BIS Registration (CRS) for Smart Speakers (With and Without Display) – IS 616 : 2010

Smart speakers have transformed our daily lives through technology, giving us easy access to voice control, high-fidelity audio, and the ability to interact with smart home appliances. Smart speakers are classified into audio and video electronic devices. To ensure safety and quality of these electronic products, the BIS Mark is mandatory in India. BIS Registration under IS 616 provides a level of assurance and increases manufacturers’ credibility. The certification involves an assessment of the technical requirements and electromagnetic compatibility. The BIS (CRS) Registration of smart speakers will ensure that the company is committed to the manufacture of high-quality products that meet the country’s standards.

Key Specifications of Smart Speakers (with and without Display)

Smart speakers are devices that can carry out many commands through voice activation, including playing music, setting reminders, answering questions, controlling smart home devices, and much more. Amazon Echo and Google Home are examples of small voice-activated devices that can be placed in any of your rooms to listen for your commands and provide a response using their built-in microphone or voice recognition technology. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), smart speakers have to be registered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, on the basis of IS 616. No smart speaker can be sold in the Indian marketplace until it has been registered with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Key highlights for Smart Speakers under IS 616

Go through the important factors under IS 616 for obtaining CRS Registration:

• Scope: Smart speakers with or without display screens, and voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, and others).
• Electrical Safety: Leakage current (≤ 0.25mA for Class I), dielectric strength (minimum 3,000V AC), and protective earth continuity (< 0.192).
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Required, including radiated emissions (30MHz to 1GHz), conducted emissions (150kHz to 30MHz), and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) immunity (+8kV contact, ±15kV air).
• Thermal & Mechanical Safety: Maximum surface temperatures are 55°C for metal and 75°C for other materials. Product robustness, resistance to drops and impacts (0.5J), and case strength are also evaluated.
• Acoustic Safety & Quality: Maximum sound pressure levels must be below 100dB at 1m to prevent hearing damage, with Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) typically < 3% at reference frequencies.
• Construction & Components: Insulation materials, safety-critical components (capacitors, transformers), and internal wiring safety.

BIS Registration Benefits for IS 616 Smart Speakers

BIS CRS Registration under IS 616 (Safety of Audio, Video, and Similar Electronic Apparatus) is compulsory for smart speakers in India. The following are the major advantages of BIS CRS Registration:

• Legitimate Market Access in India: BIS CRS Registration enables the manufacturer or importer to market smart speakers in the Indian market as per the Compulsory Registration Scheme.
• Government Regulation Compliance: It ensures that the product is in compliance with the standards notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, a ministry under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Improved Product Safety: IS 616 protects against electrical shock, fire, and insulation breakdown, thus ensuring improved consumer safety.
• Improved Consumer Confidence: The BIS Standard Mark helps to establish brand credibility and consumer confidence in the product's safety compliance.
• Easy Customs Clearance: For imported smart speakers, BIS registration helps avoid delays, detention, or rejection of shipments at Indian ports.

CRS Registration Document Required for Smart Speakers in India

Here is a list of important documents required for BIS CRS Registration of smart speakers (with and without display) under IS 616 in India for both Indian and foreign manufacturers:

• BIS Application Form (Form VI) duly filled and signed
• Construction Data Form (CDF) & Critical Component List (CCL)
• Test Report from a BIS-accredited lab
• Business License / Company Registration Certificate
• ISO Certificate
• Factory Address Proof (if applicable) 
• Photo ID of the Authorized Signatory
• Authorization Letter
• Trademark Registration Certificate
• Trademark Authorization Letter
• Product Marking / Label Details
• Product Technical Specification Sheet / User Manual
• PCB Layout, Schematic / Block Diagrams
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) Documents (if foreign manufacturer)
• Undertaking / Affidavit by AIR

Applicable Test Parameters for Smart Speakers Under IS 616

The test parameters for Smart speakers (with or without display) include protection against electric shock, insulation resistance, fault conditions, mechanical robustness, and, for voice assistants, functional safety. The following test parameters are conducted in BIS-accredited labs to check for compliance:

• Electrical Safety Tests: Insulation resistance, leakage current, and protection against electric shock are tested under both normal and abnormal working conditions.
• Thermal Testing: The product is tested to ensure it does not get overheated during continuous use, checking for safe temperature limits of components and the casing.
• Mechanical Strength: The speaker’s robustness, including resistance to impact, drop tests, and stability, is verified.
• EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Testing: The device's immunity to electromagnetic interference is tested, and it is ensured that it does not radiate excessive electromagnetic radiation.
• Component & Construction Quality: Internal wiring, components, and materials are checked for safety and compliance.
• Environmental Testing: The product is tested for durability under different temperature and humidity levels.
• Operational Safety: The safety of connectivity options (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) and voice recognition response is verified.

Process of BIS CRS Certification for Smart Speakers IS 616

The procedure for registration with BIS varies for Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturers. Now, let’s discuss the procedure for registration with the BIS CRS system:  

a) The procedure for registration with BIS-CRS is as follows:  

• Nominate an Indian Representative who will act on behalf of the manufacturer.  
• Account registration on the BIS Portal
• Move ahead to fill out the application form online.  
• Testing of Samples in a BIS-approved laboratory and test report upload on the BIS Portal.
• Payment and Submission of Application 
• BIS will review your application.  
• If no query is raised, BIS will grant the license. 

b). The procedure from the domestic manufacturer’s side:  

• Account registration on the BIS Portal.
• Move ahead to fill out the application form online.  
• Testing of Samples in a BIS-approved laboratory and test report upload on the BIS Portal.
• Payment and Submission of Application.
• BIS will review your application.  
• If no query is raised, BIS will grant the license.

BIS CRS Registration Fees in India for IS 616

The fees for BIS registration of the Smart Speakers (with and without Display) are given below:

How ERCS Private Limited Can Help You to Obtain BIS Registration for Smart Speakers? 

Getting BIS Registration for Smart Speakers (with or without display) as per IS 616 needs proper documentation, testing, and government coordination. ERCS Private Limited provides end-to-end assistance for a smooth and fast approval process.

• ERCS assists in finding the right applicable standard and scheme as per the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
• Preparation and checking of Application Forms, CDF/CCL, trademark documents, authorization letters, technical information, and labeling to prevent rejection.
• Support in submitting the product sample and complete coordination for testing as per IS 616 requirements.
• Technical assessment of product specifications before testing to reduce the chances of non-conformities and retesting expenses.
• End-to-end management of BIS portal submissions, queries, and regular follow-ups for fast approval