Information Technology Equipment-Safety-General Requirements
Passport Reader
Strategic Recommendations for Passport Readers – IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
- Apply for BIS CRS Registration
All Passport Readers must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and obtain BIS CRS certification before import, manufacture, or sale in India. - Engage Compliance Experts
Partner with ERA compliance team for BIS registration, CRS filing, exemption handling (export/R&D/HSE), and certification documentation. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – For BIS registration, product testing, and QCO clarifications. - Monitor Notifications & Amendments
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for updates on BIS/CRS orders, extensions, and regulatory amendments under the BIS Act, 2016. - Conduct Gap Assessment
Review product models for compliance with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 safety parameters – electrical safety, fire resistance, mechanical strength – and ensure proper BIS marking.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Passport Readers. |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010. |
| Title of Indian Standard | Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements. |
| Regulation / QCO | Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 (superseded by CRS Order, 2021) under the BIS Act, 2016, |
| Notified Vide |
- 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 2013 & 25th June 2013 (testing labs extension & amendment), - S.O. 2905(E), dated 13th November 2014 (Passport Readers included in CRS Schedule), - S.O. 2579(E), dated 21st September 2015 (industry extension), - S.O. 344(E), dated 3rd February 2016 (final enforcement for select products), - S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021 (CRS Order 2021 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 | - CRS 2012 → 1st March 2016 (enforcement notified under S.O. 344(E)) - CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021 (six months after notification) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical safety, reliability, and fire protection in Passport Readers, preventing shock, overheating, and operational hazards during identity verification and document scanning. |
| Products Covered | - Electronic Passport Readers, - E-Gate / Automated Border Control Readers, - Integrated Document & ID Readers. |
| Exemptions | - Products manufactured exclusively for export, - Devices for R&D, testing, or demonstration (must be scrapped/exported later), - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exempted under CRS 2021. |
| Industries Impacted | - Immigration & border security agencies, - Government e-passport & ID issuance programs, - Airlines & airport operators, - OEMs & suppliers of secure document reading systems. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, - Compulsory BIS CRS Registration, - Products must bear marking: “Self declaration – Conforming to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 – (Unique Registration No.)”. |
| Testing Parameters | - Electrical safety, - Protection against shock & fire, - Mechanical strength, - Thermal and abnormal operation safety, - Stability and endurance under continuous use. |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certification authority. Enforcement also supported by MeitY and state/local authorities (District Industries Centres). |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | - Suspension/cancellation of BIS registration, - Seizure of non-compliant goods, - Monetary fines, - Imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, under BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | All Passport Readers sold, imported, or manufactured in India must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 and be BIS-registered under CRS. This ensures safety, reliability, and secure compliance for use in identity verification and border control operations. |
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Notification
Passport Readers were included in the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 through S.O. 2905(E), dated 13th November 2014, notified by the Ministry of Communications & IT. The final enforcement for compliance was mandated from 1st March 2016 under S.O. 344(E), dated 3rd February 2016. Later, the provisions were consolidated under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021) under the BIS Act, 2016, effective from 18th September 2021, with further corrigenda and amendments in March and July 2021.
Overview
Passport Readers are specialized IT equipment used for e-passport verification, biometric authentication, and secure document scanning at airports, immigration desks, and other government checkpoints. The applicable standard, IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, lays down safety and performance requirements for electrical and operational safety of such devices.
Objective & Scope
The regulation ensures that only safe, BIS-certified Passport Readers are deployed, reducing risks of electrical shock, overheating, and fire hazards, while ensuring continuous reliability in high-security environments.
Products Covered
Electronic Passport Readers, integrated e-gate readers, and multi-document verification devices.
Exemptions Provided
- Export-only products,
- Units imported for R&D/testing/demonstration,
- Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) under CRS 2021 provisions.
Industries Impacted
Immigration, airports, airlines, government e-passport initiatives, OEMs and technology suppliers in identity verification and secure border management.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Conformance to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010,
- BIS CRS Registration mandatory,
- Each unit must bear the ISI self-declaration mark.
Enforcement Timeline
- CRS 2012 → 1st March 2016,
- CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The product falls under the BIS Act, 2016, with enforcement by BIS and MeitY. Non-compliance may lead to seizure of stock, suspension of license, monetary penalties, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
Since 1st March 2016, Passport Readers marketed in India must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 and carry BIS CRS certification. This ensures safety, secure deployment, and regulatory compliance in identity verification and immigration systems.
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.