Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements
Plasma, LCD, and LED Televisions of screen size 32″ & above
Strategic Recommendations for IS 616 – Televisions (32″ & above)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Manufacturers and importers should apply for CRS registration and conduct testing for televisions at BIS-recognized labs.
- Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA compliance specialists for application filing, technical documentation, and BIS coordination.
- Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
ERA provides end-to-end support for CRS licensing, renewals, and market surveillance compliance.
- Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA’s newsletter for timely alerts on BIS updates, CRS amendments, and new enforcement deadlines.
- Do a Gap Assessment
Compare current television models with IS 616 requirements. Identify risks related to insulation, electrical performance, and fire safety before applying for BIS certification.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Plasma, LCD, and LED Televisions of screen size 32″ & 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 (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Orders, 2012/2013 (CRS 2013) and Electronics and IT Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (CRS 2021) |
| Notification & Amendments | - CRS 2013: Electronics & IT Goods CRS Order, 2012 (amended 2013) - CRS 2021: S.O. 1248(E), dated 18 March 2021 under BIS Act, 2016 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 18 September 2021 (six months after CRS 2021 notification) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safety of televisions by preventing hazards such as electric shock, overheating, fire, and radiation exposure, while aligning with international safety practices. |
| Products Covered | Plasma, LCD, and LED televisions of screen size 32 inches and above intended for consumer and commercial use. |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured solely for export, R&D/development samples, and items exempted by government notification. |
| Industries Impacted | Television manufacturers, consumer electronics companies, importers, distributors, retailers, and e-commerce platforms. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 616:2017 - BIS registration under Scheme-II (CRS) mandatory - BIS Standard Mark with registration number required before sale/import |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Conduct BIS-approved safety testing, apply for CRS registration, update product packaging/labels with BIS Standard Mark, and migrate any valid CRS 2013 registrations to CRS 2021 at renewal. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 (Sections 16(1), 16(2), and 25(3)) by BIS, with support from MeitY and State authorities. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant televisions, suspension or cancellation of license, monetary fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both. |
| Conclusion | From 18 September 2021, all Plasma, LCD, and LED televisions of 32″ & above must comply with IS 616 under CRS 2021. CRS 2013 registrations remain valid only until renewal, then must shift to CRS 2021. |
| References / Annexures | - CRS Order, 2012/2013 - CRS Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), 18 March 2021) |
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Notification
Plasma, LCD, and LED televisions of 32″ & above are regulated under the Electronics and IT Goods CRS Orders, introduced in 2012/2013 and updated via the CRS 2021 Order (S.O. 1248(E), 18 March 2021). Issued under the BIS Act, 2016, CRS 2021 became enforceable from 18 September 2021.
Overview
The CRS framework was designed to ensure that only safe, BIS-certified televisions are available in India. By mandating IS 616 compliance, the government aims to minimize electrical and fire risks associated with large-screen TVs.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 616 is to safeguard consumer health and safety by defining performance and safety requirements for televisions. The scope applies specifically to Plasma, LCD, and LED TVs of screen size 32 inches and above.
Products Covered
The order covers flat-panel televisions such as Plasma, LCD, and LED models that are 32″ or larger, intended for consumer and commercial sale in India.
Exemptions Provided
- Export-only TVs,
- R&D/development prototypes,
- Government-notified exemptions.
Industries Impacted
This impacts TV manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and e-commerce sellers dealing in televisions of 32″ and above.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 18 September 2021, all covered televisions must:
- Conform to IS 616:2017.
- Obtain BIS CRS registration under Scheme-II.
- Carry the BIS Standard Mark with registration number before sale or import.
Enforcement Timeline
- CRS 2013 brought televisions under compulsory registration.
- CRS 2021 was notified on 18 March 2021.
- Enforced from 18 September 2021.
- CRS 2013 registrations remain valid until renewal, but renewal requires compliance with CRS 2021.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The order is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS can inspect facilities, collect samples, and seize non-compliant stock. Non-compliance can lead to seizure of goods, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
Since 18 September 2021, BIS certification has been mandatory for all televisions of 32″ & above under CRS 2021. Stakeholders must complete registration, ensure testing, and display the BIS Standard Mark before products reach the 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.
