BIS Certification for Mobile Phones–IS 13252(Part 1):2010

BIS Certification for Mobile Phones–IS 13252(Part 1):2010. Mobile phones have become an important part of daily life for people around the world. They are now considered a necessity for everyone. They serve not just as communication devices but as multifunctional tools for business, personal use, and entertainment. Mobile phones allow people to stay connected with others, store data like photos, texts, and audio, and access the internet, functioning almost like minicomputers. With the rapid growth in mobile phone usage, especially in a country like India where more than 1.5 billion people use mobile phones and around 750 million people use smartphones, ensuring the safety and quality of these devices is important. In this article, we are going to discuss more about how to get BIS Certification for Mobile Phones.
To protect consumer health and safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has implemented a Compulsory Registration Scheme for mobile phones, mandating that they meet specific quality standards. This is governed under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, which sets the safety standards for mobile phones sold in India. The BIS registration ensures that mobile phones meet essential safety requirements and helps maintain customer confidence in the quality of products in the market.
Requirements for BIS Certification in India
To get BIS certification, certain basic requirements must be fulfilled. These requirements can be divided into four main points:
1. Manufacturer: Only the manufacturer of the mobile phone can apply for BIS certification. Importers and sellers cannot directly apply for the license. However, an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) can represent a foreign manufacturer if they do not have a branch or office in India.
2. Manufacturing Address: The manufacturing address must be clearly mentioned in the BIS application. If the manufacturer operates more than one factory for the same product, they must apply for separate BIS licenses for each location.
3. Product: BIS certification is required for each distinct product. If a single product category includes multiple models, only one BIS license will be issued for all models in that category. This means that a mobile phone model and its variations (like different storage capacities) can be covered under a single BIS license.
4. Brand/Trademark: Each brand or trademark associated with a mobile phone requires its own BIS license. So, if a manufacturer has different brands or trademarks under which mobile phones are sold, each one will need a separate BIS license.
Required Documents for BIS Certification for Mobile Phones
To complete the BIS registration process, both foreign and domestic manufacturers must submit the following documents:
1. Construction Data Form (CDF): This form includes product details and the Critical Component List (CCL), which provides information about the product components.
2. BIS Application Form: This is the standard application form for BIS certification.
3. Business License: A copy of the business license of the manufacturing unit, along with translations into English and the local language.
4. ISO Certification: A valid ISO certificate from the manufacturer.
5. Marking Label: Details of the labelling and marking on the product, as required by BIS standards.
6. Authorization Letter: If the signatory person is not the head of the manufacturing company, an authorization letter must be provided.
7. Trademark Registration Certificate: Proof of ownership of the trademark associated with the product.
8. AIR Documentation: If applicable, the AIR must provide their company registration proof in India, along with a photo ID and other relevant documents.
9. Technical Specifications: Detailed technical specifications of the product or a user manual.
Process for BIS Certification for Mobile Phones
The process of obtaining BIS certification for mobile phones involves several steps. It varies slightly depending on whether the manufacturer is based in India or abroad.
For Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers must follow a more structured process, as they typically do not have a direct presence in India. Here’s the process they must follow:
1. Nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will act as a local contact point in India. This representative will handle all communication with BIS and manage the registration process on behalf of the foreign manufacturer. The AIR can be a local company or an individual who is based in India.
2. Submit Online Application: The next step is for the AIR to submit an online application on behalf of the foreign manufacturer. This application must be filled out accurately and completely, and it includes essential product details and documentation.
3. Sample Testing: The mobile phone model (or models) must be sent to a BIS-approved laboratory for testing. The laboratory will check whether the product meets the required safety and performance standards as defined by IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. This step ensures that the mobile phone is safe for consumer use.
4. Submit Application and Test Reports: After testing, the AIR must submit both the online application and the hard copy of the test reports to BIS. These documents will be reviewed by BIS officials to verify the compliance of the product.
5. BIS Verification: BIS will then verify the application and the test reports. If everything meets the required standards, BIS will grant the certification.
6. Grant of License: After successful verification, BIS will issue the necessary license for the mobile phone, allowing it to be sold legally in India.
For Domestic Manufacturers
The process for domestic manufacturers is somewhat simpler, as they already have a presence in India. Here’s how domestic manufacturers can get BIS certification:
1. Submit Online Application: Like foreign manufacturers, domestic manufacturers need to submit an online application to BIS with complete details about the mobile phone model and manufacturer.
2. Sample Testing: The mobile phone samples will need to be tested at a BIS-approved laboratory to ensure they comply with the relevant safety and quality standards.
3. Submit Application and Test Reports: After the testing phase, domestic manufacturers must submit the application and test reports to BIS, either online or offline, for verification.
4. BIS Verification: The BIS officials will then verify the application and the test reports. If they are satisfied with the compliance, the BIS registration will be approved.
5. Grant of License: Upon successful verification, BIS will issue the certification, and the mobile phones can be legally marketed and sold in India.
Guidelines for Appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
For foreign manufacturers who do not have a direct presence in India, appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is a crucial step in the BIS registration process. The AIR is responsible for managing all documentation and processes related to the BIS certification. Here are the guidelines for nominating an AIR:
1. Liaison or Branch Office: If the foreign manufacturer has a liaison office or branch office in India, that office will automatically be designated as the AIR.
2. Trademark Owner in India: If the foreign manufacturer does not have a branch office in India but the trademark owner of the mobile phone brand is located in India, the brand owner will act as the AIR.
3. Other Entities: If neither of the above conditions applies, a third-party entity in India can be designated as the AIR.
Important Considerations for BIS Certification
To ensure a smooth BIS registration process, manufacturers should consider the following:
1. Choose a Recognized Testing Laboratory: It is critical to choose a laboratory that is BIS-recognized and has a valid license. Make sure that the laboratory is not in the middle of an audit or having issues with its accreditation.
2. Complete and Accurate Documentation: All documents should be accurately completed and signed by the manufacturer, brand owner, and AIR. Ensure that the documents are notarized and stamped, where applicable.
3. Test Report Validity: The test report from the laboratory is only valid for 3 months. If this period expires before submission to BIS, a new sample must be tested.
4. Timelines: After submitting the documents and test reports, BIS usually takes 15-60 days to process the application. It’s important to plan accordingly and allow enough time for any potential delays.
Conclusion
The BIS certification for mobile phones ensures that products in the Indian market meet safety and quality standards, offering protection to consumers. For both domestic and foreign manufacturers, the steps are clear but require careful attention to detail, including the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (for foreign manufacturers), accurate documentation, and successful product testing. By following the outlined process and requirements, manufacturers can obtain BIS certification and legally market their mobile phones in India.
FAQs
1. What is BIS Certification for Mobile Phones?
Ans. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification for mobile phones is a mandatory quality assurance mark that ensures mobile phones meet the required safety, performance, and quality standards set by the Indian government. The certification guarantees that the phones adhere to specific criteria like electromagnetic compatibility, safety of batteries, and radio frequency standards.
2. Why is BIS Certification required for mobile phones in India?
Ans. BIS Certification is required to ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of mobile phones sold in India. It helps protect consumers from substandard or unsafe products, ensuring that the mobile phones meet specific safety and technical standards. It also aims to promote consumer confidence in the products available in the market.
3. How can I check if a mobile phone has BIS Certification?
Ans. To check if a mobile phone has BIS Certification, you can look for the BIS logo or ISI mark on the product packaging or the device itself. Additionally, you can verify the certification number by visiting the official BIS website and entering the registration number provided by the manufacturer or importer.
4. What is the process for obtaining BIS Certification for mobile phones?
Ans. The process for obtaining BIS Certification for mobile phones involves applying to BIS, along with product samples for testing. The mobile phone is then tested for compliance with the relevant standards, and if it meets the criteria, BIS issues a certificate. Manufacturers must also comply with factory inspection procedures for periodic audits.
5. What happens if a mobile phone does not have BIS Certification?
Ans. If a mobile phone does not have BIS Certification, it cannot be legally sold or imported into India. Selling or marketing uncertified mobile phones may lead to legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and product confiscation by authorities. It also poses a risk to consumer safety, as uncertified devices may not meet the required safety standards.

Mobile phones have become an important part of daily life for people around the world. They are now considered a necessity for everyone. They serve not just as communication devices but as multifunctional tools for business, personal use, and entertainment. Mobile phones allow people to stay connected with others, store data like photos, texts, and audio, and access the internet, functioning almost like minicomputers. With the rapid growth in mobile phone usage, especially in a country like India where more than 1.5 billion people use mobile phones and around 750 million people use smartphones, ensuring the safety and quality of these devices is important. In this article, we are going to discuss more about how to get BIS Certification for Mobile Phones.

To protect consumer health and safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has implemented a Compulsory Registration Scheme for mobile phones, mandating that they meet specific quality standards. This is governed under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, which sets the safety standards for mobile phones sold in India. The BIS registration ensures that mobile phones meet essential safety requirements and helps maintain customer confidence in the quality of products in the market.

Requirements for BIS Certification in India

To get BIS certification, certain basic requirements must be fulfilled. These requirements can be divided into four main points:

1. Manufacturer: Only the manufacturer of the mobile phone can apply for BIS certification. Importers and sellers cannot directly apply for the license. However, an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) can represent a foreign manufacturer if they do not have a branch or office in India.

2. Manufacturing Address: The manufacturing address must be clearly mentioned in the BIS application. If the manufacturer operates more than one factory for the same product, they must apply for separate BIS licenses for each location.

3. Product: BIS certification is required for each distinct product. If a single product category includes multiple models, only one BIS license will be issued for all models in that category. This means that a mobile phone model and its variations (like different storage capacities) can be covered under a single BIS license.

4. Brand/Trademark: Each brand or trademark associated with a mobile phone requires its own BIS license. So, if a manufacturer has different brands or trademarks under which mobile phones are sold, each one will need a separate BIS license.

Required Documents for BIS Certification for Mobile Phones

To complete the BIS registration process, both foreign and domestic manufacturers must submit the following documents:

1. Construction Data Form (CDF): This form includes product details and the Critical Component List (CCL), which provides information about the product components.

2. BIS Application Form: This is the standard application form for BIS certification.

3. Business License: A copy of the business license of the manufacturing unit, along with translations into English and the local language.

4. ISO Certification: A valid ISO certificate from the manufacturer.

5. Marking Label: Details of the labelling and marking on the product, as required by BIS standards.

6. Authorization Letter: If the signatory person is not the head of the manufacturing company, an authorization letter must be provided.

7. Trademark Registration Certificate: Proof of ownership of the trademark associated with the product.

8. AIR Documentation: If applicable, the AIR must provide their company registration proof in India, along with a photo ID and other relevant documents.

9. Technical Specifications: Detailed technical specifications of the product or a user manual.

Process for BIS Certification for Mobile Phones

The process of obtaining BIS certification for mobile phones involves several steps. It varies slightly depending on whether the manufacturer is based in India or abroad.

For Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers must follow a more structured process, as they typically do not have a direct presence in India. Here’s the process they must follow:

1. Nominate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will act as a local contact point in India. This representative will handle all communication with BIS and manage the registration process on behalf of the foreign manufacturer. The AIR can be a local company or an individual who is based in India.

2. Submit Online Application: The next step is for the AIR to submit an online application on behalf of the foreign manufacturer. This application must be filled out accurately and completely, and it includes essential product details and documentation.

3. Sample Testing: The mobile phone model (or models) must be sent to a BIS-approved laboratory for testing. The laboratory will check whether the product meets the required safety and performance standards as defined by IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. This step ensures that the mobile phone is safe for consumer use.

4. Submit Application and Test Reports: After testing, the AIR must submit both the online application and the hard copy of the test reports to BIS. These documents will be reviewed by BIS officials to verify the compliance of the product.

5. BIS Verification: BIS will then verify the application and the test reports. If everything meets the required standards, BIS will grant the certification.

6. Grant of License: After successful verification, BIS will issue the necessary license for the mobile phone, allowing it to be sold legally in India.

For Domestic Manufacturers

The process for domestic manufacturers is somewhat simpler, as they already have a presence in India. Here’s how domestic manufacturers can get BIS certification:

1. Submit Online Application: Like foreign manufacturers, domestic manufacturers need to submit an online application to BIS with complete details about the mobile phone model and manufacturer.

2. Sample Testing: The mobile phone samples will need to be tested at a BIS-approved laboratory to ensure they comply with the relevant safety and quality standards.

3. Submit Application and Test Reports: After the testing phase, domestic manufacturers must submit the application and test reports to BIS, either online or offline, for verification.

4. BIS Verification: The BIS officials will then verify the application and the test reports. If they are satisfied with the compliance, the BIS registration will be approved.

5. Grant of License: Upon successful verification, BIS will issue the certification, and the mobile phones can be legally marketed and sold in India.

Guidelines for Appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

For foreign manufacturers who do not have a direct presence in India, appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is a crucial step in the BIS registration process. The AIR is responsible for managing all documentation and processes related to the BIS certification. Here are the guidelines for nominating an AIR:

1. Liaison or Branch Office: If the foreign manufacturer has a liaison office or branch office in India, that office will automatically be designated as the AIR.

2. Trademark Owner in India: If the foreign manufacturer does not have a branch office in India but the trademark owner of the mobile phone brand is located in India, the brand owner will act as the AIR.

3. Other Entities: If neither of the above conditions applies, a third-party entity in India can be designated as the AIR.

Important Considerations for BIS Certification

To ensure a smooth BIS registration process, manufacturers should consider the following:

1. Choose a Recognized Testing Laboratory: It is critical to choose a laboratory that is BIS-recognized and has a valid license. Make sure that the laboratory is not in the middle of an audit or having issues with its accreditation.

2. Complete and Accurate Documentation: All documents should be accurately completed and signed by the manufacturer, brand owner, and AIR. Ensure that the documents are notarized and stamped, where applicable.

3. Test Report Validity: The test report from the laboratory is only valid for 3 months. If this period expires before submission to BIS, a new sample must be tested.

4. Timelines: After submitting the documents and test reports, BIS usually takes 15-60 days to process the application. It’s important to plan accordingly and allow enough time for any potential delays.

Conclusion

The BIS certification for mobile phones ensures that products in the Indian market meet safety and quality standards, offering protection to consumers. For both domestic and foreign manufacturers, the steps are clear but require careful attention to detail, including the appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (for foreign manufacturers), accurate documentation, and successful product testing. By following the outlined process and requirements, manufacturers can obtain BIS certification and legally market their mobile phones in India.

FAQs

1. What is BIS Certification for Mobile Phones?

Ans. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification for mobile phones is a mandatory quality assurance mark that ensures mobile phones meet the required safety, performance, and quality standards set by the Indian government. The certification guarantees that the phones adhere to specific criteria like electromagnetic compatibility, safety of batteries, and radio frequency standards.

2. Why is BIS Certification required for mobile phones in India?

Ans. BIS Certification is required to ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of mobile phones sold in India. It helps protect consumers from substandard or unsafe products, ensuring that the mobile phones meet specific safety and technical standards. It also aims to promote consumer confidence in the products available in the market.

3. How can I check if a mobile phone has BIS Certification?

Ans. To check if a mobile phone has BIS Certification, you can look for the BIS logo or ISI mark on the product packaging or the device itself. Additionally, you can verify the certification number by visiting the official BIS website and entering the registration number provided by the manufacturer or importer.

4. What is the process for obtaining BIS Certification for mobile phones?

Ans. The process for obtaining BIS Certification for mobile phones involves applying to BIS, along with product samples for testing. The mobile phone is then tested for compliance with the relevant standards, and if it meets the criteria, BIS issues a certificate. Manufacturers must also comply with factory inspection procedures for periodic audits.

5. What happens if a mobile phone does not have BIS Certification?

Ans. If a mobile phone does not have BIS Certification, it cannot be legally sold or imported into India. Selling or marketing uncertified mobile phones may lead to legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and product confiscation by authorities. It also poses a risk to consumer safety, as uncertified devices may not meet the required safety standards.