The CCTV industry in India is expanding rapidly due to growing concerns over security and surveillance across residential, commercial, and government sectors. However, as this industry grows, so does the need to ensure that the products in use are safe, reliable, and compliant with Indian regulations. That’s where the BIS Certification comes in.

If you're a manufacturer, importer, or seller of surveillance equipment, obtaining BIS CRS for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders is not just a recommendation—it is a legal obligation. This article will explore why the BIS CRS Certification for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders is a must-have for doing business legally in India, and how you can comply with this important regulation.

What Is BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, responsible for ensuring product quality, safety, and reliability. To maintain safety and uniformity, the Government of India launched the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) under BIS for various electronic and IT products.

Under this scheme, manufacturers of certain electronic products—including CCTV Cameras and CCTV Recorders—must obtain BIS CRS Certification before selling, distributing, or importing them in India.

Why CCTV Equipment Requires BIS Certification

Due to their increasing usage in sensitive environments like homes, banks, airports, and offices, CCTV equipment must function safely and effectively without posing any risk to users or infrastructure. Therefore, CCTV products have been included in the list of items that require mandatory BIS CRS registration under the standard:

IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 – Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements.

This applies to both:

• CCTV Cameras (IP Cameras, Analog Cameras, Dome Cameras, etc.)
  
  
• CCTV Recorders (Digital Video Recorders – DVRs, and Network Video Recorders – NVRs)
  
  

Legal Implications of Not Having BIS CRS Certification

Selling or distributing CCTV products without BIS CRS for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders is a violation of Indian law. Non-compliance may result in:

• Product seizure by Indian customs
  
  
• Heavy penalties and legal action
  
  
• Ban on imports or manufacturing
  
  
• Loss of market credibility and business opportunities
  
  

In short, operating without BIS CRS Certification for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders puts your business at serious legal risk and can permanently damage your brand’s reputation.

Who Needs BIS CRS for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders?

BIS certification is mandatory for:

• Domestic manufacturers of CCTV Cameras or Recorders.
  
  
• Foreign manufacturers who export CCTV products to India (must appoint an Indian Authorized Representative – AIR).
  
  
• Importers and OEM brands that sell under their name must also comply if the products are manufactured on their behalf.
  
  

Note: Traders or distributors cannot apply unless they are the product brand owner and responsible for product specifications.

BIS CRS Certification for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders: Core Requirements

Here’s a quick overview of the major requirements under BIS CRS for CCTV equipment:

Why BIS CRS Certification Is a Must-Have for Legal Compliance

1. Mandatory by Law

The Indian government mandates BIS CRS registration for CCTV products. Without this certification, your product is non-compliant and illegal to sell in India.

 2. Smooth Import Clearance

BIS certification ensures your CCTV products are cleared at Indian ports without delays. Customs authorities reject shipments that don’t comply with BIS CRS norms.

3. Government Tenders & Contracts

Most public-sector projects require vendors to supply only BIS-certified equipment. Without BIS CRS for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders, you are ineligible to participate.

4. Consumer Trust

A BIS-certified product indicates that the equipment meets Indian safety standards, building customer confidence and brand credibility.

5. Risk Management

Uncertified products can fail or malfunction, leading to safety hazards, legal claims, and recalls. BIS ensures that only tested, approved products reach the consumer.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining BIS CRS for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders

Step 1: Product Testing

Get your CCTV Camera or Recorder tested by a BIS CRS FOR CCTV CAMERAS/CCTV RECORDERS in India. The lab will evaluate:

• Electrical safety
  
  
• Build quality
  
  
• Compatibility with Indian standards (IS 13252)
  
  

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

These documents include:

• Test report from BIS lab
  
  
• Manufacturing license
  
  
• Brand ownership proof
  
  
• Factory address and layout
  
  
• Undertaking letter of conformity
  
  
• AIR appointment letter (for foreign manufacturers)
  
  

Step 3: Online Application on BIS Portal

Log in to the BIS CRS portal , fill the application, and upload all required documents along with the test report.

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay the necessary fees online. The total cost includes:

• Application fee
  
  
• Product registration fee
  
  
• Processing charges
  
  

Step 5: Application Review and Approval

BIS officials will review the documents and test reports. If everything is compliant, they will approve your application and issue a registration certificate with an R-number.

Step 6: BIS Marking

You must label your CCTV product with the BIS Standard Mark and the R-number before selling or importing it into India.

BIS Labeling Requirements for CCTV Equipment

Each certified CCTV product must include:

• BIS Standard Mark (CRS Mark)
  
  
• Registration number (R-xxxxxxxx)
  
  
• Manufacturer’s name
  
  
• Model number
  
  
• Country of origin
  

Improper labeling or missing marks will be treated as non-compliance.

Validity and Renewal of BIS CRS Certification

• The BIS certificate is valid for 2 years initially.
  
  
• You can renew the certificate for up to 5 years upon expiry.
  
  
• Renewal requires a declaration of no changes, updated business documents, and payment of renewal fees.
  
  

Failing to renew the certificate on time will invalidate your right to manufacture, import, or sell the product in India.

Top Benefits of BIS CRS Certification for CCTV Products

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

If you manufacture, import, or sell CCTV cameras and recorders in India without BIS CRS Certification, the consequences can be severe:

• Products may be confiscated by authorities
  
  
• Heavy monetary fines
  
  
• Blacklisting of your brand or company
  
  
• Permanent ban on imports or sales
  
  
• Reputational damage and loss of trus
  

Conclusion

Certification under BIS CRS boosts your brand credibility, facilitates smooth import and customs clearance, and unlocks access to high-value clients in both private and government sectors. It’s not just a certification—it’s your license to legally operate in India’s growing CCTV industry.

FAQs: BIS CRS Certification for CCTV Equipment

Q1: Is BIS Certification mandatory for all CCTV products?

Yes. As per government notification, all CCTV Cameras and Recorders must be BIS certified before being sold in India.

Q2: Can I import CCTV products into India without BIS certification?

No. Customs authorities will not allow non-certified CCTV products into the country.

Q3: How long does it take to get BIS CRS Certification?

Generally, the process takes 4–6 weeks depending on product testing, document submission, and application scrutiny.

Q4: Is BIS certification required for both DVR and NVR devices?

Yes. Both types of CCTV recorders must be BIS certified under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

Q5: Can one BIS certificate cover multiple models?

Only if the models share the same electrical and structural characteristics. Otherwise, separate applications are required.