Printers are widely used across homes, offices, and businesses in India. To ensure safety and quality, BIS Certification for Printers is mandatory under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) and must comply with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. This guide explains the BIS registration process, required documents, certification requirements, and compliance obligations for manufacturers and importers.

BIS Certification for Printers - IS 13252 (part 1):2010 

Printers have become an essential part of modern business operations, educational institutions, government departments, and households. Whether used for printing invoices, reports, photographs, labels, or official documents, printers are among the most commonly used information technology equipment in India. To ensure product safety and protect consumers from electrical hazards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made BIS Certification for Printers mandatory under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners intending to sell printers in India must obtain BIS registration and comply with the requirements of IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. This certification confirms that the product meets the prescribed safety standards and can be legally marketed in India.

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.

Types of Printers Covered Under BIS Certification

The BIS certification requirement generally applies to various printer categories, including:

Laser Printers

Commonly used in offices and commercial environments for high-volume printing.

Inkjet Printers

Popular for home and small business use due to cost-effective printing.

Multifunction Printers

Devices that combine printing, scanning, copying, and faxing functions.

Thermal Printers

Widely used in retail billing systems, logistics operations, and POS terminals.

Portable Printers

Compact printers designed for mobile printing applications.

Network Printers

Printers connected to organizational networks and enterprise systems.

Photo Printers

Specialized printers designed for high-quality image printing.

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.

Who Needs BIS Certification?

Indian Manufacturers

Any manufacturer producing printers in India must obtain BIS registration before sale.

Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign companies exporting printers to India must secure BIS registration before shipment.

Importers

Importers must ensure that the products they import are registered under BIS CRS.

Brand Owners

Brand owners should ensure compliance of all products sold under their brand name.

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.

Step 3: Get Your Product Tested

Send your printer to a BIS-approved testing laboratory.

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.

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:

1. Company registration documents

2. Manufacturing license (for Indian factories)

3. IEC (Import Export Code) for importers

4. Test report from BIS-approved lab

5. Product technical specifications and manuals

6.Factory address proof and layout

7.Photo ID and authorization letter for the company representative

8. 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:

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.

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!