BIS Registration for USB External Hard Disk Drive

USB Type External Hard Disk Drives have become an essential component of modern digital infrastructure. From personal data backup and enterprise storage to media archiving and system portability, external hard drives are widely used across industries and households. Given their electrical nature and direct interface with computing devices, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance is critical.

To regulate the quality and safety of electronic and IT equipment, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made BIS Registration mandatory for USB Type External Hard Disk Drives under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), as per IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.

Any USB external hard disk drive that is manufactured, imported, or sold in India without BIS registration is illegal and liable to enforcement action under the BIS Act, 2016.

A USB Type External Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a portable electromechanical data storage device that connects to computers and electronic equipment through a USB interface. These devices are widely used for:

• Data backup and recovery

• Storage of photos, videos, and documents

• Archival of completed projects and records

• Data transfer between systems

• Enterprise and personal storage expansion

Due to their portability and plug-and-play functionality, external hard drives are used with laptops, desktops, televisions, gaming consoles, and other IT equipment. As they draw power via USB and contain sensitive electronic components, electrical safety compliance becomes mandatory.

IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is the Indian Standard titled "Safety of Information Technology Equipment". This standard specifies essential safety requirements to protect users from risks such as:

• Electrical shock

• Fire hazards

• Short circuits

• Overheating

• Mechanical and insulation failures

USB Type External Hard Disk Drives fall under this standard and must comply with all applicable safety parameters before being introduced into the Indian market.

Yes.

As notified by BIS, USB Type External Hard Disk Drives are covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). BIS registration has been mandatory for these products since 1 April 2021.

• Registration is granted only to the manufacturer

• Products must be tested in BIS-recognized laboratories

• The product must bear the BIS CRS Standard Mark with Registration Number (R-Number)

Importers, distributors, and sellers cannot sell non-registered products, even if they are legally imported.

1. Legal Compliance

Selling or importing USB external hard drives without BIS registration violates the BIS Act, 2016 and can lead to penalties, seizure, and market bans.

2. Product Safety Assurance

BIS certification ensures the product meets Indian electrical safety standards, reducing risks of malfunction, data loss, or electrical hazards.

3. Customs Clearance

Customs authorities routinely block shipments of non-BIS-registered electronic products at Indian ports.

4. Brand Credibility & Consumer Trust

The BIS CRS mark signals compliance, safety, and quality, enhancing trust among distributors, retailers, and consumers.

5. Market Access & Business Continuity

BIS registration is mandatory for selling on e-commerce platforms, government procurement channels, and organized retail networks.

Manufacturer-Only Rule

BIS registration is issued only in the name of the manufacturer, not importers or traders.

• Indian manufacturers can apply directly

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

The importer may act as AIR, but the registration always remains in the manufacturer's name.

BIS registration for USB external hard disk drives is based on four core pillars:

1. Manufacturer – Only the actual manufacturing entity is eligible for BIS registration.

2. Manufacturing Address – Each factory location requires a separate BIS registration, even for the same product.

3. Product – One product category can cover multiple models, provided they comply with the same standard and technical configuration.

4. Brand / Trademark – Each brand or trademark requires a separate BIS registration.

A. Process for Foreign Manufacturers

1. Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

2. Online BIS CRS application submission

3. Sample testing at BIS-recognized laboratory

4. Submission of test report and documents

5. BIS scrutiny and verification

6. Grant of BIS Registration (R-Number)

B. Process for Domestic Manufacturers

1. Online BIS CRS application submission

2. Sample testing at BIS-approved lab

3. Submission of test report and documents

4. BIS verification

5. Grant of BIS Registration

For foreign manufacturers, appointing an AIR is mandatory.

• If the manufacturer has a branch or liaison office in India, it becomes the AIR

• If no office exists, the Indian brand/trademark owner becomes the AIR

• If neither exists, a designated Indian entity may be appointed as AIR

The AIR is responsible for regulatory coordination, compliance communication, and post-certification obligations.

• Filled CDF and CCL forms

• BIS CRS application form

• Manufacturing license (English + local language)

• Scope of business license

• ISO certificate of manufacturing unit

• Product marking/label artwork

• Authorization letter (if applicable)

• Trademark certificate

• Trademark authorization letter (if applicable)

• AIR company registration proof (foreign manufacturers)

• ID proof of authorized signatory

• Product technical specification sheet or user manual

• Testing must be conducted only in BIS-recognized laboratories

• Test reports are valid for 90 days

• BIS approval typically takes 15–30 working days, though 30–60 days is a realistic timeline

• Registration is valid for two years and renewable

Non-compliance with BIS CRS requirements may result in:

• Customs seizure of goods

• Monetary penalties

• Market withdrawal orders

• Legal prosecution under BIS Act

• Permanent business and brand damage

Standphill India is a trusted BIS certification consultancy providing end-to-end CRS registration services for electronic and IT products, including USB Type External Hard Disk Drives.

• Correct IS standard identification

• BIS-recognized lab coordination

• Technical documentation & CDF/CCL preparation

• AIR services for foreign manufacturers

• Application filing and BIS liaison

• Query resolution and approval follow-up

• Post-certification support and renewals

With deep regulatory expertise and hands-on execution, Standphill India ensures faster approvals, zero compliance risk, and long-term regulatory confidence.

BIS Registration for USB Type External Hard Disk Drives under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is a mandatory legal requirement for entering the Indian market. With strict enforcement under the CRS framework, manufacturers must ensure full compliance before launching or importing products into India.

Partnering with an experienced consultant like Standphill India simplifies the process, reduces approval timelines, and ensures your products meet all BIS safety and quality requirements without risk.

Q1. Is BIS registration mandatory for USB external hard disk drives in India?

Yes. USB Type External Hard Disk Drives are covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), making BIS registration mandatory before import, sale, or distribution in India.

Q2. Which Indian Standard applies to USB external hard disk drives?

USB external hard disk drives must comply with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, which specifies safety requirements for information technology equipment.

Q3. Who is eligible to apply for BIS CRS registration?

Only the manufacturer can apply for BIS registration. Importers or traders cannot apply directly, but foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Q4. How long does BIS CRS registration take?

The BIS registration process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on sample testing, document accuracy, and BIS scrutiny.

Q5. Is factory inspection required under BIS CRS?

Generally, factory inspection is not required under CRS. However, BIS reserves the right to conduct verification if deemed necessary.

Q6. What is the validity of BIS registration for external hard drives?

BIS CRS registration is valid for two years and can be renewed upon continued compliance.

Q7. Can multiple models be covered under one BIS registration?

Yes. Multiple models can be included under one registration if they fall under the same product category and meet the same standard requirements.

Q8. What happens if a product is sold without BIS registration?

Selling non-BIS-registered products in India is illegal and may result in penalties, customs seizure, market withdrawal, and legal action.

Q9. Is BIS registration required for imported external hard drives?

Yes. Imported USB external hard disk drives must obtain BIS CRS registration before customs clearance and market sale in India.

Q10. How can Standphill India help with BIS registration?

Standphill India provides end-to-end BIS CRS consultancy, including product testing coordination, documentation, application filing, AIR services, and post-approval compliance support.

Q11. Is BIS registration mandatory for USB external hard drives in India?

Yes. BIS CRS registration is mandatory before sale, import, or distribution.

Q12. Can an importer apply for BIS registration?

No. Only manufacturers can apply. Importers may act as AIR for foreign manufacturers.

Q13. How long does BIS CRS registration take?

Typically 4–6 weeks, depending on testing and document readiness.

Q14. Is factory inspection required under CRS?

Generally no, but BIS may conduct verification if required.

Q15. Can multiple models be covered under one registration?

Yes, if they belong to the same product category and comply with the same standard.