BIS Registration for Point of Sale (POS) Terminals

BIS Registration for Point of Sale (POS) Terminals under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is mandatory in India as per the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). POS terminals, commonly used for debit card, credit card, and digital payment transactions, fall under the category of Information Technology Equipment, where electrical safety and operational reliability are critical.

Any POS terminal manufactured, imported, or sold in India must be BIS registered before market entry. Non-compliance can result in import rejection, product seizure, penalties, and legal action under the BIS Act.

A Point of Sale (POS) terminal is an electronic device used to process electronic payment transactions. These devices typically include:

• Card readers (chip, magnetic stripe, NFC)

• Keypads or touchscreens

• Embedded processors

• Power adapters and communication modules

Due to continuous power usage, data processing, and public handling, POS terminals pose electrical, fire, and operational safety risks, making BIS certification essential.

IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is aligned with international safety standards for IT equipment and focuses on:

• Electrical safety - Protection against electric shock

• Data processing reliability - Safe operation during payment processing

• Fire & short-circuit risk - Prevention of overheating and fire hazards

• Consumer financial protection - Ensuring secure transaction processing

• Safe insulation and grounding

• Mechanical and thermal safety

• Reliability during continuous operation

BIS mandates this standard to ensure that payment terminals used across banks, retail stores, and commercial establishments do not pose safety risks to users or infrastructure.

Manufacturer Only Rule

BIS registration is granted exclusively to the manufacturer of the POS terminal.

• Importers, traders, or sellers cannot apply independently

• Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Manufacturing Location

• Each manufacturing unit requires a separate BIS registration

• Multiple models under the same product category may be covered under one license, subject to testing scope

A. Foreign Manufacturer Procedure

1. Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

2. Online submission on BIS CRS portal

3. Sample testing at BIS-recognized laboratory

4. Upload of test report and supporting documents

5. Scrutiny by BIS officials

6. Grant of BIS CRS Registration

B. Domestic Manufacturer Procedure

1. Online application submission

2. Sample testing from BIS approved lab

3. Upload test report and documents

4. BIS verification

5. Grant of registration

For foreign manufacturers, appointing an AIR is mandatory.

• Indian branch or liaison office of manufacturer

• Indian brand or trademark owner

• Any Indian legal entity authorized by the manufacturer

The AIR is legally responsible for compliance, post-certification surveillance, and coordination with BIS.

• Duly filled BIS application form

• Completed CDF and CCL forms

• Manufacturing license (with English translation if applicable)

• Scope of manufacturing license

• ISO certificate of manufacturer

• Product marking details / label artwork

• Authorization letter (if signatory is not factory head)

• Trademark certificate

• Trademark authorization letter (if applicable)

• AIR appointment letter (for foreign manufacturers)

• ID proof of authorized signatory / AIR

• Technical specification sheet / user manual

• BIS laboratory test report

POS terminals must undergo testing for:

• Electrical insulation and leakage current

• Temperature rise and overheating

• Mechanical strength

• Power input safety

• Abnormal operation conditions

Testing must be conducted only in BIS-recognized laboratories.

• License validity: 2 years

• Renewal allowed before expiry

• Product design, components, and manufacturing process must remain unchanged

• Any major change requires fresh testing or amendment approval from BIS

Selling or importing POS terminals without BIS registration may lead to:

• Import seizure - Customs authorities reject shipments

• BIS Act penalties - Financial fines up to ₹2 lakh

• Customs clearance rejection - Products stuck at ports

• Marketplace takedowns - E-commerce delisting

• Product seizure

• Cancellation of import permissions

• Legal action under the BIS Act, 2016

Marketplaces and payment aggregators may also delist non-compliant devices.

• Legal market access in India

• Enhanced product safety assurance

• Increased trust among banks and financial institutions

• Reduced liability risks

• Smooth customs clearance

BIS Registration for Point of Sale (POS) Terminals under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is a non-negotiable compliance requirement in India. Manufacturers must ensure timely testing, accurate documentation, and adherence to BIS CRS guidelines to avoid regulatory action.

A properly certified POS terminal not only ensures regulatory compliance but also reinforces product reliability, safety, and acceptance across India's rapidly expanding digital payment ecosystem.

Q1. Is BIS registration mandatory for POS terminals in India?

Yes. BIS registration under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is mandatory for all POS terminals sold or imported in India under the CRS.

Q2. Who can apply for BIS CRS registration for POS terminals?

Only the manufacturer can apply. Importers or sellers may act as Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR) for foreign manufacturers.

Q3. How long does BIS registration for POS terminals take?

Typically 4 to 8 weeks, depending on laboratory testing and BIS document scrutiny.

Q4. What is the validity of BIS CRS registration?

The BIS CRS license is valid for two years and can be renewed.

Q5. What penalties apply for selling POS machines without BIS certification?

Non-compliance may lead to seizure, fines, cancellation of imports, and legal action under the BIS Act.

Q6. Are mobile POS (mPOS) devices also covered under BIS?

Yes, mobile POS devices and card swipe machines that connect to smartphones are also covered under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

Q7. Can one BIS registration cover different POS terminal models?

Yes, multiple models from the same manufacturer can be covered under one registration if they share similar technical specifications.

Q8. Is testing required for both wired and wireless POS terminals?

Yes, both wired and wireless POS terminals require testing under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 for electrical safety compliance.

Q9. Do POS terminals with built-in printers need additional certification?

The complete POS terminal unit is tested as one product. Built-in printers don't require separate certification if they are integral to the terminal.

Q10. How can I verify if a POS terminal is BIS certified?

Check for the BIS CRS Standard Mark and Registration Number on the product or verify on the BIS online portal using the R-Number.