Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements
Electronic Musical Systems (200 Watt & above),
Strategic Recommendations for Electronic Musical Systems (200W & Above) – IS 616:2017
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS CRS certification under IS 616:2017 before manufacturing, import, or sale. Conduct testing for insulation, fire resistance, heat rise, and abnormal operation in BIS-approved labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA compliance specialists for BIS registration, application support, R&D/demo exemption handling, and technical documentation. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get expert assistance for BIS certification, CRS enforcement clarifications, and compliance gap closure. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for timely updates on CRS 2021 amendments, HSE exemption conditions, labeling requirements, and BIS circulars. - Do a Gap Assessment
Audit current musical system models (≥200W) against IS 616:2017 requirements. Verify safety parameters, confirm self-declaration marking, and maintain compliance documentation for BIS surveillance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Electronic Musical Systems (200 Watt & 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 (with 2013 amendments) & 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, R&D/demo exemption, IEC alignment), - S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021 (new CRS Order under BIS Act, 2016), - S.O. 1353(E), dated 25th March 2021 (corrigendum – IS reference correction), - S.O. 2844(E), dated 1st July 2021 (further amendment – deferred application, port labeling, HSE exemption), |
| Final Enforcement Date | - Effective from 3rd July 2013 (under CRS 2012, extended from April 2013), - Under CRS 2021 → effective 18th September 2021 (six months after notification). |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical safety, fire resistance, and safe operation of high-power electronic musical systems (≥200W). The scope covers systems used in professional music, concerts, studios, public performances, and entertainment setups. |
| Products Covered | - Electronic musical instruments and systems with input power 200W and above, including synthesizers, amplifying musical systems, electric organ systems, and stage performance equipment. |
| Exemptions | - Goods manufactured exclusively for export, - Products imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration (must be exported or scrapped later), - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exemption under CRS 2021 (large/heavy/industrial systems meeting defined criteria). |
| Industries Impacted | - Musical Instrument Manufacturers, - Professional Audio & Event Equipment Suppliers, - Importers & Distributors of electronic musical systems, - Retailers & E-commerce sellers of professional sound equipment. |
| 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 hazard resistance, - Mechanical strength, - Abnormal operation tests, - Heat & temperature rise, - Durability & safety during extended musical performance use. |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certification authority. Enforcement also assisted by MeitY and local/state authorities such as District Industries Centres (DICs). |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | - Suspension/cancellation of registration, - Seizure of stock, - Fines, - Imprisonment up to 2 years, or both (under BIS Act, 2016). |
| Conclusion | All Electronic Musical Systems (200W & above) sold, imported, or manufactured in India must be BIS-certified under CRS as per IS 616:2017. This ensures user safety, reliable performance, and prevents entry of substandard/unregulated products. |
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.
Get in touch with us today
Notification
Electronic Musical Systems with input power 200 Watt & 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. Compliance deadlines were extended via S.O. 822(E) (March 2013), S.O. 2033(E) (July 2013), and further modified by S.O. 2034(E) (June 2013) introducing updated labeling requirements, IEC alignment, and exemptions for R&D/demo units. Subsequently, 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 → effective 3rd July 2013 (extended from April 2013),
- Under CRS 2021 → applicable from 18th September 2021.
Overview
Electronic Musical Systems (≥200W) are used in live concerts, professional studios, and entertainment venues. Given their high electrical load, they pose risks of fire, overheating, and electrical hazards. The Indian Standard IS 616:2017 prescribes safety requirements for audio and video electronic apparatus, ensuring protection against electrical, thermal, and mechanical risks.
Objective & Scope
The objective is to mandate safety and reliability of all high-power musical systems before they enter the Indian market. The scope includes synthesizers, stage amplifying systems, electronic organs, and large-scale music performance systems with input ≥200W.
Products Covered
All electronic musical systems with input power ≥200W, used in studios, concerts, public events, broadcasting, and stage performances.
Exemptions Provided
The Order does not apply to products manufactured exclusively for export, imported for R&D, demo, or testing (subject to destruction/export later), or Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) as defined under CRS 2021 (large/heavy/industrial equipment beyond set thresholds).
Industries Impacted
This regulation impacts musical instrument OEMs, audio equipment importers, professional event suppliers, and e-commerce/retail sellers of electronic music systems.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All products must:
- Conform to IS 616:2017,
- Obtain BIS CRS registration,
- Bear the self-declaration ISI mark with registration number before being sold in India.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforcement is under the BIS Act, 2016 by BIS with support from MeitY and state/local industry departments. Penalties include seizure, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
From 2013 onward (and reaffirmed under CRS 2021), all Electronic Musical Systems (200W & above) sold in India must comply with IS 616:2017 and be BIS-certified under CRS. This ensures safety, performance reliability, and eliminates unsafe imports/low-quality products from the Indian market.
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.