BIS CRS Certification for Scanners - IS 13252 (Part 1):2010

Overview

Scanners these days are widely used in offices, airports, hotels, warehouses, hospitals, retail stores, as well as various government facilities. They help businesses digitise documents, read barcodes, verify identity documents, and process information smoothly. However, a scanner's usefulness is only one part of the market-entry process. Businesses must also ensure compliance with the mandatory BIS CRS certification for scanners and check whether the product meets India's applicable safety and registration requirements, in order to be eligible to sell or import it for the wider market.

A manufacturer may have a technically sound product that is absolutely ready for shipment, but overlooking mandatory BIS registration can create compliance problems before commercial sales begin. This is particularly important for businesses that:

• Manufacture scanners in India.
• Import scanners from overseas factories.
• Sell scanning devices under their own brand.
• Supply passport or identity-document readers to Indian customers.
• Launch new scanner models or product variants.
• Distribute scanners manufactured by another company.

What is BIS CRS Certification for Scanners?

The BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme is a regulatory framework under which specified electronic and information technology products must meet applicable Indian Standards and obtain registration before being sold or imported in the market. It is a mandatory compliance requirement, and non-conformance with the same can cause various legal consequences.

For scanners, the BIS CRS Certification is processed in accordance with the IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 - Information Technology Equipment - Safety - Part 1: General Requirements. The main purpose of this standard is to address product safety and long-term reliability. 

Which Types of Scanners May Require BIS CRS Registration?

Scanner technology covers several different types of equipment. Some scanners are designed for office document management, while others are used for identity verification, access control, or retail transactions. Depending on the applicable product classification, BIS CRS certification for scanners:

If you don’t know whether your product requires a BIS CRS certificate, check your eligibility for a BIS CRS Registration and ensure complete market readiness for India.

Understanding IS 13252 (Part 1):2010

IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 usually covers general safety requirements for information technology equipment within its scope. For scanners, the applicable safety evaluation may consider wider scope areas such as:

1. Electrical safety: To check whether the product is designed to operate safely when connected to a power source.
2. Protection against electric shock: To know whether users are protected from hazardous electrical parts.
3. Insulation and electrical clearances: To ensure that the design provides appropriate separation between electrical components.
4. Fire and thermal hazards: To prevent relevant risks from overheating or electrical faults.
5. Mechanical safety: To check whether the equipment presents applicable physical hazards during normal use.
6. Marking and instructions: Understanding whether required product information and safety instructions are provided.

BIS Guidelines 2026: Migration from IS 13252 to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

One of the most important developments for businesses that are handling IT and electronic products is the transition of IS 13252 to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

BIS issued implementation guidelines on 9 March 2026 covering the migration of products within the applicable scope from IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 to the newer safety standard IS 62368. The transition deadline stated in the guidelines is 1 November 2028.

What does this mean for scanner businesses?

The migration update matters for scanner businesses because the previous registration standard may not remain the applicable route indefinitely. However, businesses should not automatically assume that every scanner is included in the migration list simply because it was registered under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. Before applying or planning a transition, manufacturers should check whether their exact product category and model are covered by the applicable migration notification.

It is therefore important to check both the scanner's CRS applicability and the latest standard-specific instructions before beginning a new registration or modifying an existing one.

How to Get BIS CRS Certification for Scanners?

The BIS CRS registration process involves more than uploading a form. Product classification, laboratory testing, as well as document consistency must be clearly addressed in the right order. Here are simple steps to easily get a BIS CRS license:

Step 1: Confirm Product Applicability

Identify the exact scanner model and examine its intended use, technical specifications, and product category. Check whether it falls under the applicable CRS scope and establish which Indian Standard applies. 

Step 2: Identify the Manufacturer, Brand and Model

Prepare accurate information about the manufacturing unit, product brand, and model. The registration details must correspond to the actual manufacturing arrangement. Separate manufacturing locations or brands may require separate registrations, usually depending on the applicable BIS rules.

Step 3: Arrange Testing Through a BIS-Recognised Laboratory

The scanner must be tested against the applicable standard through a laboratory that has been recognised by BIS for the relevant testing scope.

Step 4: Prepare the Application Documents

Collect the technical and business documents that are required for the relevant product and applicant.

Note: Inconsistent details can lead to queries and additional work. Taking help from a top BIS CRS certification consultant in Delhi can reduce this hassle.

Step 5: Submit the BIS CRS Application

Submit the application and supporting documents through the applicable BIS registration portal.

Step 6: Respond to BIS Queries

BIS may raise questions or request clarification during scrutiny of your application. The applicant must provide the required explanation, correction, or supporting documents in order to proceed with the CRS certificate.

Step 7: Complete Registration and Follow Applicable Marking Rules

Once BIS grants registration, the manufacturer must follow the applicable conditions for the BIS R-number product marking, registration details, and continuing compliance in the Indian market.

Documents Required for Scanner BIS CRS Registration

The exact document checklist generally depends on the product, manufacturing arrangement, and current BIS requirements. However, businesses should generally be prepared with the following commonly asked BIS CRS documents:

• 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

A top BIS Consultant can help businesses prepare the exact documentation on time. 

BIS CRS for Imported Scanners: What Foreign Manufacturers Need to Know

Foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS CRS registration for products notified by the scheme. However, the process requires careful coordination between the overseas factory and the Indian market-entry arrangements.

Where required under BIS rules, a foreign manufacturer without an eligible office or establishment in India must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Importers should not assume that purchasing a scanner from an overseas supplier means that the product is already registered for the Indian market. Registration and manufacturer-related requirements must be thoroughly checked before commercial distribution.

Timeline, Cost, and Validity of BIS CRS Registration for Scanners

BIS CRS Registration Timeline

The standard registration timeline for a BIS CRS certificate can vary depending on several factors such as product and registration type, completeness of application and documents, testing needs, additional compliance requirements, etc. However, if everything is accurate as per BIS regulations, on average, here is the estimated timeline:

• For primary lead models: 25-30 working days
• For subsequent lead models: 15-20 working days

BIS CRS Certification Cost

There are no fixed BIS certification fees. The cost for a BIS CRS certification differs depending on several factors. However, here is an estimated cost breakdown for the same:

Getting in touch with a BIS CRS certification consultant in India can help businesses understand the exact cost for a BIS CRS license. 

BIS Registration Validity

The validity of a BIS registration is 5 years, as notified by the latest BIS Compulsory Registration update. The BIS CRS license renewal should also be subsequently considered by manufacturers in order to remain compliant and eligible for legal sales and trade in the Indian market. 

Other Regulatory Compliances for Scanners in India

Other than BIS Certification for Scanners, businesses selling or importing these must also understand the WPC ETA regulations and EPR Registration responsibilities, in order to be compliant with market eligibility criteria. Have a look at the other key compliances required for scanners in the Indian market:

1. WPC ETA Approval

Scanners having wireless functionalities or BT-connectivity generally require the mandatory WPC ETA Approval to be compliant with the wireless regulations, ensuring smooth interoperability of devices. It is granted by the WPC Wing under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

2. EPR Registration (for electronics)

As potential electronic devices that can be hazardous waste after their end of use, it is mandatory for scanners to get an EPR certificate for electronics waste management. It is granted by the CPCB and is an essential compliance requirement for producers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment in India.

How Does Brand Liaison Support BIS CRS Certification for Scanners?

Brand Liaison, a trusted BIS CRS certification consultant in Delhi, India, assists manufacturers and importers with BIS certification and registration requirements through a coordinated approach to product compliance.

With 10+ years of experience, 5,000+ certificates, 1,000+ BIS projects, and 500+ FMCS projects, Brand Liaison has experience in comprehensively supporting businesses across Indian product-certification requirements. 

Here is why businesses prefer working with Brand Liaison:

• Product applicability and standard assessment.
• Review of manufacturing, brand, and model information.
• Coordination with the appropriate testing laboratory.
• Technical documentation and application preparation.
• Support with regulatory queries and corrections.
• Guidance on applicable migration requirements
• Post-registration compliance.
• AIR support for foreign manufacturers.

Brand Liaison has also specifically served businesses that have been associated with scanning and identity-verification equipment, including DESKO, HID and OKI, in BIS certification-related work.

These prominent clients reflect Brand Liaison’s all-inclusive experience with businesses operating in document scanning, identification and office imaging. 

Conclusion 

Scanners covered by India's BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme must meet the applicable registration requirements before being sold or traded in the Indian market. IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 has been the relevant standard for listed scanner products, but the 2026 migration guidelines make it important to check the current requirements for the specific product. Therefore, understanding BIS registration in detail is absolutely important for businesses dealing with IT & electronics. Working with an experienced consultant such as Brand Liaison can help businesses coordinate these steps and plan their BIS compliance in a more effective and smooth manner. 

Contact us today and ensure hassle-free BIS CRS compliance in the Indian market.