Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements
Amplifiers with input power 2000W and above
Strategic Recommendations for Amplifiers with Input Power 2000W and Above (IS 616:2017)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS CRS certification under IS 616:2017 before import, manufacture, or sale. Conduct testing for insulation, fire resistance, overheating, and abnormal operation in BIS-recognized labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA compliance specialists for application filing, product testing, labeling, exemption handling (R&D/demo imports, HSE), and documentation support. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get assistance for BIS registration, enforcement clarifications, and CRS documentation. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for updates on CRS 2021 amendments, HSE exemption conditions, labeling provisions, and enforcement deadlines. - Do a Gap Assessment
Audit existing amplifier models ≥2000W against IS 616:2017 requirements. Verify safety performance, confirm ISI marking, and maintain compliance records for BIS inspections.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Amplifiers with input power 2000W and above |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 616:2017 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements |
| Quality Control Order | Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 (as amended in 2013) & Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 |
| Notification & Amendments | - S.O. 2357(E), dated 3rd October 2012 (original CRS order) - S.O. 822(E), dated 20th March 2013 (extension of compliance date to 3rd July 2013) - S.O. 2033(E), dated 2nd July 2013 (extension for products under BIS testing) - S.O. 2034(E), dated 25th June 2013 (amendment order, updated marking & exemptions) - S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021 (new CRS Order under BIS Act, 2016) - S.O. 1353(E), dated 25th March 2021 (corrigendum) - S.O. 2844(E), dated 1st July 2021 (deferred application, port labeling & HSE exemption). |
| Final Enforcement Date | - Initially effective from 3rd July 2013 (extended from 3rd April 2013) under CRS 2012, - Under CRS 2021 → effective 18th September 2021 (six months after notification). |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical safety, fire hazard protection, mechanical stability, and reliability of high-power amplifiers (≥2000W). Applies to professional and commercial-grade amplifiers used in auditoriums, studios, concerts, broadcasting, and public address systems. |
| Products Covered | All audio amplifiers with input power 2000W and above, including integrated amplifiers, professional stage amplifiers, and high-power public address (PA) amplifiers. |
| Exemptions | - Goods manufactured exclusively for export, - Products imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration (must be scrapped/exported later), - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) as per CRS 2021 amendment (large/heavy equipment >80 kg, >1.5m size, >16A current rating, or 3-phase powered). |
| Industries Impacted | - Professional Audio Equipment Manufacturers, - Importers & Distributors of Audio Systems, - Event Management & Concert Sound System Suppliers, - Broadcasting & Public Address Equipment OEMs. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 616:2017, - Mandatory BIS CRS Registration, - Products must bear marking: “Self-declaration – Conforming to IS 616:2017 – (Unique Registration No.)”. |
| Testing Parameters | Electrical insulation & leakage current, Fire resistance, Mechanical strength, Abnormal operation tests, Heat generation, Acoustic performance under load. |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certification authority; enforcement supported by MeitY and local authorities such as District Industries Centres. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of registration, seizure of stock, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years under BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | All amplifiers with input power ≥2000W sold, imported, or manufactured in India must be BIS-certified under CRS and conform to IS 616:2017. This ensures consumer safety, reliable performance, and elimination of substandard audio equipment. |
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Notification
Amplifiers with input power 2000W and above were notified under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 via S.O. 2357(E) dated 3rd October 2012, issued by the Ministry of Communications & IT under the BIS Act, 1986. The Order was amended through S.O. 822(E) (March 2013), S.O. 2033(E) (July 2013), and S.O. 2034(E) (June 2013), extending timelines, clarifying exemptions, and updating marking requirements. Later, the regulation was consolidated under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), S.O. 1353(E), S.O. 2844(E)) under the BIS Act, 2016.
Enforcement Timeline
- Under CRS 2012 → enforced from 3rd July 2013 (extended from April 2013),
- Under CRS 2021 → applicable from 18th September 2021.
Overview
High-power amplifiers (≥2000W) are widely used in concerts, broadcasting, studios, and large public events. Due to high electrical load, they pose risks of electric shock, overheating, and fire hazards. IS 616:2017 prescribes essential safety standards covering electrical insulation, thermal safety, fire resistance, and mechanical stability.
Objective & Scope
The objective is to ensure that only safe, tested, and BIS-registered amplifiers enter the Indian market. The standard applies to all high-power audio amplifiers, including integrated amplifiers and professional PA systems.
Products Covered
All amplifiers with input power 2000W and above used for professional sound systems, broadcasting, and event audio.
Exemptions Provided
Exemptions apply to export-only goods, items imported for R&D, testing, or demo purposes, and Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) as per CRS 2021 (e.g., very large/heavy units, 3-phase power equipment, >16A current rating).
Industries Impacted
The regulation impacts audio equipment manufacturers, telecom & broadcast equipment suppliers, event management companies, and importers/distributors of professional audio systems.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All amplifiers in scope must:
- Conform to IS 616:2017,
- Obtain BIS CRS registration,
- Bear self-declaration ISI mark with registration number before being sold, imported, or distributed in India.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforcement is under the BIS Act, 2016, carried out by BIS with assistance from MeitY and state/local authorities. Penalties include seizure of non-compliant goods, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
All amplifiers with input power ≥2000W in India must comply with IS 616:2017 and be BIS CRS-certified. The mandate enhances consumer safety, reliability, and prevents hazardous substandard imports.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.