Required Certifications for Smart Speakers (with and without Display) 

Smart Speakers for the Indian Market: An Insight

Smart speakers, with and without displays, have rapidly gained popularity in the realm of smart home technology. These voice-activated devices offer a wide range of functionalities, including voice assistance, audio playback, home automation control, and information retrieval. Smart speakers without displays, like the Amazon Echo and Google Home, rely solely on voice commands, providing audible responses and serving as central hubs for controlling connected smart devices. Whether with or without displays, smart speakers have become integral tools for home automation, entertainment, and information access, offering an innovative and interactive way to enhance the modern home environment.

Key Highlights 

What are the Required Certifications for Smart Speakers to Sell in India?

In India, Smart Speakers (with and without a Display) cannot be sold without BIS CRS Registration, WPC ETA Approval, and an EPR certificate for electronics. Let’s explore the required process, documentation, as well as compliance norms that must be followed by businesses.

1. BIS CRS Registration for Smart Speakers 

BIS CRS plays a key role in ensuring the safety, legal compliance, and long-term reliability of smart speaker devices in India. It prevents the risk of electric shock, overheating, and fire, which can arise from substandard components. Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS approval before selling smart speakers in the Indian market. The certification also ensures better quality control, promotes consumer trust, and enables smoother customs clearance. Conforming to the specified IS and obtaining a BIS CRS registration, mandatory for Smart Speakers (with and without Display) to sell in India, is an essential compliance for the market.

What happens if you sell or import smart speakers in India without a valid BIS CRS certificate? Read here in complete detail. 

2. WPC ETA Approval for Smart Speakers

WPC certification is essential for smart speakers as they operate on de-licensed frequency bands like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It ensures that the device complies with India’s wireless communication regulations under the Ministry of Communications. Without WPC ETA approval, importing or selling such wireless-enabled devices is prohibited. It also prevents interference with other radio systems and ensures seamless wireless connectivity. Hence, it is important to get a WPC certification, mandatory for Smart Speakers (with and without Display) to sell in India, being an integral requirement for businesses in the market.

What happens if you sell or import smart speakers in India without a valid WPC Approval? Read here in complete detail. 

3. EPR Certification for Electronics for Smart Speakers

EPR Certification for electronics is an important requirement for smart speakers in the Indian market. It is a legal compliance that helps businesses responsibly manage electronic waste while importing or selling these products in India. Smart speakers fall under the relevant EEE category and require EPR registration from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Manufacturers, importers, as well as brand owners must ensure proper collection, recycling, and safe disposal of these devices after they reach the end of their life. Therefore, obtaining EPR Registration, mandatory for smart speakers to sell in India, is an essential compliance requirement.

What will happen if you sell or import smart speakers in India without EPR registration? Understand the risks of non-compliance in detail.

How to Get the Certification for Smart Speakers in India? 

1. BIS CRS Registration for Smart Speakers

Documents for BIS Registration for Smart Speakers

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 Smart Speakers

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. WPC Approval for Smart Speakers

Documents for WPC Certificate for Smart Speakers

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 Smart Speakers

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

3. EPR Certification for Electronics for Smart Speakers

Documents for EPR Certificate for Smart Speakers

The CPCB-specified documents and details must be carefully addressed by all applicants seeking EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certification for e-waste management in India:

1. Basic documents related to the Firm / Company
2. Details of the authorised signatory
3. Product details and specifications
4. Plans and flowcharts for the collection and recycling of Electronics
5. CTE/CTO consents, Agreement copies 

Process for EPR License for Smart Speakers

Here is a detailed guide to obtaining an EPR certificate for e-waste management. By following the given steps, businesses can streamline their compliance efforts and gain a competitive advantage:

1. Prepare documents
2. Submit application
3. Review and verification
4. Grant of Certification

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Smart Speakers for the Indian market now! 

Certification Guidelines for EPR Certificate for Smart Speakers

For Producers (Importers)

• Must obtain mandatory EPR registration from the Central Pollution Control Board before selling or importing products.
• Fulfill e-waste collection and recycling targets as per CPCB norms.
• Ensure compliance through authorized recyclers and maintain records with annual return filing.

For Recyclers

• Must have authorization from CPCB/SPCB to operate.
• Follow E-Waste Management Rules and CPCB guidelines for recycling.
• Issue recycling certificates and maintain records with annual returns.

For Refurbishers

• Registration and authorization from CPCB/SPCB are mandatory.
• Carry out refurbishing as per E-Waste Management Rules and CPCB guidelines.
• Maintain records and file annual returns on the CPCB portal.

For Manufacturers

• EPR registration on the CPCB portal is mandatory before manufacturing.
• Meet e-waste collection and recycling targets set by CPCB.
• Ensure compliance through authorized recyclers and maintain records with annual filings.

Get your EPR Certification for electronics smoothly with expert support from Brand Liaison.

Brand Liaison: Helping Businesses with Smooth Compliance Management

There are many ways in which Brand Liaison, as one of the most trusted compliance management consultants, is helping businesses to seamlessly obtain the necessary certifications and manage compliance in the Indian market: 

• Trusted and reliable solutions
• Customized compliance options for businesses
• Budget-friendly compliance management
• Expert and professional advice
• Experienced consultancy to help stay ahead in the market. 

Contacting top BIS CRS and WPC ETA consulting services providers like Brand Liaison can help you start the journey of registration and be compliant with the Indian market regulations.