Information technology equipment – safety part 1 general requirements
USB Type External Hard Disk Drive
Strategic Recommendations – USB Type External Hard Disk Drive (IS 13252 Part 1:2010)
- Apply for BIS CRS Registration
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Audit PV modules for IS 14286 compliance—covering design qualification, type approval, electrical safety, mechanical endurance, and BIS marking readiness.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | USB Type External Hard Disk Drive |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements |
| Quality Control Order | Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 (with subsequent amendments) and CRS Order, 2021 under BIS Act, 2016 |
| Notification & Amendments |
- S.O. 2357(E), dated 3rd October 2012 (principal CRS Order) - S.O. 822(E), dated 20th March 2013 (extension & compliance) - S.O. 2033(E) & 2034(E), dated 5th July & 25th June 2013 (testing labs extension & amendment) - 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, customs labeling, HSE exemption) |
| Final Enforcement Date |
- Under CRS 2012 → 1st June 2016
- Under CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure USB External Hard Disk Drives are electrically safe, fire-resistant, and operationally reliable, reducing risks of electric shock, overheating, or malfunction during use. |
| Products Covered | USB Type External Hard Disk Drives for storing and transferring digital data, designed for use with computers and IT devices. |
| Exemptions |
- Goods manufactured exclusively for export - Products imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration (later scrapped/exported) - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exemptions under CRS 2021 |
| Industries Impacted |
- IT peripherals manufacturers
- Computer hardware & electronics suppliers - OEMs & importers of external storage devices - E-commerce & retail sellers of digital storage devices |
| Mandatory Compliance |
- Must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 - BIS CRS Registration compulsory - Each unit must bear marking: “Self declaration – Conforming to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 – (Unique Registration No.)” |
| Testing Parameters |
- Electrical safety & insulation - Fire hazard resistance - Overcurrent & short-circuit protection - Temperature rise & abnormal operation tests - Mechanical durability & drop tests |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as certification authority. Enforcement supported by MeitY and District Industries Centres. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance |
- Suspension/cancellation of BIS registration - Seizure of stock - Monetary fines - Imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, under BIS Act, 2016 |
| Conclusion | All USB Type External Hard Disk Drives sold, imported, or manufactured in India must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 and be BIS-registered under CRS. This ensures consumer safety, operational reliability, and standardized quality of IT storage peripherals. |
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Notification
USB Type External Hard Disk Drives were officially included in the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 via S.O. 2357(E), dated 3rd October 2012. The final enforcement under CRS 2012 was effective from 1st June 2016. Later, the product was brought under the CRS Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021) under the BIS Act, 2016, with effect from 18th September 2021, further amended by corrigenda in March and July 2021.
Overview
USB External Hard Disk Drives are IT storage peripherals used for storing and transferring digital data between computers and devices. The governing standard, IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, specifies electrical safety, fire resistance, and operational performance requirements to safeguard consumer use.
Objective & Scope
The regulation ensures USB External Hard Disk Drives marketed in India are safe, reliable, and BIS-certified, preventing hazards such as electric shock, overheating, fire, or operational failure.
Products Covered
USB Type External Hard Disk Drives for personal and professional digital storage and data transfer.
Exemptions Provided
- Goods manufactured exclusively for export,
- Products imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration (later scrapped/exported),
- Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) as per CRS 2021.
Industries Impacted
- IT peripherals manufacturers, computer hardware & electronics suppliers, OEMs/importers, and e-commerce/retail distribution of storage devices.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From the enforcement dates, USB External Hard Disk Drives must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 and obtain BIS CRS Registration. Each unit must display the self-declaration ISI conformity mark with registration number.
Enforcement Timeline
CRS 2012 → 1st June 2016,
CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The regulation is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 by BIS with support from MeitY and local authorities. Non-compliance may result in license suspension, product seizure, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
Since 1st June 2016, USB External Hard Disk Drives have been subject to BIS CRS certification under IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010. This ensures consumer safety, standardized quality, and reliability of IT storage devices in India.
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.