Visual Display Units (VDUs) have become important to both personal and professional environments. These devices, encompassing monitors, projectors, and other display technologies, serve as primary interfaces for information presentation. Recognizing their ubiquity and significance, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has instituted stringent measures to ensure their safety and quality. Central to these measures is the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), which mandates that all VDUs comply with specified standards before being marketed in India. In this article, we discuss about BIS CRS Certification for Visual Display Units, explaining its importance, requirements, procedures, and other important aspects.
What is Visual Display Unit (VDU)?
A Visual Display Unit, commonly referred to as a VDU, is an electronic device designed to present visual information. While the term is often synonymous with computer monitors, it broadly encompasses devices such as large screens, projectors, and other display mechanisms. The primary function of a VDU is to render characters, graphics, or videos, facilitating user interaction with digital content. Depending on the technology employed, VDUs can utilize various display mechanisms, including:
• Cathode-Ray Tubes (CRT): An older technology where electron beams project images onto a phosphorescent screen.
• Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD): Utilize liquid crystals to modulate light and produce images.
• Gas Plasma Displays: Employ ionized gases to produce vivid images.
• Digital Light Processing (DLP): Uses micro-mirrors to project images, commonly found in projectors.
Given their pervasive use in homes, workplaces, and public spaces, ensuring the safety and performance of VDUs is paramount.
BIS CRS Certification for VDUs
On May 23, 2018, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a notification bringing Visual Display Units under the ambit of the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). This move was aimed at safeguarding consumers from substandard products and ensuring that all VDUs sold in India adhere to established safety and quality benchmarks. As per this mandate, any manufacturer intending to produce or sell VDUs in India must obtain BIS CRS Certification, failing which they are prohibited from marketing their products in the country.
What is Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) under BIS?
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) operates under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, specifically under Scheme II of Schedule II, as delineated by the BIS Act of 2016. The primary objectives of the CRS are:
• Consumer Protection: Shielding Indian consumers from counterfeit and substandard electronic products.
• Enhancing Domestic Competitiveness: Elevating the quality standards of domestic manufacturers to compete effectively in the global market.
• Preventing Market Dumping: Controlling the influx of non-compliant products that could compromise consumer safety and market integrity.
By instituting the CRS, the Indian government aims to bridge the gap between technological advancements and consumer safety, ensuring that only compliant products reach the end-users.
Prerequisites for BIS CRS Certification for Visual Display Units
Manufacturers seeking BIS CRS Certification for their VDUs must adhere to specific prerequisites:
1. Product Specificity: Each product category necessitates a separate license. If a manufacturer produces multiple products, individual licenses for each category are mandatory.
2. Manufacturer-Centric Certification: The BIS License is exclusively granted to manufacturers. Importers or sellers are ineligible. However, importers can act as Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR) for foreign manufacturers, facilitating the application process, though the final license remains in the manufacturer's name.
3. Manufacturing Address Consistency: The license is site-specific. If a manufacturer operates multiple production facilities, each location requires a distinct BIS License. Any change in the manufacturing address mandates a new application.
4. Brand Differentiation: Producing the same product for different brands necessitates separate licenses for each brand. For instance, manufacturing VDUs for Brand A and Brand B would require two distinct licenses.
Documentation for BIS CRS Certification
The certification process demands a complete set of documents:
• Application Form: Duly completed and signed by the manufacturer.
• Marking Labels: Details of markings on the VDUs to ensure traceability and authenticity.
• Business License: Valid license of the manufacturing unit.
• Construction Data Form (CDF) and Critical Component List (CCL): Detailed technical specifications of the product.
• Trademark Registration Certificate: Proof of brand ownership.
• ISO Certification: Quality management certification of the manufacturer.
• Scope of Business License: Clearly defining the manufacturing capabilities and product range.
• Nomination Letter for AIR: If applicable, authorizing an Indian representative.
• Technical Specification Sheet/Product Manual: Comprehensive details about the VDU.
• Photo Identification: IDs of the AIR or authorized signatory.
• Trademark Authorization Letter: If the trademark is owned by an entity other than the manufacturer.
Important Points to Consider Before Applying for BIS CRS Certification for Visual Display Unit
Before initiating the certification process, manufacturers should be cognizant of the following:
• Document Authenticity: All documents must bear signatures from the brand owner, manufacturer, and AIR (if applicable). Additional notarization and stamping by the AIR may be required.
• Pre-Test Preparations: Ensure all documentation is in order before submitting product samples for testing.
• Laboratory Accreditation: Choose a BIS-certified testing laboratory with a valid, non-suspended license. The lab should not be undergoing audits during the testing phase.
• Expert Consultation: Engaging with experienced compliance partners or consultants can streamline the process, especially for foreign manufacturers unfamiliar with Indian regulations.
• Accurate Data Submission: The Construction Data Form (CDF) and Critical Component List (CCL) should be meticulously filled with precise product details.
• Timely Report Submission: Test reports have a validity of 90 days. Manufacturers must submit these reports to BIS within this timeframe to avoid re-testing.
Procedure for Obtaining BIS CRS Certification for Visual Display Unit
The certification process varies slightly for Indian and foreign manufacturers:
For Indian Manufacturers:
1. Application Submission: Accurately fill and submit the application form along with the requisite documents.
2. Document Examination: BIS officials review the submitted documents for completeness and accuracy.
3. Product Testing: Submit product samples to a BIS-certified laboratory for rigorous testing.
4. Report Compilation: The laboratory generates detailed test reports, which are then forwarded to BIS.
5. Certification Grant: Upon satisfactory review of the documents and test reports, BIS issues the CRS Certification.
For Foreign Manufacturers:
1. Appointment of AIR: Designate an Authorized Indian Representative to liaise with BIS.
2. Application Submission: The AIR submits the application form and necessary documents on behalf of the foreign manufacturer.
3. Product Testing: Product samples are tested in a BIS-certified laboratory.
4. Report Submission: The test reports, compiled by the laboratory, are submitted to BIS.
5. Certification Grant: BIS evaluates the submissions and, if compliant, grants the CRS Certification.
Guidelines for the Nomination of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for Foreign Manufacturer
For foreign manufacturers seeking BIS certification in India, appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is an important step. The guidelines for this appointment are as follows:
1. Foreign Manufacturer with Indian Liaison or Branch Office: If the foreign manufacturer operates a liaison or branch office in India, this office will serve as the AIR.
2. Absence of Indian Office but Presence of Brand/Trademark Proprietor: In cases where the foreign manufacturer lacks an Indian liaison or branch office, but the brand or trademark's proprietor or registered user is based in India, this proprietor or registered user will act as the AIR.
3. No Indian Office or Brand/Trademark Proprietor: If neither an Indian office nor a local proprietor/registered user of the brand/trademark exists, the foreign manufacturer must nominate another Indian entity (such as a company, firm, or proprietorship) to assume the role of AIR.
The appointed AIR must be an Indian resident and will bear responsibility for ensuring compliance with the BIS Act, rules, regulations, and the terms and conditions specified in the BIS license. It's essential for foreign manufacturers to carefully select their AIR to facilitate a smooth certification process.
Conclusion
Under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), all electronic products specified in the scheme must obtain BIS certification before being manufactured, imported, or sold in India. This mandate applies to both domestic and international manufacturers. Non-compliance, such as selling products without the requisite BIS certification, can lead to significant penalties under the BIS Act. These penalties may include fines up to INR 500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.
If you need any support in obtaining BIS CRS Certification or ISI Mark Certification, then you can connect with Compliance Calendar experts through mail at info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp at +91 9988424211.
FAQs
Q1. What is BIS CRS Certification for Visual Display Units?
Ans. BIS CRS Certification for Visual Display Units (VDUs) is a mandatory certification under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It ensures that VDUs such as monitors and display screens meet the required safety and quality standards as per IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 for electronics and IT equipment.
Q2. Are Visual Display Units covered under the mandatory CRS list of BIS?
Ans. Yes, Visual Display Units (including monitors of screen size up to 32 inches) are included in the mandatory product list notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under BIS CRS. Manufacturers must obtain BIS registration before selling or importing these units in India.
Q3. Who needs to apply for BIS CRS Certification for VDUs?
Ans. Manufacturers of Visual Display Units, whether based in India or overseas, are required to apply for BIS CRS Certification. Importers and brand owners must ensure their manufacturing partners are BIS certified before bringing products into the Indian market.
Q4. What documents are required for BIS CRS Certification of Visual Display Units?
Ans. The essential documents include:
• Manufacturer’s business license
• Product technical details and circuit diagram
• ISO 9001 certificate
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) details (for foreign manufacturers)
• Test report from BIS-recognized lab
• Trademark certificate (if applicable)
• Factory location details and photographs
Q5. What is the process for obtaining BIS CRS Certification for Visual Display Units?
Ans. The process involves:
1. Testing the product in a BIS-recognized lab in India
2. Submission of application along with required documents on the BIS portal
3. Scrutiny by BIS officials
4. Grant of registration if all requirements are met
The certificate is issued in the name of the manufacturer and is valid for 2 years, renewable thereafter.
Q6. How long does it take to get BIS CRS Certification for VDUs?
Ans. The BIS CRS Certification process usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the completeness of documents and the speed of lab testing and BIS review. Early coordination with labs and BIS can help reduce the timeline.
Q7. What are the consequences of non-compliance with BIS CRS for Visual Display Units?
Ans. Selling, importing, or distributing Visual Display Units without BIS CRS Certification is considered illegal in India. Non-compliance can lead to confiscation of goods, monetary penalties, and even legal action under the BIS Act, 2016. It may also damage the brand's credibility in the market.