Question 1

Do we need an office in India to get our products certified?

Accepted Answer

No. Foreign manufacturers appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Shasta acts as your AIR - we hold the registration, deal with the regulator on the ground and stay accountable for compliance in India.

Question 2

How long does BIS CRS registration take?

Accepted Answer

Processing times are set by the regulator and vary by product - no consultant controls them, and we won’t pretend to. What we do control, we compress: complete documentation the first time, testing coordinated without gaps, and every regulator query answered the day it arrives.

Question 3

Which approvals does my product need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the product category. A CCTV camera, for example, typically needs BIS essential-requirements compliance, WPC ETA and EPR registration, while a power bank needs BIS CRS and EPR. Our consultants confirm the exact scope for your product - usually within one business day.

Question 4

Do you handle product testing as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate safety, EMC/EMI and environmental testing with accredited labs and prepare the reports exactly the way each regulator expects to read them, so applications clear review the first time.

Question 5

What happens after the certificate is granted?

Accepted Answer

Certificates need renewals, surveillance and updates when your product or the standard changes. We track validity and regulatory changes for you, so compliance doesn't lapse after launch.

Question 6

Is BIS CRS the same as the ISI mark?

Accepted Answer

No. CRS covers electronics and IT products under MeitY schedules with a registration number (R-number) and Standard Mark. The ISI mark under Scheme-I covers other product categories with factory audits. We handle both - and confirm which applies to your product.

Question 7

Can a foreign manufacturer apply without an Indian office?

Accepted Answer

Yes - by appointing an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Shasta acts as AIR for manufacturers worldwide: we hold the registration responsibilities in India so you don't need a local entity.

Question 8

How long is CRS registration valid?

Accepted Answer

A CRS registration is granted for the combination of factory, brand and product category, is valid for two years, and can be renewed for further terms of up to five years. We track validity and standard revisions for every client so registrations never lapse.

Question 9

What happens if my product model changes?

Accepted Answer

Model additions and critical component changes can require inclusion testing or fresh reports. Tell us before you change - a short check now avoids a blocked shipment later.

Question 10

What is an R-number and where must it appear?

Accepted Answer

The R-number is your registration number, displayed with the BIS Standard Mark on the product and its packaging as per BIS labelling guidelines. We supply the exact artwork rules with every grant.

Question 11

Do I need separate registrations for every model?

Accepted Answer

Registration is per factory, brand and product category - and models within a series can often be covered under series guidelines rather than fresh applications. We structure your portfolio the least expensive compliant way.

Question 12

My device only has Bluetooth - do I still need ETA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any radio transmitter, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, needs Equipment Type Approval (or the self-declaration equivalent for license-exempt bands) before import or sale in India.

Question 13

Does WPC ETA expire?

Accepted Answer

An ETA is granted per model and generally does not require periodic renewal - but hardware or radio-module changes create a new model in the regulator's eyes. Check with us before revising the product.

Question 14

Do I need ETA before customs clearance?

Accepted Answer

Yes - shipments of wireless devices without ETA risk being held at customs. We time the approval so your first shipment clears without drama.

Question 15

Do I also need BIS registration for a wireless product?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes - most wireless consumer devices need BIS CRS (product safety) and WPC ETA (radio) in parallel, plus EPR registration. We run them together so nothing waits on anything else.

Question 16

What if my device also uses licensed frequency bands?

Accepted Answer

License-exempt bands are covered by the ETA - but equipment on licensed bands needs the appropriate licence instead, such as Experimental, Network or Non-Network approvals. We manage those filings too.

Question 17

Is ETA needed for products sold only online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The requirement attaches to import and sale in India, whatever the channel - and both customs and the major marketplaces check for it.

Question 18

How is FMCS different from CRS?

Accepted Answer

CRS covers electronics under MeitY schedules with registration and self-declaration. FMCS grants a full ISI licence to a foreign factory after an on-site BIS assessment - a deeper process covering a wider range of product categories.

Question 19

Does BIS really visit our factory?

Accepted Answer

Yes - a factory assessment by BIS officers is part of the scheme. We prepare your production and QC teams beforehand so the visit is a formality, not a surprise.

Question 20

Do we need an Indian representative?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) is mandatory for foreign manufacturers. Shasta acts as AIR for clients worldwide - we carry the responsibilities in India so you don't need a local entity.

Question 21

How long is an FMCS licence valid?

Accepted Answer

Licences are granted with a defined validity and must be renewed, with marking fees maintained throughout. We calendar renewals and fee deadlines so the licence never lapses.

Question 22

Is a bank guarantee really required?

Accepted Answer

Yes - foreign manufacturers provide a performance bank guarantee as part of the scheme. We guide the format and submission so it isn't a stumbling block.

Question 23

Can one licence cover several products?

Accepted Answer

A licence is granted per Indian Standard per factory. Additional products mean inclusions or further licences - we plan the portfolio so you apply in the right order.

Question 24

My appliance wasn't mandatory last year - is it now?

Accepted Answer

Appliance QCOs are phasing in continuously, with new categories notified regularly. We check the current schedule for your exact product and tell you what applies today - and what's coming.

Question 25

Which standard will my appliance be tested against?

Accepted Answer

Typically IS 302-1 (general safety) plus the IS 302-2 part specific to your appliance type. We confirm the exact standard before any testing begins.

Question 26

We're a foreign brand - can we get certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through the FMCS route with Shasta as your Authorised Indian Representative. The factory assessment and testing are coordinated the same way.

Question 27

My appliance category isn't enforced yet - should we wait?

Accepted Answer

QCOs come with transition windows, and labs fill up as each deadline approaches. Certifying early costs the same and avoids the enforcement-day queue. We track your category's dates.

Question 28

Are commercial appliances covered, or only household?

Accepted Answer

Both - the 2025 order explicitly covers household, commercial and similar electrical appliances.

Question 29

What testing does an appliance undergo?

Accepted Answer

Safety testing under the IS 302 series - the general requirements plus the particular part for your appliance type, aligned with IEC 60335. We confirm the exact part before any testing starts.

Question 30

Is furniture certification already mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Coverage arrives in phases by category through Quality Control Orders. We check the current notification status for your products and plan certification so you're ready before enforcement, not after.

Question 31

Does imported furniture need certification too?

Accepted Answer

Yes - once a category's QCO is in force it applies to imports as well as domestic manufacture. Foreign manufacturers work through the FMCS route with an AIR.

Question 32

What does furniture testing actually involve?

Accepted Answer

Structural strength, stability, durability cycles and material safety - tested at recognised labs against the Indian Standard for your category.

Question 33

Which furniture products are covered?

Accepted Answer

The categories under the QCO span seating, storage units and desking, against Indian Standards IS 17631 to IS 17636. We confirm exactly which standards your range falls under.

Question 34

We import furniture - does the QCO apply to us?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once in force it covers imports as well as domestic manufacture. Foreign factories certify through the FMCS route with Shasta as their AIR.

Question 35

What does furniture testing actually check?

Accepted Answer

Structural strength, stability and durability cycling per the applicable standard - samples are tested per category, not per SKU.

Question 36

Are the Essential Requirements different from BIS registration?

Accepted Answer

Yes - they are a separate security-focused compliance layer specific to CCTV, in addition to any BIS product registration and WPC wireless approval your camera needs. We run all applicable tracks together.

Question 37

Do Wi-Fi cameras need anything extra?

Accepted Answer

Yes - any camera with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth also needs WPC approval for its radio. We handle it in parallel with the ER compliance.

Question 38

Does a firmware update affect compliance?

Accepted Answer

Significant firmware or hardware revisions can require re-evaluation. Tell us before you ship an update - a short check avoids a compliance gap.

Question 39

Which cameras fall under the requirement?

Accepted Answer

CCTV cameras under the amended CRO - dome, bullet and IP types. Recorders fall under CRS separately. We scope every SKU in your range so nothing ships uncovered.

Question 40

What do the essential security requirements actually cover?

Accepted Answer

The security of the device itself - firmware integrity, access controls and supply-chain assurances - evaluated at designated labs on top of the standard product testing.

Question 41

Can we sell to government buyers without this?

Accepted Answer

No - government procurement requires compliance, and private channels increasingly check for it too.

Question 42

Is star labelling mandatory for my product?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the schedule - some appliance categories are mandatory, others voluntary. We confirm your product's current status and what's planned next.

Question 43

Can my rating change after launch?

Accepted Answer

Yes - BEE periodically tightens the star-rating tables, which can change the stars your existing performance earns. We track revisions and warn you ahead of re-labelling needs.

Question 44

Do imported appliances need the label too?

Accepted Answer

Yes - the label requirement applies to products sold in India regardless of where they're manufactured.

Question 45

Is the star label per model or per brand?

Accepted Answer

Registration is per model under your brand, with label artwork approved per model. We manage the whole model portfolio in one engagement.

Question 46

What happens when BEE revises the star tables?

Accepted Answer

Tables are tightened periodically, which can change the stars your existing performance earns - meaning relabelling. We monitor revisions and alert you before they bite.

Question 47

We already have BIS - do we still need BEE?

Accepted Answer

Yes. They're separate regimes: BIS certifies safety, BEE rates energy performance. Schedule-listed appliances need both.

Question 48

We only import - does EPR still apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Importers are 'producers' under the rules, with the same registration and recycling obligations as manufacturers. Customs increasingly checks for EPR registration.

Question 49

What happens after registration?

Accepted Answer

Registration is the start: annual recycling targets, EPR certificate procurement and periodic returns follow. We manage the full cycle so obligations never lapse.

Question 50

Do batteries have separate requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes - battery-containing products also fall under the Battery Waste Management Rules with their own EPR registration. We handle both together.

Question 51

What exactly are EPR targets?

Accepted Answer

Annual collection and recycling obligations proportional to what you put on the market, met through registered recyclers and EPR certificates. We procure the certificates and file the returns.

Question 52

Is battery EPR separate from e-waste EPR?

Accepted Answer

Yes - the Battery Waste Management Rules run their own registration. Battery-containing products often need both, and we handle them together.

Question 53

What happens if filings are missed?

Accepted Answer

Missed returns and unmet targets attract environmental compensation and increasingly cause friction at import. We calendar every obligation so nothing slips.

Question 54

Can you use our existing IEC reports?

Accepted Answer

Often, partially - many IS standards align with IEC equivalents, and existing reports can reduce the testing scope. We run a gap analysis before recommending any new testing.

Question 55

Which lab will test our product?

Accepted Answer

The lab must match the application - BIS-recognised labs for CRS, appropriate accredited labs otherwise. We choose and coordinate the right one for your target approval.

Question 56

What if the product fails a test?

Accepted Answer

Our pre-test review is designed to catch likely failures beforehand. If something does fail, you get a clear engineering explanation and a retest plan - not just a failed report.

Question 57

Which safety standard applies to my product?

Accepted Answer

It depends on category - IS 13252 for IT and AV equipment, the IS 302 series for appliances, and so on. We confirm the exact standard and edition before a single test runs.

Question 58

Do you test in your own lab?

Accepted Answer

No - and that's deliberate. We coordinate through accredited and BIS-recognised labs matched to your target application, managing slots, samples and reports end to end.

Question 59

How many samples will the lab need?

Accepted Answer

It varies by standard and lab - typically several units plus a critical-component list. You get an exact sample plan before you ship anything.

Question 60

What's the difference between emissions and immunity?

Accepted Answer

Emissions testing measures what your product radiates into the world; immunity testing measures what the world can throw at your product without breaking it. Indian approvals typically reference both, depending on the product family.

Question 61

Should we do a pre-compliance scan?

Accepted Answer

If your design is new, yes - finding an EMC failure before formal testing costs a fraction of a redesign after it. We arrange chamber time for early scans.

Question 62

Do our CE test reports help?

Accepted Answer

Frequently - many Indian requirements align with international EMC standards, and existing reports can shrink the scope. We map exactly what carries over.

Question 63

Is EMC testing mandatory for BIS registration?

Accepted Answer

For many product standards, EMC requirements are built in - and wireless products face them again under WPC. We map exactly which apply to your device.

Question 64

What does an immunity test suite include?

Accepted Answer

ESD, surge, fast transients, RF fields and voltage dips per the applicable IEC 61000 parts - selected by product family, not a generic battery of everything.

Every question, answered honestly.

Getting started

BIS CRS Registration

WPC ETA Approval

BIS ISI / FMCS Certification

BIS for Electrical Appliances

BIS Certification for Furniture

CCTV Essential Requirements

BEE Star Labelling

EPR Registration

Product Safety Testing

EMC / EMI Testing

Environmental Testing

Toy Testing

Every question, answered honestly.

Getting started

01Do we need an office in India to get our products certified?

02How long does BIS CRS registration take?

03Which approvals does my product need?

04Do you handle product testing as well?

05What happens after the certificate is granted?

BIS CRS Registration

01Is BIS CRS the same as the ISI mark?

02Can a foreign manufacturer apply without an Indian office?

03How long is CRS registration valid?

04What happens if my product model changes?

05What is an R-number and where must it appear?

06Do I need separate registrations for every model?

WPC ETA Approval

01My device only has Bluetooth - do I still need ETA?

02Does WPC ETA expire?

03Do I need ETA before customs clearance?

04Do I also need BIS registration for a wireless product?

05What if my device also uses licensed frequency bands?

06Is ETA needed for products sold only online?

BIS ISI / FMCS Certification

01How is FMCS different from CRS?

02Does BIS really visit our factory?

03Do we need an Indian representative?

04How long is an FMCS licence valid?

05Is a bank guarantee really required?

06Can one licence cover several products?

BIS for Electrical Appliances

01My appliance wasn't mandatory last year - is it now?

02Which standard will my appliance be tested against?

03We're a foreign brand - can we get certified?

04My appliance category isn't enforced yet - should we wait?

05Are commercial appliances covered, or only household?

06What testing does an appliance undergo?

BIS Certification for Furniture

01Is furniture certification already mandatory?

02Does imported furniture need certification too?

03What does furniture testing actually involve?

04Which furniture products are covered?

05We import furniture - does the QCO apply to us?

06What does furniture testing actually check?

CCTV Essential Requirements

01Are the Essential Requirements different from BIS registration?

02Do Wi-Fi cameras need anything extra?

03Does a firmware update affect compliance?

04Which cameras fall under the requirement?

05What do the essential security requirements actually cover?

06Can we sell to government buyers without this?

BEE Star Labelling

01Is star labelling mandatory for my product?

02Can my rating change after launch?

03Do imported appliances need the label too?

04Is the star label per model or per brand?

05What happens when BEE revises the star tables?

06We already have BIS - do we still need BEE?

EPR Registration

01We only import - does EPR still apply?

02What happens after registration?

03Do batteries have separate requirements?

04What exactly are EPR targets?

05Is battery EPR separate from e-waste EPR?

06What happens if filings are missed?

Product Safety Testing

01Can you use our existing IEC reports?

02Which lab will test our product?

03What if the product fails a test?

04Which safety standard applies to my product?

05Do you test in your own lab?

06How many samples will the lab need?

EMC / EMI Testing

01What's the difference between emissions and immunity?

02Should we do a pre-compliance scan?

03Do our CE test reports help?

04Is EMC testing mandatory for BIS registration?

05What does an immunity test suite include?

06Our product failed EMC - what now?

Environmental Testing

01Is environmental testing legally required?

02What conditions should we test for?