An Overview of BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks

Power Banks are also defined as portable power storage systems that can be utilised for charging any power–based devices which can be Cell Phone devices, Bluetooth Headset devices, etc., which require a USB interface for charging.

The Bureau of Indian Standards, which is also known as BIS, has released an Official Gazette Notification which states the requirements under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, which is also known as CRS, along with the particular product, Power Banks, have been categorised under Scheme II.

On 13^th May 2015, the BIS has implemented IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, which establishes the Standards for Power Banks for being utilised in portable Applications. The IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 states the mandatory regulations in regard to the registration procedure of BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks. Exporting, Importing or Selling of Power Banks without the issuance of BIS CRS Certification is strictly prohibited.

Brief on BIS CRS

The Department of Electronics and Information Technology, which is also known as DeitY and is now referred to as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which is also known as MeitY, along with the consultation of the Bureau of Indian Standards introduced the Compulsory Registration Scheme in 2012. The purpose of this scheme is the implication of mandatory compliance by manufacturers of Power Banks to get their Power Banks registered prior to the initiation of any business in the Indian Market.

The Necessity of BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks

The BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks ensures that the Power Banks being purchased by the consumer are safe and reliable for utilisation, along with providing assurance that the Power Banks are of good quality. This provides credibility and builds trustworthiness for the branding of the company. The BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks was introduced under the “Act of Parliament”, where Testing, Hallmarking, and Product Certification were mandated along with the formulation of set standards. The purpose of enactment was the maintenance of Standardisation and to provide Certification of the Power Banks. The BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks is essential to be issued as it provides assurance against potential hazards caused in case there are any faults found in the Power banks, such as -

• The Explosion of Power Banks due to overcharging
• Damaging the battery life of the phone or any other electronic being charged
• Poor Quality of Power Banks have a higher chance of explosions due to faulty circuits
• Causing damage to the phone’s port
• Imposing hazardous risks to the safety and security of the consumer

Benefits of BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks

The following pointers stated below mentions the benefits of obtaining a BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks -

• Ease in entering the Indian Market
• No penalties or fines being imposed
• Provides assurance that the Power Banks are tested and certified accordingly
• Build credibility and trustworthiness in customers
• Provides a competitive advantage
• Builds trust and confidence in the branding of the company
• Provide conformance with BIS Standards

Clauses for Foreign Manufacturers

For Foreign Manufacturers, it is to mandatorily nominate an Authorised Indian Representative, which is also known as AIR, that is established in India and is in accordance with the BIS Standards. The following clauses mentioned below are applicable for the appointment of being an AIR for the foreign manufacturers -

• In case the foreign manufacturer has a liaison branch in India, then that office branch is to be declared as an AIR.
• In case the foreign manufacturer does not operate any liaison branches in India, but the proprietor or the registered owner of the Trademark of the Brand associated with the product is from India and has its office premises located in India, then the owner of the Trademark is to be appointed as the AIR.
• In case the foreign manufacturer does not operate any liaison branches in India, nor the registered owner of the Trademark for the brand associated with the product is from India, then the foreign manufacturer is required to appoint a separate entity with their office being located in India as their AIR.

Documents Needed for BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks

The following documents are needed for the application process of obtaining a BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks -

• A duly filled Constructional Data Form, which is also known as CDF, or the Critical Component List, which is also known as CCL
• A duly filled BIS CRS Application form
• Business License of the Manufacturing Unit
• The Scope of Business License
• ISO Certification of the Manufacturer
• The Label of Marking that specifies the details of the Power Banks
• The Authorisation Letter in case the signatory personnel is not the head of the Manufacturing
• The Trademark Certification
• Trademark Authorisation Letter in case the manufacturer is not the owner of the Trademark
• The company registration proof of the office premises being situated in India for the Authorised Indian Representative, which is also known as AIR, in case the Power Banks are being manufactured abroad
• Photographic identification Proof of the Authorised Indian Representative or the Authorised Signatory
• Technical Specification Sheet of the Power Bank
• User Manual of the Power Bank

Procedure for BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks for Indian Manufacturers

The following steps mentioned below states the application process for obtaining a BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks for Indian Manufacturers -

• Submission of the duly filled application form along with the required documents that are to be self–
• The documents sent to BIS are to be evaluated, and upon successful results, an inspection is to be conducted, and a physical inspection is conducted by BIS Authorised Personnel, and samples of the product are collected.
• The Power Bank is then sample tested in a BIS Recognised Laboratory, and a detailed report is drafted by the authorised inspector of BIS of both the inspection and the product sample testing.
• If all the standards are set to be mandatorily complied with by BIS, then the BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks is granted.

Procedure for BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks for Foreign Manufacturers

The following steps mentioned below states the application process for obtaining a BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks for Foreign Manufacturers -

• The Foreign Manufacturing Company is required to nominate an Authorised Indian Representative.
• The Foreign Manufacturer is then required to submit the duly filled application along with the documents mentioned above.
• A sample product is to be tested in a BIS Approved Laboratory for ensuring that all the set BIS Standards are being met.
• The test report generated from the inspection conducted by an authorised BIS Personnel is to be then submitted to BIS without any tampering.
• If the evaluation of the documents, the application and test reports are deemed satisfactory, then the BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks is granted.

Compliance Measures for BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks

The following Compliance Measures are necessary to be maintained for the issuance of BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks -

• The sample testing of the Product is to be conducted only in a BIS Recognised Laboratory.
• The License of the BIS Recognised Laboratory should be valid and not suspended. The laboratory should also not be in the middle of any inspection or about to get audited.
• Prior to the shipment of samples, the manufacturer of the Power Bank needs to ensure that complete arrangements have been made for the entire shipment from the location of the factory premises where the product is manufactured to the applicable testing laboratory.
• All documents should be signed by the Producer, Brand Owner and the Authorised Indian Representative, along with the documents being notarised and stamped by the Brand Owner and Authorised Indian Representative.
• In the Construction Data Form, which is also known as CDF, the details of the product are to be filled accurately, and in the Critical Component List, which is also known as CCL, the product components information should be filled very briefly and precisely.
• The validity of the Test Report is of three months or ninety days. Prior to the date of expiration of the test report, it is required to be submitted to the BIS.
• All documents are to be prepared prior to the testing of the sample product.
• After the successful submission of documents in the inclusion of the test report, the BIS typically requires about fifteen days to approve the registration of BIS CRS Certification for Power Banks which may extend to thirty to sixty days.