BIS Registration (CRS) for
Standalone Hard Disk Drives IS 13252 (Part 1)

BIS Update for Standalone Hard Disk Drives 2026

The Government of India has amended the "Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order 2021" by adding "Standalone Hard Disk Drives" to the list of products under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Under the notification, standalone HDDs now fall under IS 13252 (Part 1), which includes performance and safety standards for Information Technology equipment. This update was made in response to public safety concerns under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This order will come into effect from November 5, 2026.

BIS Registration Benefits for Standalone Hard Disk Drives

Benefits of Getting a BIS Registration for Standalone Hard Disk Drives: 

• Legal Access to Market: A BIS Registration allows for Standalone Hard Disk Drives to be legally imported, sold and distributed in India.
• Compliance with Regulations: Compliance with the Mandatory BIS CRS is required for Standalone Hard Disk Drives under IS 13252 (Part 1).
• Builds Trust with Consumers: Certified Standalone Hard Disk Drives instil confidence in product safety and quality standards.
• Improves Safety of Products: BIS testing significantly reduces electrical hazards, overheating and hazards associated with standalone hard disk drives.
• Strengthens Brand Reputation: BIS-certified products are more credible and will be professionally recognised in the marketplace.
• Strengthens Manufacturer/Importer Competitive Advantage: Compliance Provides a Stronger Competitive Position for Manufacturers and Importers in India's Electronic Market.

Required Documentation of IS 13252 (Part 1) for BIS Registration of Standalone Hard Disk Drives

The list of mandatory documents for obtaining the BIS Mark on Standalone Hard Disk Drives is as follows: 

• Completed CDF/CCL Form
• BIS Application Form
• Business License of Manufacturing Unit
• Documentation of the manufacturing unit, translated into English and the local language.
• Manufacturer’s ISO Certificate
• Product Marking Details
• Authorisation Letter.
• Trademark Certificate
• Trademark Authorisation Letter:
• Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) Documents
• Product Technical Specifications

Applicable Test Parameters for Standalone Hard Disk Drives for BIS Registration of IS 13252 (Part 1)

The requirements for Standalone Hard Disk Drives, according to IS 13252 (Part 1), include the following items:

• Testing of Dielectric Strength: To test the insulation of the HDD by testing its ability to withstand high-voltage surges without breaking down.
• Testing of Leakage Current: To verify that the amount of current passing through the protective earth is below a safe level.
• Testing of Protective Earthing: To confirm that the grounding system for the installation is effective in preventing electric shock to users in the event of a failure.
• Testing of Insulation Resistance: To verify that the insulating materials have a sufficient resistance to prevent a short circuit from occurring.
• Testing of Enclosure: To determine if the casing/housing of the HDD provides adequate protection against mechanical impact, dropping and/or excessive stress.
• Testing of Moving Parts: To determine whether mechanical hazards are present in HDD designs by verifying that there are no exposed moving components that could result in injury.
• Testing of Stability and Edges: To confirm that the HDD has a stable physical design, eliminating sharp edges, burrs, and/or instability while in operation.

Checklist of Points to Consider for BIS Registration of Standalone Hard Disk Drives

• Scope of Coverage: Any HDD falls under this category only if it is specifically classified as a USB Type External Hard Disk Drive.
• Testing: The sample HDD must be sent to a Testing Laboratory that is either recognised by the BIS or accredited to conduct Electrical and Safety Testing.
• Construction Data Form & Critical Component List: To certify for compliance, the Construction Data Form (CDF) and the Critical Components List (CCL) must accurately reflect the hardware being tested.
• Electrical & Safety Testing: The HDD must pass all other electrical & safety tests required by the relevant standards, including thermal management, voltage, insulation, electromagnetic compatibility, etc.

Process of BIS CRS Certification of Standalone Hard Disk Drives in India

The registration process for BIS varies for Indian and Foreign manufacturers. The complete BIS Registration process is as follows:  

Foreign Manufacturers:  

• Appoint an Indian Authorised Representative to act on behalf of the manufacturer.  
• Register with the BIS Portal  
• Complete the Online application  
• Send the sample to a Bureau of Indian Standards-accredited laboratory and upload the test results to the BIS Portal.  
• Make Payment and submit the application  
• Review of the application by the BIS  
• The BIS will issue the license if there are no questions

Indian Manufacturers:  

• Register with the BIS Portal  
• Complete the Online application  
• Send the sample to a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) accredited laboratory and upload the test results to the BIS Portal.  
• Make Payment and Submit Application  
• Review of the application by the BIS  
• The BIS will issue the license if there are no questions.

BIS CRS Registration Fees in India for IS 13252 (Part 1)

The BIS registration for a Standalone Hard Disk Drive is based on product type, the number of models, and laboratory testing fees. To see how much it will cost to register your appliance, have an initial consultation with ERCS Private Limited.

Why ERCS Private Limited is the Top BIS Consultant for Standalone Hard Disk Drives?

As the Top BIS Consultant for Standalone Hard Disk Drives under scheme-2, ERCS Private Limited provide several benefits:

• Providing end-to-end support for BIS, including documentation, testing, collaboration with BIS-approved labs, and online application submission.
• Strong technical capabilities with CDF, CCL, labels, and sample configurations to prevent rejections and retesting.
• Providing dedicated service to foreign manufacturers through AIR.
• Maximising success through guidance on documentation and testing plans for successful first-time approvals.
• Demonstrated record of providing excellent service by maintaining high customer ratings and being approved for BIS on numerous product categories.
• Maintaining current knowledge of all the latest QCO and BIS requirements so that clients remain in compliance with any new or updated requirements, thus permitting manufacturers to introduce HDD into the Indian market effectively.

FAQs

Q1. Is BIS CRS Registration mandatory for Standalone Hard Disk Drives in India?

Ans. Following the amendments by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Yes, BIS Registration for Standalone Hard Disk Drives is mandatory in India, following the amendments by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

Question 2: Which Indian Standard applies to Standalone Hard Disk Drives?

Ans: Standalone HDDs are covered under IS 13252 (Part 1), the Indian Standard.

Question 3: How long does it take to get a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) CRS Registration for Stand-alone HDDs?

Ans: A BIS CRS registration for standalone HDDs can take anywhere between 3 and 6 weeks; however, this time frame can depend on a number of factors, including the time it takes to conduct tests on samples.

Question 4: How long is the BIS Registration Certificate for a standalone HDD valid?

Ans: The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) certificate for Standalone Hard Disk Drives is valid for 2 to 5 years from the date of issue.

Question 5: What are the steps required to obtain a BIS CRS Registration for Standalone Hard Disk Drives?

Ans: To obtain a BIS CRS Registration for Standalone Hard Disk Drives, you must apply for a BIS CRS license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Your product must be tested at a BIS-accredited laboratory; after that, you must submit your application through the online application system (OAS).