BIS Registration (CRS) for Set Top Box– IS 13252 (Part 1)

Set-top boxes were added to the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This comes under Scheme II of Schedule II.

The IS 13252 (Part 1) standard covers safety requirements for electronic IT Equipment, such as set-top boxes, and contains extensive content that involves the requirements for electrical insulation, overcurrent protection, thermal safety, and electric shock protection. It is required that all STBs are tested at BIS-approved labs to ensure compliance. Once registration has been granted, manufacturers or importers will receive a BIS Registration Number and be permitted to place the BIS Standard Mark to indicate compliance with Indian safety regulations.

BIS Registration is required for domestic and foreign manufacturers and importers under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). If the product does not have this certification, it could be detained by customs, penalties imposed, or may not be allowed to be sold or distributed in India.

Key Specification for Set Top Box Certification under BIS Scheme-II

Obtaining BIS CRS registration for set-top boxes (STBs) under IS 13252 (Part 1) is required for products sold in the Indian Market. The process consists of completing an online submission, arranging testing of product samples from a BIS-approved lab, and submitting the test report with the online application to the BIS officials for their review and approval for the issuance of a license.

A "Set Top Box" is a piece of hardware that can receive digital television signals and display them on a television screen. It does this by establishing a connection with a television set and then receiving signals from a cable or satellite provider. These signals are then decoded and shown on the screen. Because it gives viewers access to a diverse selection of digital channels and services, it is a common piece of equipment that can be found in many homes. Set-top boxes are also capable of providing supplementary features, such as video-on-demand, recording, and playback capabilities.

Key aspects of IS 13252 (Part 1)

The specification of Indian Standard 13252 (Part 1) is mentioned below: 

• Scope: The standard pertains to IT equipment powered through mains or battery with a rated voltage up to 600 V. These products are laptops, desktops, servers, printers, monitors, scanners, routers, modems, mobile phones, CCTV cameras/recorders, and power adapters for IT equipment.
• Primary Objective: The primary objective of the standard is to protect consumers and to manage the risks associated with the use of IT equipment, including electrical shock, energy hazards, fire hazards, and mechanical injuries.
• Key Safety Requirements: The standard also has numerous essential safety requirements, such as Electrical Safety, Thermal and Fire Protection, Mechanical Safety, Protection Against Energy Hazards, and Environmental Safety.
• Mandatory Certification: IS 13252 (Part 1) is compulsory for certain electronic and IT goods to be sold in the Indian market. Manufacturers and/or their authorized Indian representatives (for foreign manufacturers) must obtain certification from BIS under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
• Testing and Documentation: All products must be tested under the rigorous standards of a BIS-recognized laboratory. Manufacturers must include documentation in detail, including circuit diagrams, a critical components list (CCL), and user guidance, to show compliance.

Prerequisites For Obtaining CRS Registration of Set Top Box

Below, we have mentioned a few important requirements for obtaining BIS Registration in India. Let’s go through them one by one: 

• Manufacturers - A BIS license is issued to the manufacturer. An importer or Trader is not eligible to get a BIS license. An importer can serve as the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) of a foreign manufacturer; a license will be issued to the manufacturer.
• Manufacturing Address – The Manufacturer has to mention the same address in the application as mentioned in the Business License. If a manufacturer has more than one manufacturing location, then a separate BIS license/Registration is required for each location.
• Products - Each product Category/ Indian Standard requires a BIS Registration number. But if the same product category includes several models or series models, one License / Registration Number can cover all Series models of the same product category or lead model.
• Brands / Trademarks – For every/brand or trademark, a separate BIS Registration Number.

Procedure for Obtaining CRS Registration for IS 13252 (Part 1)

The steps for registering with the BIS differ for Indian manufacturers and FMCS. Let’s go over the steps for registration under the BIS CRS system:  
  
Process for an FMCS:  
   
The steps for registering with the BIS-CRS are detailed below:

• Nominate an Indian Representative who shall act on behalf of the FMCS.  
• Proceed to fill out the application form online.  
• You will need samples tested in a BIS-approved laboratory. The hard copy of the application and testing report will need to be submitted online or offline.  
• BIS will process your application.  
• You will be issued a license.

Process for Domestic manufacturers:  
   
The steps from the domestic manufacturer's perspective: 

• You will submit an application form online or offline.  
• You will apply along with the selected samples tested, along with a testing report from an approved BIS laboratory.
• The application is processed by BIS.

List of Documents Required Under BIS CRS Registration of Set Top Box

The list of documents that BIS requires is as follows:

• The BIS application form was filled out properly.
• Name and address documentation for the factory and the applicant.
• Third-party lab test report in accordance with Indian Standards
• If the Application is signed by an authorised signatory, an authorization letter from the CEO in that person's name is necessary.
• The Indian Agent and Nomination Form information applies to overseas or international manufacturers.
• Technical information on the items, including the PCB layout, the schematic diagrams, the user guide, and the critical component list
  Recognition receipt
• Undertaking and Affidavit certified with ID Proof and authorised Native Representative's signature" (in case of the foreign or overseas manufacturer)
• Official Test Results from the BIS Laboratory

Important Points To Consider For BIS Registration

Below, you can go through the points you must go through before obtaining the CRS Registration of IS 13252 (Part 1):

• Choose a BIS-recognized testing lab and an experienced Service provider.
• When you choose a lab for sample testing, keep in mind that the lab's license should be valid and not suspended.
• All documents must be signed by the manufacturer, brand owner, and the Authorized Indian representative.
• In the Design Data Form (CDF), the product detail must be filled in accurately, and in the Critical Components List (CCL), the product component information should be correct.
• The test report is valid for 3 months/90 days. Before that, you have to submit to BIS.
• All documents must be prepared before the sample is tested in the lab.

BIS Registration Fees Structure for IS 13252 (Part 1)

How ERCS Private Limited Can Help with CRS Registration of Set Top Box?

For BIS registration and producing a standard-quality product, the manufacturer must ensure that their product complies with the specified Indian Standard Specifications (ISS), which we directly interpret for you from the BIS officials as per the Indian Standards. ERCS Private Limited will be your friend, philosopher, and guide in the whole process of getting your product certified by the concerned authorities/ departments.

ERCS Pvt. Ltd., as the top BIS Consultant in India, has developed a vast network within the Information Technology Industry & various BIS departments to assist in ensuring conformity of the product SET TOP BOX according to IS 13252 (Part 1). In order to facilitate the manufacturing industry in obtaining BIS certifications, guidelines have been developed. We are familiar with the Indian Standard Specifications & BIS guidelines and deliver the most suitable interpretation to the Quality Control Personnel. We can provide reliable and effective documentation of your product in accordance with BIS guidelines.