Overview of BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has the fundamental responsibility to protect consumer safety and well-being through applying quality and safety standards to the majority of products found in India and one such product is television. As per the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), initiated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), it is mandatory for all the manufacturers and importers to get BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs to legally import, market, or manufacture within the country. The Compulsory Registration Scheme operates based on a self-declaration system. The manufacturers need to self-declare that their products conform to the Indian Standard and produce a test certificate from an accredited test laboratory of BIS in support of their claim. 

Unlike in other schemes, where factory audits are part of the pre-requisite, CRS takes a lean method relying on a proper system of product testing and inspection of documentation. This successful strategy is meant to reduce the bureaucratic hurdles and pave the way for a fast time-to-market of safe goods without the quality of the safety standards being compromised.

Key Features of BIS’s Compulsory Registration Scheme

The core objective of the CRS is to screen the entry of substandard and unsafe electronic goods into India. By ensuring that all registered products bear a unique registration number and a Standard Mark, BIS provides clear evidence to consumers regarding whether or not a product complies. It's a two-way system: it empowers consumers with information they need to make the correct decisions and shifts the responsibility to manufacturers to render their products safe and of good quality. Some of the key features of the BIS’s CRS are given below: 

• Self-Declaration: Manufacturers self-certify their products' compliance with the Indian Standard.
• Mandatory Testing: The products have to be tested in an approved BIS testing laboratory as well as an NABL-accredited laboratory in India.
• Documentation: A complete set of documentation, i.e., a test report, has to be submitted for the online application.
• No Factory Inspection: There is no factory visit by BIS officials in this scheme, so the process is prompt.
• Legal Requirement: Importation, sale, or distribution of products under the CRS is unlawful unless registered with BIS. 

Relevant Standard and Scope for BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs

For televisions that are not LCD, Plasma, or LED, the particular Indian Standard is IS 616:2017. It is an improved version of a pre-existing published safety standard and determines the particular safety standards for audio, video, and similar electronic items. It considers many safety aspects to make the product safe for domestic use. Safety Requirements Covered by IS 616:2017: 

• Electrical Safety: Prevention of risk of electric shock, insulation resistance, and integrity of internal wiring.
• Thermal Management: Prevention of the product from operating beyond safe temperatures to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
• Mechanical Stability: Provision of the structural stability and integrity of the TV to prevent tip-over or fall accidents.
• Fire Hazards: Flame-resistant material and design requirements to limit the spread of fire hazards.
• Marking and Instructions: Proper and correct marking of the product with user caution, electrical ratings, and safety information.
• Safety of Components: The regulation also demands that major components utilized within the TV, such as the power cord, power supply, and other major electronic components, also meet their respective BIS standards.

There is a requirement for the manufacturers to fully understand this standard before reaching the stage of product development and designing so that it can be complied with from the beginning, thus saving redesigning and retesting expenses.

Procedure to Get BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs 

BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs is a lengthy, step-by-step process requiring much detail and timely filing of documents. The process differs slightly for domestic (Indian) as well as foreign manufacturers.

Process for Domestic Manufacturers

• Online Application: The firm first needs to apply online on the BIS CRS portal, opening an account and providing all the firm's details.
• Product Testing: The firm submits a sample of the television to a BIS-approved and NABL-accredited testing laboratory for testing as per IS 616:2017. The test report prepared within this time span is valid for 90 days.
• Preparation of documents: The company submits all such documents as are required, including the test report, manufacturing license, registration of the company, and a correctly completed Construction Data Form (CDF) and Critical Component List (CCL).
• Submission of application: The whole application, the test report, and the documents are submitted online. Hard copies of the application are received by the BIS office within 15 days of online submission.
• BIS Scrutiny: BIS officials verify the application for any discrepancies. Deficiencies are reported online, and the same are to be cleared by the manufacturer in record time.
• Grant of Registration: Once verification and clearance of all the questions are done successfully, BIS issues the registration. The letter and the registration number are imprinted on the manufacturer's web portal.

Process for Foreign Manufacturers 

Foreign manufacturers are required to have a Representative Indian Person (AIR) who will act on their behalf during registration. The AIR is a juridical and administrative link between BIS and the foreign manufacturer, which is mandatory.

• AIR appointment: A Foreign manufacturer appoints an AIR within India, an Indian company or firm ideally. A nomination letter and affidavit are required for this purpose.
• Online Application and Testing: AIR submits an online application and tests the product sample at an Indian BIS-accredited laboratory, just like an Indian manufacturer.
• Document Submission: AIR prepares and submits all documents, i.e., test report, manufacturing unit's business license, and AIR company registration. All documents must be signed, stamped, and notarized by the manufacturer, brand owner, and AIR.
• BIS Scrutiny and Grant: The following steps are a duplicate of the indigenous process, where BIS would scrutinize the application and grant the registration on successful verification.

Documents to be Produced for BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs

Personality and accuracy of documents at the time of submission are greatly dependent upon the ease and speedy processing of a BIS application. Care at this juncture is hugely vital in avoiding delay or rejection. Important documents includes the following: 

• A correct application in Form-VI.
• Test report of the TV by a BIS-approved, NABL-accredited laboratory within a period not beyond 90 days of online filing. 
• Construction Data Form (CDF) where a correct description of the product structure, internal components, and protective features are given. 
• Critical Component List (CCL) of all the critical components utilized in the product and their corresponding BIS compliance details.
• English copy of the manufacturing unit's business license.
• ISO Certificate: ISO certificate of the manufacturing unit to ascertain compliance with a quality management system.
• Shining photo or specimen of the product marking label with brand, model number, electrical ratings, etc.
• Authorization letter for the signatory for the application.
• Copy of the trademark certificate of the brand name. If the trademark is owned by any person other than the manufacturer, an authorization letter from the brand owner is also to be submitted.
• Proof of Indian company registration for the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Timeline, Validity, and Consequences of Non-Compliance for BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs

The registration process of BIS takes 30 to 45 working days if all the documents are proper and no question arises from BIS. Registration is for two years and must be renewed so that it can become effective. Renewal will be carried out with a fresh application and submission of fresh documents, and a test report.

Milestones

• Validity of Test Report: 90 days from the date of issue.
• Processing of application: 30-45 days.
• Validity of Registration: 2 years, with provisions for renewal.
• Adding of Models: Additional models for the same product and brand may be added to the existing registration, making it easy for manufacturers.

Non-adherence with the BIS CRS is a crime under Indian law. Such products, which do not have the required BIS registration number and Standard Mark, are unlawful to manufacture, import, or sell. It will be prosecuted with significant penalties, seizure of the product, and prosecution. The market is monitored by the BIS, and the product that is discovered in the market and is not adhering to the BIS CRS will be treated as per the law.

Benefits of BIS Registration for Television

The following stated are the benefits of BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs:

• Legal Compliance – Ensures that your TV products are compliant with the necessary BIS standards in line with the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) of India.
• Market Access – TVs cannot be sold, imported, or distributed legally in India in the absence of BIS registration.
• Consumer Trust & Safety – Ensures that the product meets quality and safety standards, hence increasing consumer confidence.
• Prevents Penalty – Avoids businesses from incurring government penalties, product seizure, or legal action for non-compliance.
• Brand Reputation – Creates credibility and improves the brand image as a manufacturer of reliable and standard-compliant products.
• Competitive Advantage – Gives a competitive advantage over unregistered or non-compliant products, with customers and distributors favoring BIS-certified products.
• Ease of Import & Distribution – Facilitates customs clearance and smooth supply chain operations within India.

Obtaining BIS Registration for Television Other Than Plasma/LCD/LED TVs sets is a strict and obligatory procedure for any producer or importer who wishes to establish a presence in the Indian market. As stringent as the process may seem, precise knowledge of the CRS, relevant standard (IS 616:2017), and documents involved can make all the difference in facilitating the process. Through facilitation of compliance, manufacturers not only comply with the law but also establish themselves as committed to producing safe and quality products that command consumer trust. BIS registration is a strategic benefit that bestows a competitive edge and supports long-term business stability within one of the largest consumer bases in the world.