Required Certifications for Office Automation Products (Printer, Copier, Scanner, MFD)

Office Automation Products for the Indian Market: An Insight

Office automation products such as printers, scanners, copiers, and MFDs are all that we rely upon heavily. These, as we all know, are widely used in a variety of office tasks for streamlining both communications as well as workflow. India’s office automation segment is growing at roughly 6–8% annually, with demand steadily rising since 2022–23 as businesses, educational institutions, and SMEs upgrade to multifunction devices for efficiency and digital workflow integration. All of these products save a lot of time as well as effort. Facilitating easy storage and management of various functions, office automation products are great to consider for every essential workspace requirement, as it would be a lot more difficult to manage things otherwise. 

Key Highlights 

What is the Required Certification for Office Automation Products in the Indian Market?

Office Automation Products, such as printers, copiers, scanners, and MFDs, must undergo BIS registration, BEE Registration, and an EPR certificate for electronics in India. Let us know the documents and process to comply with the same. 

1. BIS CRS Registration for Office Automation Products 

BIS registration is mandatory for Office Automation Products such as Printers, Copiers, Scanners, and Multi-Function Devices (MFDs) under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). These products are widely used in offices, institutions, commercial establishments, as well as a variety of business environments for document processing and management. BIS certification ensures that the products comply with the applicable Indian safety and quality standards. Therefore, conforming to the relevant Indian Standard and obtaining a BIS CRS registration, mandatory for Office Automation Products (Printer, Copier, Scanner, MFD) to sell in India, is an essential compliance requirement for businesses.

What happens when selling in India without a BIS registration? Read here in detail.

2. BEE Registration for Office Automation Products

Office Automation Products such as Printers, Copiers, Scanners, and Multi-Function Devices consume electricity regularly in workplaces as well as commercial facilities. In order to promote energy efficiency and reduce power consumption, BEE certification is required for applicable products under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's standards and labeling program. BEE certification helps users identify energy-efficient equipment, reduce operating costs, and support environmental sustainability. Therefore, obtaining a BEE certification, mandatory for Office Automation Products (Printer, Copier, Scanner, MFD) to sell in India, is an important compliance requirement for businesses selling these products in India.

What happens if you sell or import these products without a valid BEE Star Rating certificate? Read here.

3. WPC Approval for Office Automation Products

WPC ETA approval is mandatory for Office Automation Products that incorporate wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other radio-frequency communication modules. This approval basically ensures compliance with India's wireless communication and frequency usage regulations that are administered by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing under the Department of Telecommunications. Therefore, obtaining a WPC ETA Approval, mandatory for Office Automation Products (Printer, Copier, Scanner, MFD) to sell in India, is an important regulatory requirement for legal market access.

What happens when you do not obtain WPC ETA Approval before selling in India? Read here.

How to Get the Certification for Mobile Phones in India?

1. BIS CRS Registration 

Documents for BIS Registration for Television

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prescribed a list of documents that must be well-read and understood by applicants. The list of documents, as mentioned and specified, must be furnished to the authorities:

1. Trademark / Brand Registration Certificate
2. Factory Address Proof
3. Product Test Report (BIS-approved lab)
4. PCB Layout & Critical Component List (CCL)
5. Product User Manual
6. AIR Appointment Letter (for foreign manufacturers)

Procedure for a BIS CRS Certificate for Television 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prescribed a dedicated format by which manufacturers and importers of all IT and Electronic products can easily apply for and gain a BIS registration. Have a look at the detailed process of acquiring a BIS CRS License:

1. Prepare Documents
2. Test Product
3. Apply Online
4. Grant of BIS CRS Registration 

2. BEE Registration

Documents Required for a BEE Certificate for Television

To apply for BEE registration, specific documents must be arranged in advance by manufacturers and importers intending to access the Indian market. Proper documentation ensures a seamless certification journey, avoiding last-minute issues and aligning with official requirements. 

1. Trademark / Brand Registration Certificate
2. Details of the brand owner/manufacturer
3. Details about the products
4. Lab test reports of the product
5. Appointment of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) in case you are a foreign manufacturer

Process for BEE Registration for Television 

Below is a comprehensive guide to obtaining a BEE registration. It's important to understand that the certification process varies slightly for foreign and domestic manufacturers. 

1. Prepare documents
2. Test products
3. Submit an application for brand registration
4. Submit an application for model registration
5. Grant of BEE Certification

3. WPC ETA Approval 

Documents for WPC Approval for Television 

Accurate and complete documentation is essential for obtaining WPC ETA Approval. Manufacturers and importers must prepare all required documents beforehand to avoid delays and ensure a hassle-free application process:

1. A Radio Frequency (RF) Test report from either an ILAC-accredited Foreign lab or an NABL-accredited Indian lab
2. Product Technical Details
3. Manufacturing Details
4. Declaration by the Manufacturer (in case you are an importer) 

Process of WPC Certification for Television 

The WPC ETA Approval process involves specific steps that differ slightly for Indian and foreign manufacturers. Understanding and following the correct procedure is crucial for achieving compliance and ensuring a smooth market entry in India:

1. Prepare documents
2. RF Testing of the products
3. Submit the application
4. Grant of ETA License

Certification Guidelines for Indian Manufacturers 

1. BIS Registration

• Ensure the product is under the BIS CRS Mandatory List and tested by a BIS-recognized lab.
• Prepare required documents and use the R-Number mark only after approval.
• Professional assistance can help simplify the process.

2. BEE Registration

• Ensure products meet energy efficiency standards set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
• Have a valid brand/trademark certificate before applying.
• Conduct testing in NABL-accredited labs and follow correct star labelling guidelines.
• Stay updated with BEE requirements and changes.

3. WPC Certification

• Ensure wireless/IoT products comply with Indian RF and frequency regulations.
• Apply for the WPC approval before selling products in India.
• Submit technical details, RF test reports, and compliance documents.
• Professional assistance can help simplify the process.

Certification Guidelines for Foreign Manufacturers 

1. BIS CRS Registration

• Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) as required by BIS.
• Get product testing done in a BIS-recognized lab in India and prepare documents.
• Submit the application through AIR for approval.

2. BEE Registration

• Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• Ensure products comply with Indian energy efficiency standards.
• Prepare test reports and required documents from recognized labs.
• Apply through the BEE portal and obtain certification before sale.

3. WPC Certificate

• Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• Ensure products meet Indian RF standards before export.
• Submit verified test reports and technical documents through AIR.
• Obtain ETA approval before selling in India.

Need complete knowledge about the certification? Click to view the complete guidebook. 

Certification Guidelines for Indian Importers

1. BIS CRS Certificate

• Importers cannot apply directly; only manufacturers are eligible for BIS CRS.
• Obtain and maintain the BIS license copy from the manufacturer.
• Can act as AIR if authorized by the manufacturer.

2. BEE Registration

• Ensure the product falls under mandatory BEE registration.
• Get testing done in NABL-accredited labs.
• Use correct BEE star labelling and complete portal registration.
• Can appoint AIR for coordination if required.

3. WPC Approval

• Not eligible to apply directly; only manufacturers can obtain WPC approval.
• Must coordinate with the manufacturer to get the certificate.
• Keep a copy of the ETA certificate to avoid customs issues.
• Can act as AIR if authorized by the manufacturer.

Certification Guidelines for the Trader

1. BIS CRS Registration

• Not eligible to apply directly; certification must be done by the manufacturer.
• Keep a copy of the BIS license for compliance.
• Can act as AIR if authorized.

2. BEE Registration

• Ensure products meet BEE registration requirements.
• Conduct testing through NABL-accredited labs.
• Follow proper star labelling guidelines and complete registration.
• Can appoint AIR for coordination with authorities.

3. WPC Certification

• Not eligible to apply directly; certification must be done by the manufacturer.
• Maintain a copy of the WPC certificate for compliance.
• Can act as AIR if authorized by the manufacturer.

Certification Guidelines for Online Sellers

1. BIS Registration

• Not eligible to apply directly; certification must be done by the manufacturer.
• Obtain a BIS license copy from the manufacturer for compliance.
• Ensure certification before listing products online.

2. BEE Registration

• Not eligible to apply directly; only manufacturers can obtain BEE certification.
• Must obtain the certificate copy from the manufacturer.
• Required for compliance on e-commerce platforms.

3. WPC ETA Certificate

• Not eligible to apply directly; only original manufacturers can apply.
• Must obtain the ETA certificate copy from the manufacturer.
• Required for compliance on e-commerce platforms.

Visit here to check your eligibility for Office Automation Products for the Indian market now! 

How Does Brand Liaison Assist Businesses in Obtaining Seamless Compliance?

• Expert BIS Consultant: Brand Liaison offers end-to-end guidance on BIS, BEE, and WPC certification procedures, helping businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements with ease.
• Dedicated Consultant: The team specializes in BEE mark certification, WPC ETA Approval, and BIS CRS Certificate, ensuring your products comply with Indian standards.
• Complete Documentation Support: Assists in preparing, reviewing, and submitting accurate and complete documents required.
• Time & Cost Efficiency: Their streamlined approach minimizes delays, helping businesses obtain certification quickly and cost-effectively.
• Support for Indian & Foreign Manufacturers: Whether you're a domestic company or an international brand, Brand Liaison, a leading consultant, provides tailored certification services to meet your specific needs.

Get in touch with Brand Liaison today and start your compliance journey without any hassle. Contact today!