BIS CRS Registration under IS 616 is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers of electronic video games — including gaming consoles, handheld gaming devices, and similar electronic entertainment apparatus — sold in India. Electronic (Video) Games are notified products under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), administered under Scheme II of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations. The applicable Indian Standard is IS 616:2017 (aligned with IEC 60065), specifying safety requirements for audio, video, and similar electronic apparatus — with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 as the updated standard. Registration is issued to the manufacturer only — importers cannot hold it directly. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Each manufacturing location and each brand or trademark requires a separate registration number. Selling electronic video games without valid BIS registration in India attracts criminal penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, including imprisonment and fines.
India's electronic gaming market has grown rapidly, spanning home gaming consoles, handheld gaming devices, arcade-style entertainment units, and a widening range of connected play devices. As adoption has expanded — especially among children, who make up a significant share of end users — so has regulatory scrutiny of the electrical and electronic safety of these products. For every manufacturer or importer bringing electronic video games to the Indian market, a critical regulatory obligation applies: mandatory BIS CRS Registration under Indian Standard IS 616.
Unlike a voluntary quality endorsement, BIS CRS Registration for electronic video games is a legal prerequisite to market entry. A covered gaming console, handheld device, or related electronic entertainment product cannot be imported, sold, stocked for sale, or displayed for sale in India without a valid BIS registration certificate. This guide explains everything manufacturers and importers need to know — the governing standard, who must register, the tests required, the documents needed, the six-step process, and what non-compliance costs.
📑 Quick Navigation
- Why BIS CRS Registration Is Mandatory for Video Games
- The Applicable Standard — IS 616 and IS/IEC 62368-1
- Who Must Register — Manufacturers, AIRs, and Importers
- Key Registration Rules for Video Games
- Mandatory Tests Under IS 616 for BIS CRS Registration
- The 6-Step BIS CRS Registration Process for Video Games
- Required Documents for BIS CRS Registration
- Post-Registration Compliance Obligations
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- How Rego Services Supports Your Registration
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why BIS CRS Registration Is Mandatory for Video Games
Electronic video games — gaming consoles, handheld devices, and similar electronic entertainment apparatus — combine mains-connected or battery-powered electronics, display and audio output circuitry, and extended hours of continuous use in close physical contact with the user. That combination creates real safety considerations: electric shock from inadequately insulated components, fire risk from overheating during prolonged play sessions, electromagnetic interference with nearby electronic equipment, and mechanical failure of housings, ports, or connectors under everyday handling. These risks carry particular weight given how widely children use gaming devices.
In recognition of these hazards, Electronic (Video) Games were brought under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), administered under Scheme II of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations. The CRS inclusion made BIS registration a legal prerequisite for the sale, import, or distribution of covered electronic video game products in India — not a voluntary quality step, but a mandatory pre-market compliance requirement that every market participant must satisfy before a single unit can be offered for sale.
The Applicable Standard — IS 616 and IS/IEC 62368-1
BIS CRS Registration for electronic video games is governed by two Indian Standards, with the applicable version depending on the timing and status of the manufacturer's application.
IS 616:2017 is the current Indian Standard for safety requirements for audio, video, and similar electronic apparatus — the standard under which BIS CRS registration for electronic video games has primarily been administered. It specifies requirements covering electrical safety, insulation, heat management, mechanical construction, electromagnetic compatibility, and marking. Compliance with IS 616:2017 is verified through mandatory testing at a BIS-recognised third-party laboratory.
IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is the updated Indian Standard applicable to audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment, including gaming consoles and handheld devices. It replaces IEC 60065 and IEC 60950-1 with a hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) approach. As transitional timelines between IS 616 and IS/IEC 62368-1 are periodically updated by BIS, manufacturers should confirm the current applicable standard version with their BIS consultant before commencing testing.
IS 616 covers all safety-relevant aspects of electronic video game design and construction: protection against electric shock and energy hazards; thermal requirements and overheating prevention; insulation resistance and dielectric strength; mechanical safety including enclosure integrity, port durability, and strain relief; display and controller performance parameters; and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) — both emissions and immunity.
BIS CRS Registration for electronic video games is administered under Conformity Assessment Scheme II of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 — the same framework that governs all CRS registrations for electronics and IT goods in India. The scheme operates on a self-declaration model: the manufacturer declares conformity with IS 616 based on third-party test evidence, and BIS grants registration on that declaration.
Who Must Register — Manufacturers, AIRs, and Importers
The question of who must hold BIS CRS registration for electronic video games has specific and important answers that differ depending on where the manufacturer is based and how the product reaches the Indian market.
Indian manufacturers of electronic video games must obtain BIS CRS registration directly in their own name before any unit can be sold in India. The registration is tied to the manufacturing location — if a manufacturer produces at more than one facility, a separate registration is required for each location. The registered domestic manufacturer bears all ongoing compliance obligations.
Foreign manufacturers cannot register under BIS CRS directly. They must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) — a company or individual with a valid business presence in India — who holds the BIS registration on their behalf. The AIR's name and address appear on the BIS registration certificate, and the AIR is legally responsible for the product's compliance in India. This is the standard pathway used by most international gaming console and accessory brands selling into India.
Importers and traders are not eligible to hold BIS CRS registration directly for electronic video games. The registration must be in the name of the manufacturer. However, an importer may serve as the AIR if the foreign manufacturer formally appoints them in writing, in which case the importer holds the registration on the manufacturer's behalf and bears compliance responsibility. Without a valid BIS registration (or valid AIR appointment), goods cannot clear Indian customs.
Each brand or trademark under which an electronic video game is sold in India requires a separate BIS registration number — even if the underlying hardware is the same. A manufacturer selling products under multiple brands, or supplying the same console platform to several licensees, must obtain independent registrations for each brand. If the proprietor of the brand or trademark in India is different from the manufacturer, the appropriate entity must be identified to determine the correct AIR structure.
Key Registration Rules for Video Games Under CRS
Several specific rules govern how BIS CRS registration works for electronic video games — understanding them before commencing the registration process prevents structural errors that can require restarting the application.
BIS CRS registration for electronic video games is issued to the manufacturer only, not to importers or traders. One BIS registration number can cover multiple models or series models within the same product category and Indian Standard — provided they are submitted under a single application and adequately differentiated. Each manufacturing location requires a separate registration. Each brand or trademark requires a separate registration number, even for the same underlying product. The license is valid for a minimum of two years and must be renewed within 90 days before expiry; failure to renew results in automatic expiration and renders the product non-compliant for sale.
| Registration Dimension | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who holds the registration | Manufacturer only. Importers/traders not eligible unless acting as AIR. |
| Multiple models under one registration | Permitted for series/lead models within the same IS category. One registration number can cover a product family (e.g., a console and its variant editions). |
| Multiple manufacturing locations | Separate BIS registration required for each manufacturing address. |
| Multiple brands/trademarks | Separate BIS registration number required for each brand or trademark. |
| Certificate validity | Minimum two years. Renewal application must be filed within 90 days before expiry. |
| Foreign manufacturer | Must appoint AIR with valid Indian business presence before application submission. |
| CRS mark on product | BIS CRS logo and unique registration number must be printed on the product and its packaging before sale in India. |
Mandatory Tests Under IS 616 for BIS CRS Registration
All tests required for BIS CRS registration of electronic video games must be conducted at a BIS-recognised third-party testing laboratory. The test scope covers the full range of safety, performance, thermal, and electromagnetic requirements prescribed under IS 616:2017 for electronic audio/video entertainment apparatus.
Assessment of electric shock risk including insulation resistance measurement, dielectric strength testing (hi-pot), leakage current measurement, protective earth continuity verification where applicable, and evaluation of insulation materials between live parts and accessible surfaces. These tests verify that the gaming device's design protects users — including children — from electric shock hazards during normal handling and play.
Evaluation of core functional performance including display output quality, controller and input responsiveness, power consumption at rated operation, audio output quality where applicable, and battery performance for handheld and portable devices. These tests confirm the device performs as specified and that power-related parameters do not create unsafe operating conditions.
Measurement of temperature rise at critical components, battery compartments, and enclosure surfaces under sustained operation, verification of overheating protection mechanisms (thermal cutouts, cooling fan operation where fitted, heat dissipation through the enclosure), and assessment of ventilation adequacy. Gaming devices used for extended, continuous play sessions must demonstrate effective thermal management to prevent fire and component failure.
Conducted and radiated emissions testing to verify that the gaming device does not emit electromagnetic interference beyond permissible limits under IS 616 and applicable EMC standards. Immunity testing to confirm the device operates correctly in the presence of external electromagnetic disturbances, including wireless controllers and connected accessories.
Structural integrity tests including enclosure robustness under everyday handling, durability of connectors, ports, and controller interfaces under repeated use, strain relief verification for power cables and charging cables, and assessment of any moving parts (cooling fans, motorised controller elements) for safety hazards. Mechanical safety tests confirm the device's physical construction does not present hazards during normal use, including by younger users.
Verification that the gaming device carries all mandatory markings as required by IS 616 — including rated voltage, rated power, manufacturer's name or trademark, country of manufacture, and safety symbols — in a legible and durable manner. The user manual is assessed for completeness of safety instructions in a language appropriate for Indian users.
The 6-Step BIS CRS Registration Process for Video Games
BIS CRS registration for electronic video games follows a defined sequence that must be completed without gaps. Errors or omissions at any stage can result in deficiency notices from BIS that extend the overall timeline.
Verify that your gaming console, handheld device, or related electronic entertainment product falls under the CRS notification for Electronic (Video) Games. Confirm whether IS 616:2017 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is the applicable standard for your application at the time of submission — BIS periodically updates transitional timelines between the two standards, and testing to the wrong version will require retesting.
Foreign manufacturers must appoint an AIR with a valid business presence in India and execute a formal AIR appointment letter specifying the representative's authority, responsibilities, and the product categories covered. The AIR must be in place and formally appointed before the BIS portal application can be submitted. Importers may serve as AIR if formally authorised by the foreign manufacturer in writing.
Register the manufacturer (or AIR) on the BIS portal using the business licence, KYC documentation, and registered email. Submit gaming product samples to a BIS-recognised testing laboratory for all mandatory tests under IS 616 — electrical safety, performance, thermal, EMC, and mechanical. Ensure the laboratory receives the Construction Data Form (CDF) and Critical Component List (CCL) alongside the samples, as these form part of the test evidence package.
Once test reports are received, compile the complete documentation package — Declaration of Self-Conformity, test reports, Construction Data Form, Critical Component List, business licence, ISO certificate (where applicable), brand/trademark certificate, user manual, manufacturing unit proof, authorised signatory documents, and AIR appointment letter for foreign manufacturers. All documents must meet BIS's format and content requirements before submission.
File the complete application on the BIS CRS portal, upload all required documents, and pay the applicable registration fee. BIS reviews the application, documentation, and test reports — a process that typically takes 15 to 30 working days where documentation is complete and correct at first submission. BIS may issue a deficiency notice if documentation is incomplete or queries arise — these must be responded to within the stipulated period or the application may be rejected.
Upon successful review and approval, BIS issues the CRS registration certificate with the unique registration number. From this date, the BIS CRS logo and registration number must be printed on the product and its packaging before any unit can be sold in India. Production must continuously conform to IS 616 for the registration to remain valid, and the registration must be renewed before expiry to avoid a gap in compliance.
Required Documents for BIS CRS Registration of Video Games
The following document set is required for BIS CRS registration of electronic video games. The complete and correctly formatted submission of all documents at first application is the single most important factor in achieving a timely registration.
- Declaration of Self-Conformity (DSC) — A signed declaration by the manufacturer or AIR confirming that the gaming product conforms to IS 616 and that the manufacturing facility can produce and test conforming units on an ongoing basis.
- Test reports from a BIS-recognised laboratory — Complete test reports confirming compliance with all applicable clauses of IS 616:2017 (or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, as applicable), including all six mandatory test categories: electrical safety, performance, thermal, EMC, mechanical safety, and marking.
- Construction Data Form (CDF) — A detailed form documenting the product's construction, internal components, circuit topology, power supply design, and thermal management approach. The CDF is reviewed by the laboratory alongside the physical samples.
- Critical Component List (CCL) — A list of safety-critical components used in the device (capacitors, transformers, fuses, semiconductors, battery packs, etc.) with their ratings and certification details. BIS uses the CCL to verify that critical components meet the safety requirements of IS 616.
- Business licence of the manufacturer — Documentary proof of the manufacturer's legal registration and business activity, confirming the manufacturing entity and its address.
- ISO certificate (where applicable) — ISO 9001 or relevant quality management system certification of the manufacturing facility, where available.
- Brand/trademark certificate — Documentation confirming ownership or authorised use of the brand or trademark under which the product is sold in India.
- User manual — The product's user manual, assessed for completeness of safety instructions, rated specifications, charging/operating guidance, and appropriate language for Indian users.
- Manufacturing unit proof — Documentary proof of the name, address, and scope of manufacturing activities at the registered manufacturing location.
- Authorised signatory details and letter of authority — Identity documentation and written authority for the individual signing the application on behalf of the manufacturer or AIR.
- AIR appointment letter and nomination form (foreign manufacturers only) — Formal appointment of the Authorised Indian Representative by the foreign manufacturer, specifying the AIR's authority, responsibilities, and the product categories covered.
- Portal acknowledgment — The acknowledgment generated by the BIS CRS portal upon application submission, confirming receipt of the application and uploaded documents.
Post-Registration Compliance Obligations
BIS CRS registration for electronic video games imposes ongoing obligations beyond the certificate issuance. Compliance with these obligations is what keeps the registration valid and the product legal for continued sale in India.
BIS CRS registration certificates for electronic video games are valid for a minimum of two years. A renewal application must be submitted within 90 days before the certificate's expiry date. If the renewal application and applicable fee are not received within this window, the registration expires automatically. Selling gaming products under an expired CRS certificate is treated the same as selling without registration — carrying the same criminal penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
Registered manufacturers must maintain in-house testing facilities capable of verifying that production units conform to IS 616 within the periods prescribed by BIS. Testing records must be maintained and made available to BIS on request during market surveillance or factory inspection programmes. A failure to maintain adequate in-house testing capability is a compliance breach that can result in suspension of the registration.
Any material change to the registered product — including changes to critical components listed in the CCL, changes to circuit design or power topology, changes to the manufacturing location, or changes in the AIR — must be reported to BIS. Continuing to sell a materially changed product under the original registration without notification may invalidate the registration and result in compliance enforcement action.
BIS may conduct factory inspections — announced or unannounced — to verify that the manufacturer's production and testing infrastructure is consistent with the self-declaration submitted at registration. For foreign manufacturers, BIS may require a pre-inspection visit before registration is granted. Factories must be prepared to demonstrate conformity of their production process and testing capabilities to IS 616 requirements at any time.
BIS CRS Registration for Electronic and IT Products India 2026 — Complete Guide
For a broader understanding of how the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme works across all electronics and IT product categories — including the full legal framework, AIR requirements, documentation, process, and penalties — see our complete guide to BIS CRS Registration for Electronic and IT Products in India.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with BIS CRS for Video Games
The consequences of selling or importing electronic video games in India without valid BIS CRS registration are serious — criminal in nature under the BIS Act, 2016, and materially damaging to business operations.
Selling, importing, or stocking for sale CRS-notified electronic video games without valid BIS registration can result in imprisonment of up to two years for a first offence under the BIS Act, 2016. This provision applies to individuals personally responsible for the non-compliant transaction — including directors of corporate entities and authorised signatories who approved the import or sale.
Financial penalties for a first offence of selling or importing without valid BIS CRS registration can reach INR 2 lakh, with higher fines for repeat offences. Courts may also impose penalties calculated on the value of non-compliant goods — which for bulk consignments of gaming consoles or handheld devices can result in penalties that substantially exceed the base fine level.
BIS and customs authorities may seize and confiscate electronic video games that do not carry valid BIS registration at the point of import or in the market. Seized products may be destroyed or disposed of by the authorities without compensation to the manufacturer or importer. The financial loss from confiscation of a consignment of gaming devices can far exceed the cost of obtaining BIS registration in the first place.
Electronic video games arriving at Indian ports without valid BIS registration are detained by customs authorities and cannot be cleared for entry. The longer a consignment is detained — pending attempts to resolve the compliance issue — the higher the demurrage, warehousing, and port charges accumulate. Products that ultimately cannot be cleared must be re-exported or destroyed, at the importer's cost.
How Rego Services Supports Your BIS CRS Registration for Video Games
Obtaining BIS CRS registration for electronic video games requires coordinating multiple technical and regulatory workstreams simultaneously — confirming the applicable IS version, establishing the AIR structure for foreign manufacturers, managing laboratory testing across six mandatory test categories, compiling a technically complex documentation set including CDF and CCL, and managing the BIS portal application through to certificate issuance. Errors in any of these workstreams delay the registration and risk the product's Indian market entry schedule.
Rego Services Private Limited provides the regulatory expertise, AIR services, and project management to ensure your electronic video game's BIS CRS registration is completed correctly and efficiently — from the first eligibility review through to the certificate on your file.
- Product eligibility confirmation and IS version verification — We confirm that your gaming console, handheld device, or related product falls within the CRS notification for Electronic (Video) Games and advise on whether IS 616:2017 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is the applicable standard for your application, including current BIS transitional guidance.
- Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) services — For foreign manufacturers, Rego Services can serve as your AIR, holding the BIS CRS registration on your behalf and bearing regulatory responsibility for compliance in India — providing a fully compliant, turnkey market entry structure without the need to establish a legal entity in India.
- BIS-recognised laboratory selection and coordination — We identify the appropriate BIS-recognised testing laboratory for your product type, coordinate sample submission, provide technical guidance on CDF and CCL preparation, track all six mandatory test categories, and review draft test reports before issuance to confirm IS 616 compliance.
- Construction Data Form (CDF) and Critical Component List (CCL) preparation — We work with your engineering team to prepare accurate and complete CDF and CCL documentation that aligns with the test laboratory's requirements and BIS's review standards — two documents that are commonly a source of deficiency queries when prepared incorrectly.
- Complete documentation compilation and quality review — We prepare, review, and compile the full documentation set — Declaration of Self-Conformity, test reports, CDF, CCL, business licence, trademark certificate, user manual, and AIR appointment documents — ensuring everything meets BIS's format and content requirements before portal submission.
- BIS portal submission and deficiency management — We file the complete application, pay registration fees, and manage the BIS review process — responding to any deficiency queries or technical clarifications raised by BIS within the stipulated timeframes to prevent rejection or avoidable delay.
- Post-registration compliance management — We support renewal tracking, change notification management, in-house testing documentation, and factory inspection preparation — ensuring your BIS CRS registration for video games remains continuously valid and your Indian market access is never interrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one BIS CRS registration cover multiple console or handheld device variants?
Yes — one BIS registration number can cover multiple models within the same product category and Indian Standard, provided they are series models or variants of a lead model submitted under the same application. However, the key requirement is that the submitted test reports must be representative of the full model range covered. Variants that differ significantly in their construction, power topology, or critical components may require separate applications or additional testing to expand the scope of the registration. Rego Services can advise on the optimal model grouping strategy for your specific product line.
Does a BIS CRS registration cover the same gaming hardware sold under different brand names?
No. Each brand or trademark under which an electronic video game is sold in India requires a separate BIS registration number, even if the underlying hardware is manufactured at the same facility to the same specification. A manufacturer or licensee selling the same console platform under two different brand names must obtain two separate BIS CRS registrations — one for each brand. This is a common oversight that can result in customs detention if products bearing a non-registered brand name are imported.
Does BIS CRS registration need to be updated for firmware or software updates to a registered gaming console?
Routine firmware or software updates that do not alter the hardware construction, critical components, or electrical safety characteristics of a registered device generally do not require a fresh BIS application. However, any update that changes the device's power management, charging behaviour, or introduces new hardware modules (such as a new wireless module or battery type) should be reviewed against the original Construction Data Form and Critical Component List — and reported to BIS if it constitutes a material change. Manufacturers should maintain clear internal records distinguishing software-only updates from hardware-relevant changes.
What happens if BIS raises a deficiency notice after application submission?
BIS may raise a deficiency notice (also called a rejection notice or clarification request) if documentation is incomplete, incorrectly formatted, or if technical queries arise during review. The applicant must respond to the deficiency within the period specified in the notice — typically 30 days. If the deficiency is not rectified within this period, BIS may reject the application, requiring a fresh submission. Rego Services manages deficiency responses as part of the registration service, drawing on experience with BIS's review standards to resolve queries efficiently and without avoidable delay to the registration timeline.
How is BIS CRS registration for video games affected by the transition from IS 616 to IS/IEC 62368-1?
BIS has introduced a transition pathway from IS 616 (aligned with IEC 60065) to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for audio and video apparatus, including electronic video games. The transition has defined timelines that determine when testing under the new standard becomes mandatory. During the transitional period, both standards may be acceptable for registration purposes depending on the product category and current notification. Because these transitional timelines are updated by BIS and affect the testing scope and laboratory work required, it is important to confirm the current applicable standard with a BIS consultant before commencing product testing — testing to a superseded standard can require retesting under the applicable version, adding cost and time.
✓ Key Takeaways
- BIS CRS Registration under IS 616 is mandatory for all electronic video games — gaming consoles, handheld devices, and related electronic entertainment apparatus — sold or imported in India, under Scheme II of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations.
- The applicable standard is IS 616:2017 (aligned with IEC 60065) — with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 as the updated standard; manufacturers should confirm the current applicable version and notification timeline before commencing testing.
- Registration is issued to the manufacturer only — importers and traders cannot hold it directly; foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).
- Each manufacturing location and each brand or trademark requires a separate BIS registration number.
- Mandatory tests cover six categories: electrical safety, performance, thermal management, EMC, mechanical safety, and marking compliance — all at a BIS-recognised laboratory.
- Key documents include the Declaration of Self-Conformity, IS 616 test reports, Construction Data Form (CDF), Critical Component List (CCL), business licence, trademark certificate, user manual, and AIR appointment letter.
- The typical registration timeline is 15 to 60 working days from complete application submission — with the shorter end achievable when documentation is complete and correct at first submission.
- Selling electronic video games without valid BIS CRS registration in India attracts imprisonment up to two years, fines up to INR 2 lakh, product seizure, and customs detention.
- Rego Services provides end-to-end registration support — including AIR services, CDF/CCL preparation, laboratory coordination, documentation compilation, portal submission, deficiency management, and post-registration compliance.
Your Next Step
BIS CRS Registration under IS 616 is the mandatory entry point for any electronic video game entering the Indian market. The certification process — spanning standard identification, AIR appointment, multi-category laboratory testing, technical documentation including CDF and CCL, portal submission, and BIS review — demands regulatory expertise at every stage. A gap or error in the process can result in customs detention, product seizure, or criminal liability.
Rego Services' regulatory team brings deep experience with BIS CRS registrations for electronic and entertainment apparatus across India's regulated product categories. We manage every element of the video game registration process — from confirming the applicable IS version and establishing the AIR structure, through laboratory coordination and technical documentation, to BIS portal submission and certificate receipt — ensuring your gaming products reach the Indian market compliantly, on time, and without avoidable cost.
Contact Rego Services today for an initial eligibility review and a clear, time-efficient route to BIS CRS Registration for your electronic video games in India.