Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements
Set Top Box
Strategic Recommendations for Set Top Boxes (STBs) – IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS CRS certification under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 before product launch. Conduct mandatory safety testing for insulation resistance, electric shock protection, fire hazard resistance, and abnormal operation in BIS-recognized labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA compliance specialists to streamline BIS applications, labeling requirements, exemption claims (R&D/demo/HSE), and technical file preparation for CRS audits. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get end-to-end support on registration, testing timelines, and CRS-related clarifications for Set Top Boxes. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on BIS CRS amendments, port labeling requirements, and exemptions relevant to STBs.
Do a Gap Assessment
Audit current STB models against IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 requirements. Review safety design, marking compliance, and test reports to ensure readiness for BIS enforcement and surveillance inspections.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Set Top Boxes (STBs). |
| 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 2013 amendments) & Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. |
| Notified Vide |
- S.O. 2357(E), dated 3rd October 2012 (original CRS order, under BIS Act 1986) - 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 labeling, 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 – standard reference corrections). - S.O. 2844(E), dated 1st July 2021 (further amendment – deferred application, port labeling, HSE exemption). |
| Final Enforcement Date |
- Initially effective from 3rd July 2013 (extended from April 2013) under CRS 2012. - Under CRS 2021 → effective 18th September 2021 (6 months after notification) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical and fire safety of Set Top Boxes (cable, DTH, IPTV, hybrid), protecting users from hazards like electric shock, overheating, short circuits, and fire risks. The scope covers all mains-powered STBs used for broadcasting, data reception, and streaming services. |
| Products Covered | - Digital Cable STBs, DTH STBs, IPTV STBs, Hybrid STBs (with OTT/internet), - Both HD & SD configurations, - Networked & standalone units. |
| Exemptions |
- Goods manufactured exclusively for export, - STBs imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration (must be scrapped/exported later), - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exemption under CRS 2021 (large/heavy/industrial-grade units). |
| Industries Impacted |
- STB & Consumer Electronics Manufacturers, - Importers & distributors of DTH/cable/IPTV equipment, - Telecom & Broadcasting Operators (Tata Play, Airtel, Hathway, BSNL, etc.), - Retail & E-commerce platforms selling STBs. |
| Mandatory Compliance |
- Must conform to IS 13252: Part 1: 2010, - Obtain BIS CRS Registration, - Each unit must bear marking: “Self declaration – Conforming to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 – (Unique Registration No.)”. |
| Testing Parameters |
- Protection against electric shock, - Fire hazard resistance, - Insulation resistance, - Power supply safety (input/output), - Abnormal operation & temperature rise, - Mechanical strength & casing durability. |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certification authority. Enforcement supported by MeitY and local authorities (e.g., District Industries Centres). |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance |
- Suspension/cancellation of CRS registration, - Seizure of stock, - Fines, - Imprisonment up to 2 years, or both (as per BIS Act, 2016). |
| Conclusion | All Set Top Boxes manufactured, imported, or sold in India must comply with IS 13252: Part 1:2010 and be registered with BIS under CRS. This ensures safety, reliability, and compliance with national standards while aligning with global IEC safety benchmarks. |
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Notification
Set Top Boxes (STBs) were first 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 enforcement timeline was extended through S.O. 822(E), S.O. 2033(E), and further refined under S.O. 2034(E) which updated marking requirements, provided exemptions for R&D/demo imports, and aligned standards with IEC norms. The CRS regime was later reissued under the BIS Act, 2016 as the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), 1353(E), 2844(E)).
Overview
Set-top boxes (cable, DTH, IPTV, and hybrid) are widely used in Indian households for television and broadband services. As they are continuously powered and connected to mains electricity, safety risks include electric shock, overheating, and fire hazards. The Indian Standard IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 specifies detailed safety requirements in line with IEC 60950-1:2005.
Objective & Scope
The regulation ensures that all STBs used in broadcasting and home entertainment are safe, reliable, and suitable for long-term daily use in Indian households. The scope covers all types of digital reception and internet-enabled STBs.
Products Covered
The Order applies to cable TV STBs, satellite (DTH) STBs, IPTV STBs, and hybrid/OTT boxes sold in India.
Exemptions Provided
The QCO does not apply to goods meant solely for export, or to products imported for testing, R&D, or demonstration, provided they are later scrapped or exported. CRS 2021 introduced an additional exemption for Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) such as industrial or oversized broadcast units.
Industries Impacted
The regulation impacts STB manufacturers, telecom & broadcasting operators, importers, distributors, retailers, and e-commerce sellers dealing with consumer electronics.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All Set Top Boxes must:
- Conform to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010,
- Obtain BIS CRS Registration,
Carry a self-declaration ISI mark with the unique registration number before being sold in India
Enforcement Timeline
- CRS 2012 → effective 3rd July 2013,
- CRS 2021 → effective 18th September 2021.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The BIS Act, 2016 empowers BIS and MeitY to enforce compliance. Non-compliance can result in seizure of goods, cancellation of registration, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
Since 2013 under CRS 2012 and reaffirmed under CRS 2021, all Set Top Boxes in India must be BIS-certified under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. This strengthens consumer protection, product safety, and regulatory oversight while ensuring only safe and certified devices enter 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.