Printers are used everywhere — in homes, offices, schools, and businesses. They help us print documents, photos, invoices, and more. Since printers are electronic devices, they need to be safe to use. That’s why the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) makes sure that all printers sold in India meet specific safety and quality standards.

If you are a printer manufacturer or importer, you must get BIS certification to legally sell your printers in the Indian market. Without it, your products can be banned, and you may even face legal issues.

In this guide, you will learn everything about BIS certification for printers — what it means, why it's important, how to apply for it, what documents are needed, and how BIS consultants can help you through the process.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is a government body that sets rules to make sure products in India are safe and of good quality.

Printers must be certified under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) of BIS. This means the printers are tested to ensure they are safe to use and meet the required standards.

For printers, the relevant standard is:

IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 – This applies to Information Technology (IT) equipment, which includes printers.

Once a product clears all the tests and inspections, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark, which shows that the product is certified by BIS.

Why is BIS Certification Important for Printers?

Here are the main reasons why BIS certification is important:

1. Legal Requirement

It is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of printers.

Selling uncertified products is illegal in India.

2. Safety and Quality Guarantee

BIS certification ensures that printers are safe to use.

They are tested for electrical safety, durability, and performance.

3. Customer Trust

Indian consumers trust products that have the ISI mark.

Certified products are considered high-quality and reliable.

4. Bigger Market Opportunities

Many retailers and government tenders require BIS-certified products.

Certification helps expand your business across India.

5. Stops Low-Quality Imports

BIS helps prevent cheap, unsafe, or substandard printers from being sold in the Indian market.

Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Printers?

Yes, it is 100% mandatory.

Whether you are making printers in India or importing them from another country, you must get them BIS-certified before selling them.

Who Needs BIS Certification?

1. Indian Manufacturers

All Indian printer manufacturers must get BIS certification before selling their products.

2. Importers

If you are importing printers from other countries to sell in India, you must get them BIS certified.

What Happens If You Don’t Get BIS Certification?

If you try to sell printers in India without BIS certification:

You may face heavy penalties and legal action.

Your products can be banned or removed from shops and online platforms.

You won’t be allowed to sell through government or big retail channels.

Steps to Get BIS Certification for Printers

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to get BIS certification:

Step 1: Identify the Right Indian Standard

For printers, you must comply with IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010.

Step 2: Apply on the BIS Portal

You need to:

Register on the BIS CRS website.

Fill the application form with details like:

Product name and model

Manufacturer’s name and address

Factory location

Pay the required application fees.

Step 3: Get Your Product Tested

Send your printer to a BIS-approved testing laboratory.

Lab tests will check:

Electrical safety – to ensure the printer doesn’t cause shock or fire.

Durability – to make sure it works well over time.

Power consumption – whether it follows energy-saving guidelines.

Step 4: Factory Audit

A BIS officer will visit your manufacturing unit to check:

Production methods

Materials used

Quality control systems

Step 5: Get the BIS Certificate

If everything goes well, BIS will issue a certificate of registration.

You can now use the ISI mark on your printers.

Step 6: Renew and Maintain Compliance

BIS certification is valid for a certain time period (usually 2 years).

You must renew it before expiry.

BIS can do surprise factory inspections to check if you are still following the standards.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

To apply for BIS certification for printer, you must submit the following documents:

Company registration documents

Manufacturing license (for Indian factories)

IEC (Import Export Code) for importers

Test report from BIS-approved lab

Product technical specifications and manuals

Factory address proof and layout

Photo ID and authorization letter for the company representative

Agreement between Indian importer and foreign manufacturer (if applicable)

Challenges in Getting BIS Certification

Getting BIS certification is important, but it is not always easy. Here are some common issues businesses face:

1. Paperwork Mistakes

A small error in your documents can delay the process.

2. Strict Testing Rules

Your printer must pass all technical and safety tests.

If it fails, you may need to make changes and reapply.

3. Factory Compliance

Your factory must follow standard production and quality control rules.

4. Time Delays

The process can take weeks or even months, depending on the application and testing timeline.

How Standphill India Can Help You

Hiring a BIS certification consultant can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s how they help:

1. Expert Guidance

Consultants help you choose the right standard, prepare documents, and complete the application.

2. Faster Processing

They make sure everything is correct and submitted on time to avoid delays.

3. Factory Audit Support

Consultants help you prepare your factory for BIS inspection.

4. Ongoing Support

They remind you when your certification is about to expire and help with renewals and future audits.

Conclusion

BIS certification for printers is not optional — it is a legal requirement in India. Whether you manufacture printers or import them, getting BIS certification ensures that your product is safe, high-quality, and trustworthy.

With BIS certification, you can:

Expand your business across India

Build customer trust

Avoid legal issues

Enter government and corporate tenders

If the process feels complicated, you can always take help from a BIS certification consultant who will guide you from start to finish.

Start your BIS certification journey today and make your printers ready for the Indian market!