIS application form and test documents (CDF/CCL Form). 
• Business license for the manufacturing unit (in English where necessary). 
• ISO certification of the manufacturer. 
• Technical specification sheet and user manual. 
• Trademark certificate and brand authorization letters. 
• An authenticated document from the Authorized Indian Representative or a nomination letter. 
• Product marking and labeling information.

 

Applicable Test Parameters for Mobile Phone Handsets IS 16333 (Part-3) under CRS

Language Support and Script Rendering: All official 22 languages in India can be displayed/entered via the software (Devanagari, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, etc.).

• Font Rendering and Readability: All characters should be displayed properly for their intended use, including font readability and character encoding, according to Unicode.
• Input Mechanism: A virtual keyboard/Input Method Editor (IME) for at least one additional official Indian language other than English must be available.
• Message Display and Editing: Ability to display SMS text messages through the supported Indian languages (for reading/writing and displaying SMS messages and text).
• User Interface (UI): Must render Indian language text in all parts of the application user interface as designed by the UI team.
• Documentation: User manuals will be available to provide instructions in English/Hindi/digital code form via digital codes (QR codes), so anyone using the product can understand how to use it.

 

Process of BIS CRS Registration in India

The registration procedures for achieving a BIS Certificate are distinct between Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturers. Let’s go over the steps for registration under the BIS CRS system:  
  
a). Process for a Foreign Manufacturer:  
   
The steps for registering with the BIS-CRS are detailed below:  

• The manufacturer needs to choose an Indian Representative who will represent the manufacturer.  
• The user needs to create an account on the BIS Portal.  
• The user needs to complete the online application form.  
• The user needs to upload test results from approved laboratories to the BIS Portal after conducting tests in those laboratories.  
• The user needs to make a payment and submit their application.  
• BIS will start its evaluation process for your application.  
• BIS will issue the license after resolving all inquiries.

 

b). Process for Domestic manufacturers:

The steps from the domestic manufacturer's perspective:  

• The user needs to create an account on the BIS Portal.  
• The user needs to complete the online application form.  
• The user needs to upload test results from approved laboratories to the BIS Portal after conducting tests in those laboratories.  
• The user needs to make a payment and submit their application.  
• BIS will start its evaluation process for your application.  
• BIS will issue the license after resolving all inquiries.

 

BIS CRS Registration Fees in India for Mobile Phone Handsets IS 16333 (Part-3)

The fees for BIS Registration India for the cash register are given below:

 

Checklist for BIS CRS Certificate registration

Let’s know the basic requirements for Manufacturers and Importers to obtain BIS Registration: 

• The manufacturer of the product is the only person who can apply for BIS CRS registration. 
• All foreign manufacturers must have an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to apply for registration. 
• The mobile phone must have English and Hindi as the primary languages, and one additional Indian Language must also be supported by the mobile phone. 
• It must also allow for display and typing on mobile devices in the Indian Language. 
• The mobile phone has to be tested at a BIS-accredited laboratory within India, and the test results must be compliant with IS 16333 (Part-3). 
• A manufacturer's instruction/user manual is required to be provided (either in print or digitally), and the package must have access to the digital manual if applicable. 
• The manufacturer must also provide complete product details (model, variant, software version).

 

Role of ERCS Private Limited for BIS Registrationof  Mobile Phone Handsets

ERCS Private Limited is the Top CRS Consulting Agent that provides support for the BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme)  for mobile handset manufacturers by connecting them with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to allow for legal distribution of products in India. ERCS provides assistance with the completion of the required technical files for BIS certification, including the Construction Data Form (CDF) and Critical Component List (CCL), and verifies that all documentation complies with BIS guidelines. ERCS manages the sampling and testing process through BIS-approved laboratories to receive the necessary valid test reports.