Top Reasons Why BIS Certification for Scanners Is Mandatory in India

The Indian electronics market has been expanding at a rapid pace, leading to a surge in demand for safe, standardized, and high-quality products. Among various electronic devices, scanners—used widely in offices, businesses, and homes—play a crucial role in digitizing documents, barcodes, images, and more. However, with growing imports and local production of scanners, it becomes necessary to regulate product quality to protect consumers and maintain uniform standards. This is where the BIS CERTIFICATION FOR SCANNERS comes into play.Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) of BIS, scanners are among the electronic items that require mandatory registration before being sold or imported into India. In this article, we will explore the top reasons why BIS certification for scanners is mandatory in India, the relevant standards including IS 13252(Part 1):2010, and the role of BIS CRS for scanners in ensuring compliance, quality, and consumer safety.

What Is BIS Certification?

BIS certification is a conformity assessment scheme introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a national standard-setting body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. The certification is aimed at ensuring that electronic products comply with specific Indian Standards (IS) in terms of safety, quality, and performance. For electronic products like scanners, the BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) mandates that manufacturers and importers must register their products with BIS and undergo mandatory testing from BIS-approved labs.

Applicable Standard for Scanners – IS 13252(Part 1):2010

Scanners fall under the BIS CRS category and must comply with the Indian Standard:
IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 – “Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements”.This standard corresponds to international standard IEC 60950-1 and is specifically meant to ensure the electrical safety of information technology equipment, including scanners. It sets guidelines related to fire hazards, electrical shock, insulation, material safety, etc.

Top Reasons Why BIS Certification for Scanners Is Mandatory in India

Let’s dive into the core reasons why BIS for scanners has become an essential requirement in the Indian electronics landscape:

1. Ensuring Product Safety for End Users

The primary objective of the BIS CRS certification for scanners is to ensure consumer safety. Scanners operate using electricity and may involve circuit boards, transformers, or heating components that can pose electrical hazards if not manufactured to safety standards. BIS certification ensures that the product has passed all necessary electrical safety tests as outlined under IS 13252(Part 1):2010, reducing the risk of:

• Electric shocks

• Short circuits

• Fire hazards

• Component overheating

2. Compliance with Government Regulations

In 2012, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) made it mandatory for certain electronic products—including scanners—to obtain BIS certification before sale in the Indian market. Any product falling under the notified list of electronics must be registered with BIS. Selling or importing unregistered products is illegal and punishable by fines, seizure, or legal action.

Therefore, BIS CRS for scanners is a legal requirement, not a voluntary compliance measure.

3. Maintaining Consistent Product Quality

BIS certification for scanners promotes consistency in product design and performance. With the rise in counterfeit and substandard electronic products in the market, BIS ensures that only products that meet the minimum quality benchmarks are allowed into the Indian supply chain. This helps in:

• Building brand trust

• Reducing product returns or failures

• Avoiding customer complaints

• Enhancing product lifespan

4. Facilitating Imorts and Customs Clearance

Importing electronic products without BIS CRS certification for scanners can result in customs clearance delays, product detention, or denial of entry into the Indian market. Importers are required to submit a valid BIS license and test report for scanners before customs clearance is granted. BIS-certified products:

• Speed up customs approval

• Simplify documentation

• Avoid additional import duties or penalties

5. Boosting Consumer Confidence

Consumers today are more informed and cautious when choosing electronics. Products marked with the BIS registration number signal compliance, safety, and quality assurance. This not only increases customer satisfaction but also enhances brand loyalty and repeat purchases. BIS-certified scanners enjoy a reputation of being reliable, tested, and approved for Indian usage.

6. Avoiding Legal Issues and Penalties

Selling or distributing scanners in India without BIS certification is considered a violation of the Electronics & IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order. Violators may face:

• Monetary penalties

• Product recall or confiscation

• Ban on sales

• License cancellation

Therefore, compliance with BIS CRS for scanners helps businesses stay on the right side of the law.

7. Standardizing Technological Integration

With evolving technologies like wireless scanners, barcode readers, and multi-functional devices, standardization becomes essential. BIS ensures that all scanner variants, whether basic or advanced, meet certain technical and structural safety norms, promoting a uniform benchmark across the industry.

8. Enhancing Manufacturer Credibility

For manufacturers, BIS CRS certification for scanners adds an authoritative stamp of trust. Certified products are more likely to be accepted by:

• Government tenders

• E-commerce platforms

• OEM distributors

• Large retailers

It can also serve as a marketing asset, giving manufacturers a competitive advantage in the Indian and international markets.

9. Mandatory for Online Sales Platforms

Major Indian e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and others demand valid BIS certification before listing scanners and similar electronic devices. Selling non-certified products online can result in product delisting or permanent seller suspension.

10. Supporting the ‘Make in India’ Initiative

The Indian government encourages local manufacturing under the Make in India program. BIS certification plays a crucial role in supporting this mission by:

• Promoting quality control in domestic manufacturing

• Preventing import of substandard goods

• Encouraging global brands to set up BIS-compliant factories in India

BIS CRS Certification Process for Scanners

To get your scanners BIS-certified, follow this process:

 Identify Applicable Standard

• For scanners, the applicable standard is IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

 Choose a BIS Recognized Laboratory

• Submit your product for testing at a BIS-recognized lab in India.

 Prepare Documentation

You’ll need:

• Test Report from the BIS lab

• Technical specification sheet

• Business license of the manufacturer

• Trademark or brand ownership proof

• Authorization letter (if applicable)

• Factory address proof and details

 Apply Online on BIS Portal

• Register on the BIS CRS portal and submit the required documents and test reports.

Grant of Registration

• If all documents and results are in order, BIS will issue a Registration Certificate valid for 2 years.

Use BIS Mark

• The BIS logo and registration number must be printed or embossed on the product packaging.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to obtain BIS CRS for scanners can result in:

• Seizure of product stock

• Ban on future imports

• Legal notice under Electronics Act

• Hefty penalties under Consumer Protection Act

It is advisable to consult a BIS certification expert to avoid delays and ensure full compliance.

Conclusion

BIS certification for scanners is no longer optional—it is a mandatory requirement enforced by the Indian government to ensure BIS for Scanners . With scanners playing a pivotal role in digital transformation across industries, BIS CRS certification becomes essential for brands, manufacturers, and importers to stay competitive and legally secure.By complying with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and obtaining BIS CRS certification for scanners, companies not only safeguard their business operations but also build trust with Indian consumers. Whether you’re a domestic manufacturer or a global brand aiming to enter the Indian market, securing BIS for scanners is the first step toward responsible and successful product distribution.

Faqs

1. Why is BIS certification mandatory for scanners in India?

BIS certification is mandatory for scanners to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance with Indian standards. It protects users from electrical hazards and ensures scanners meet the safety requirements outlined in IS 13252(Part 1):2010.

2. Which BIS standard applies to scanners?

Scanners must comply with IS 13252(Part 1):2010, which is based on international safety standards for Information Technology Equipment. It covers aspects like electrical safety, fire risk, and material durability.

3. What is BIS CRS certification for scanners?

BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) certification for scanners ensures that the product has been tested in a BIS-recognized lab and meets the safety and quality standards mandated by the Indian government.

4. Can I import scanners into India without BIS certification?

No. Importing or selling scanners without valid BIS certification is illegal in India. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, product seizure, or rejection by customs authorities.

5. How does BIS certification benefit scanner manufacturers and importers?

BIS certification boosts product credibility, ensures faster customs clearance, helps avoid legal issues, builds consumer trust, and is often required by major e-commerce platforms for listing products.