Information Technology Equipment-Safety-General Requirements
Smart Card Readers
Strategic Recommendations for Smart Card Readers – IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
- Apply for BIS CRS Registration
All Smart Card Readers must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and obtain BIS certification before import, manufacture, or sale in India. - Collaborate with Compliance Experts
Engage ERA compliance team for CRS filing, BIS testing, exemption handling (export/R&D/HSE), and regulatory documentation. - Contact ERA Support Team
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Conduct Gap Assessment
Verify all smart card reader models against IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 – electrical safety, fire hazard resistance, and durability – ensuring BIS marking compliance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Smart Card 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| Regulation / QCO | Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 (superseded by CRS Order, 2021) under the BIS Act, 2016.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), dated 5th July 2013 (testing labs extension). - S.O. 2034(E), dated 25th June 2013 (amendment order). - S.O. 2905(E), dated 13th November 2014 (Smart Card Readers included in CRS Schedule). - S.O. 2579(E), dated 21st September 2015 (extension for industry compliance). - S.O. 344(E), dated 3rd February 2016 (final enforcement order). - 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 (as per S.O. 344(E)), - CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021 (six months after notification). |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical safety and fire protection of Smart Card Readers, preventing risks of electric shock, overheating, and fire hazards in banking, government, and IT applications. |
| Products Covered | - Contact & contactless smart card readers, - USB & integrated card readers, - Readers for banking, ID verification, and secure authentication systems. |
| Exemptions | - Products manufactured exclusively for export, - Goods imported for R&D, testing, or demonstrations (must be scrapped/exported later), - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exempted under CRS 2021. |
| Industries Impacted | - Banking & Financial Services, - Government e-identity programs (Aadhaar, passports, e-Gov.), - IT hardware manufacturers & importers, - Retail & e-commerce sellers of peripherals. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, - Mandatory BIS CRS Registration, - Must bear marking: “Self declaration – Conforming to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 – (Unique Registration No.)”. |
| Testing Parameters | - Electrical safety, - Protection against electric shock, - Fire hazard resistance, - Mechanical strength, - Abnormal operation & temperature rise tests. |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certification authority. Enforcement supported by MeitY and state-level industry authorities. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | - Cancellation of BIS registration, - Seizure of non-compliant stock, - Monetary fines, - Imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, under the BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | All Smart Card Readers imported, sold, or manufactured in India must be BIS-certified under IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, ensuring safety, security, and compliance in financial and digital authentication systems. |
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Notification
Smart Card Readers were brought under regulation via the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 through S.O. 2905(E), dated 13th November 2014, issued by the Ministry of Communications & IT. Industry was initially granted extensions via S.O. 2579(E), dated 21st September 2015, and final enforcement was mandated from 1st March 2016 under S.O. 344(E), dated 3rd February 2016. These provisions were later consolidated under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021) issued under the BIS Act, 2016, effective from 18th September 2021, with further amendments in March and July 2021.
Overview
Smart Card Readers are widely used for secure data transactions, banking operations, and digital authentication in government and corporate applications. The applicable standard, IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, prescribes electrical safety and fire protection requirements, ensuring safe and reliable usage in sensitive environments.
Objective & Scope
The regulation ensures all Smart Card Readers meet uniform safety benchmarks, preventing unsafe and substandard devices from entering the Indian market and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Products Covered
Contact & contactless card readers, USB smart card readers, and integrated authentication modules for banking, e-Governance, and IT systems.
Exemptions Provided
- Products made only for export,
- Equipment for testing, demonstration, or R&D,
- Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exempted under CRS 2021.
Industries Impacted
- Must comply with IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010,
- Obtain BIS CRS registration,
Products must be marked with ISI self-declaration label carrying registration details.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All Smart Watches marketed in India must:
- Comply with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
- Be tested and certified under BIS CRS
- Carry the prescribed BIS marking and registration number
Enforcement Timeline
- CRS 2012 → Enforced from 1st March 2016,
- CRS 2021 → Enforced from 18th September 2021.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Non-compliance may attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, including seizure of stock, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
From 1st March 2016 onwards (continuing under CRS 2021), all Smart Card Readers in the Indian market must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 and obtain BIS certification, ensuring safety, compliance, and reliability in secure digital authentication and financial ecosystems.
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.