BIS Certification for Power Adaptors/Mobile Chargers in India: A Complete Guide

Introduction

In everyday life, the demand for power adaptors and mobile chargers along with smartphones, tablets, laptops, routers, and other electronic products is rising. These devices work directly with electrical power, so their safety and quality are important.

In India, certain electronic products like power adaptors or mobile chargers are covered under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Manufacturers must ensure that the product complies with the applicable Indian Safety Standard and complete BIS registration for power adaptors or mobile chargers before selling or importing them in the Indian market.

For businesses importing or manufacturing power adaptors, Brand Liaison helps them understand the applicable standards, requirements, documents, and BIS registration process is important to make the compliance process much easier.

Why Is BIS Registration Mandatory for Power Adaptors/Mobile Chargers?

Power adaptors or mobile chargers handle electricity and convert input power into the output required by an electronic device. If these are poorly designed or non-compliant products, they can create safety risks such as electric shock, overheating, or fire.

Fulfilling BIS requirements helps ensure that notified products meet defined safety requirements before they are sold in the Indian market. For businesses, BIS Certification for Adaptors helps with:

• Compliance with mandatory regulatory requirements
• Providing safer products for consumers
• Improving confidence in the brand
• Avoiding regulatory actions or complications
• Assistance in smooth market entry in India

Therefore, these requirements are not only important for manufacturers but also for businesses importing chargers or adaptors from overseas manufacturers.

Which Indian Standard Applies to Adaptors/Chargers?

IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is the Indian Standard applicable to Power Adaptors in India:

1. For Power Adaptors for IT Equipment, BIS currently lists IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 under the CRS product list. BIS records also show registered power adaptors or mobile chargers under this product category.
2. For Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus, BIS lists IS 616:2017.

Therefore, manufacturers should not assume that every charger or adaptor will automatically fall under one standard. The application and technical characteristics of the products need to be reviewed before testing and registration.

Applicable Indian Standards at a Glance

However, BIS has also published draft guidelines concerning migration of several CRS products, including power adaptors, from older standards to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. 

Products Covered Under BIS CRS Registration

Depending on their product category and intended use, the BIS certification in India applies to products such as:

• Mobile phone power adaptors
• AC power adaptors
• External power supplies
• Adaptors for IT equipment
• Power adaptors for electronic equipment
• Adaptors used with audio and video equipment
• Other covered external power supplies

The product name alone is not enough to determine the applicable BIS category. Technical specifications and intended application should be checked before selecting the standard.

Who Needs BIS CRS Registration for Power Adaptors/Mobile Chargers?

BIS registration for electronic or IT products like power adaptors or mobile chargers listed under CRS is generally mandatory for the manufacturer.

This can include:

• Indian manufacturers selling notified electronic products in India
• Foreign manufacturers exporting products to India

For foreign manufacturers, an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) is required as per the applicable BIS requirements. The AIR acts as the communication link between the foreign manufacturer and BIS for the registration process.

Note: Importers and traders cannot apply directly for the CRS Registration. They need to request a copy of the license from the actual manufacturer before importing the notified electronic products to sell in India.

What Are the Tests Performed on a Mobile Charger or Adaptors?

Testing on a Power Adaptor depends on the applicable Indian standard. This is intended to evaluate whether the charger or adaptor meets the required safety parameters. Depending on this, areas of evaluation include:

• Electrical safety
• Insulation
• Protection against electric shock
• Heating under normal operating conditions
• Input and output characteristics
• Protection against abnormal operating conditions
• Construction and enclosure requirements
• Marking and instructions

Moreover, the actual test requirements should be confirmed with the selected BIS-recognised laboratory based on the product category and latest applicable standard.

What Documents Are Required for BIS Registration?

The list of documents depends on the product and manufacturer, but the application generally requires technical, manufacturing, and testing information.

Here are the important documents required for BIS registration for power adaptors or mobile chargers:

• Trademark/ Brand Registration Certificate
• Factory address proof
• Lab test reports of the product
• PCB layouts & Critical Component Lists (CCL)
• Product user manual
• Appointment of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) in case you are a foreign manufacturer

Differences in model numbers, ratings, brand details, or product construction can create delays during the registration process.

How to Get BIS CRS Registration for a Power Adaptor?

The BIS registration process for power adaptors generally involves testing, documentation, and online submission. Here is a detailed overview of the steps involved in BIS CRS registration in India:

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Standard

The first step is to determine which BIS product category and standard applies to the charger or adaptor. This is important because different types of adaptors fall under different Indian Safety Standards.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

The applicant needs to prepare the required technical and manufacturing documents for the application. The document list should provide accurate and correct information about the product to get the registration.

Step 3: Product Testing at BIS laboratory

The product sample is submitted to a laboratory recognised by BIS for the relevant testing scope. The laboratory tests the sample according to the applicable Indian Standard and prepares the test report.

Step 4: Submit the BIS Application

Once the testing is done, the applicant submits the application and supporting documents through the applicable BIS online system to initiate the registration process. BIS officials examine the submitted information and test report during the registration process.

Step 5: BIS Review and Approval

BIS reviews the application and supporting documents. If the requirements are satisfied, the registration is granted to the manufacturer for the applicable product and models.

After that, the manufacturer can use the BIS registration details and Standard Mark in accordance with the applicable requirements.

Can Multiple Charger Models Be Covered Under One BIS Registration?

It depends on the applicable BIS guidelines and whether the models meet the standards for series or model coverage.

BIS guidelines for power adaptors have provisions for including a range of output power ratings in a series when specified technical conditions are met. These conditions can involve factors such as input voltage, construction class, PCB design, and transformer design.

Therefore, manufacturers should not assume that every charger model can be included under a single registration.

The model details, electrical ratings, and construction should be reviewed before deciding the testing and registration strategy.

What are the BIS Marking Requirements for Power Adaptors/Chargers?

BIS CRS Marking is an important part of post-registration compliance. The applicable registration details must be displayed on the product or packaging as required under the relevant BIS requirements. The information should be clear and consistent with the registration.

They should carefully check:

• Standard Mark requirements
• Registration number
• Manufacturer details
• Model identification
• Electrical ratings
• Other mandatory markings and information

Incorrect or incomplete marking can create compliance concerns even after registration has been granted.

BIS Registration for AC and DC Power Adaptors

BIS Registration for both AC adaptors and the DC power adaptor is covered under CRS requirements. However, some technical parameters like:

• Voltage range
• Wattage
• Usage environment 

These may differ. Each model requires separate testing at BIS-accredited labs and CRS registration under BIS norms.

What Are The Benefits of BIS Certification for Power Adaptors/Chargers?

BIS CRS registration provides an important compliance framework for manufacturers and businesses dealing with notified power adaptors and chargers. For manufacturers, BIS registration for power adaptors or mobile chargers provides the following advantages:

• Legal compliance: It helps businesses meet the mandatory BIS requirements applicable to their products.
• Meeting Safety Standards: Testing the product against the relevant Indian Standard helps assess important electrical and safety characteristics.
• Smooth Market Entry: BIS registration for power adaptors and mobile chargers supports the lawful sale of notified adaptors and chargers in the Indian market.
• Improves business operations: Getting the certification before commercial imports or sales can help avoid unnecessary compliance delays.

However, selecting the correct standard, testing the right product models, and maintaining accurate product and marking information are equally important.

What Mistakes Should Be Avoided for CRS Registration?

Businesses often face delays or application rejection for BIS registration for adaptors and chargers because of avoidable errors. Some common issues include:

Selecting the Wrong Indian Standard

A charger may be described simply as a "mobile charger," but its actual classification may depend on its intended application and technical design.

Submitting an Incorrect Test Report

The test report should come from a laboratory recognised for the relevant BIS testing scope and should cover the correct product and model.

Mismatch of the Product Model

The model number and technical specifications in the test report, application, and product sample should match.

Incomplete or Misleading Documents

Missing specifications, circuit information, or manufacturing details can result in additional queries.

Incorrect BIS Marking

The product and packaging should follow the applicable marking requirements after registration.

Avoiding Standard Updates

BIS standards and implementation requirements can change. Manufacturers should verify the latest applicable requirements before starting a new application or modifying an existing registration.

What Is The Role of a BIS CRS Consultant?

A BIS CRS Registration consultant in India supports businesses by coordinating different stages of the registration process and helping them understand the applicable requirements. Their support may include:

• Product eligibility check: They check whether the product falls under the relevant BIS requirements.
• Identifying Indian Standard: They help to identify the correct Indian Standard applicable to the power adaptor.
• Coordinates with BIS-accredited labs: They support testing through an appropriate BIS-recognised laboratory for accurate and quick results.
• Preparing documents: They review technical and business documents required for the application.
• Application assistance: They assist with preparation and submission of the BIS registration application smoothly.

How Can Brand Liaison Help with BIS Registration for Power Adaptors/Chargers?

BIS CRS registration for power adaptors and chargers is more than submitting an application. Knowing the product category, applicable standard, testing requirements, technical documents, and model coverage all is important.

Brand Liaison is the top BIS CRS Registration Consultant in Delhi with 10+ years of experience, 5000+ certificates, 1000+ BIS projects, and 500+ FMCS projects, supporting manufacturers, importers, and brands like Rawplug through the BIS registration process by coordinating key compliance activities.

Our support includes:

• Checking product eligibility
• Determining the correct Indian Standard
• Assistance in documentation
• Coordinating with BIS authorities for product testing
• Supporting BIS application submission
• Regular industry updates
• Practical knowledge of BIS rules
• Following up during the registration process
• Post-registration compliance

Moreover, Brand Liaison can also support foreign manufacturers for the required coordination involving the Authorised Indian Representative, where applicable.

Conclusion

BIS certification for power adaptors and chargers is an important requirement for manufacturers and businesses dealing with covered mobile chargers and power adaptors in India. It is important to identify the correct product category and applicable Indian Standard. 

BIS has also published draft migration guidance toward several electronic products, making it important to partner with a trusted BIS CRS Registration Consultant in Delhi.

With proper product classification, laboratory testing, documentation, and BIS application support, Brand Liaison helps manufacturers to prepare their chargers and adaptors for compliant entry into the Indian market.