Smart watches
Information Technology Equipment –Safety General Requirements
Strategic Recommendations for Smart Watches – IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
Apply for BIS CRS Registration
All Smart Watches must be BIS-certified under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 before import, manufacture, or sale in India.
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Conduct Gap Assessment
Audit Smart Watches for IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 compliance—covering electrical safety, charging circuit integrity, mechanical endurance, and BIS marking readiness.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Smart Watches |
| IS Standard | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 |
| Title of IS | Information Technology Equipment – Safety – General Requirements |
| Regulation / QCO | Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 (and CRS Order, 2021) under the BIS Act, 2016 |
| Notified Vide | - S.O. 2742(E), dated 17th August 2017 (inclusion of Smart Watches under CRS 2012) - S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021 (CRS Order 2021, superseding 2012 Order) - S.O. 1353(E), dated 25th March 2021 (corrigendum to CRS 2021) - S.O. 2844(E), dated 1st July 2021 (clarifications and deferred enforcement) |
| Final Enforcement Date | CRS 2017 → 17th February 2018 (six months after notification) CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021 (six months after notification) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical, battery, and operational safety of Smart Watches intended for personal use and wearable technology markets in India. The regulation aims to eliminate unsafe or non-compliant wearable devices from the market. |
| Products Covered | All smart wearable devices commonly known as Smart Watches, including those with wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM, GPS), integrated sensors, and rechargeable battery systems. |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively manufactured for export - Units imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration purposes (to be scrapped/exported later) - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exempt under CRS 2021 |
| Industries Impacted | - Wearable device manufacturers and importers - OEM/ODM suppliers of smart devices - IoT and mobile accessory manufacturers - Retail/e-commerce distributors and tech accessory brands |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 - BIS CRS Registration mandatory prior to manufacture, sale, or import - Each unit must bear marking: “Self declaration – Conforming to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 – (Unique Registration No.)” |
| Testing Parameters | - Electrical and battery safety - Protection against electric shock - Fire hazard and overheating resistance - Charging circuit integrity - Mechanical durability and abnormal operation testing |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – certification authority. Enforcement assisted by MeitY and local District Industries Centres (DICs). |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Non-compliance may result in cancellation of registration, seizure of non-conforming goods, monetary fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, under the BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | All Smart Watches sold, imported, or manufactured in India must comply with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 under the BIS CRS Scheme, ensuring user safety, battery reliability, and regulatory conformity. |
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Notification
Smart Watches were included under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 via S.O. 2742(E) dated 17th August 2017, with enforcement effective from 17th February 2018.
They were subsequently re-notified under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021), applicable from 18th September 2021, alongside related corrigenda and clarifications issued in March and July 2021.
Overview
Smart Watches are wearable computing devices combining digital displays, wireless connectivity, and rechargeable power systems.
IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 ensures these devices meet stringent safety and quality standards to protect users from electrical hazards, overheating, and short-circuit risks.
Objective & Scope
The BIS CRS framework ensures that all Smart Watches entering the Indian market are tested for electrical, fire, and battery safety.
It prevents unsafe or low-quality devices from being distributed through retail or e-commerce platforms, aligning with MeitY’s electronics quality control vision.
Products Covered
- Smart wearable devices with displays
- Fitness trackers with smart functionalities
- Connected wrist devices with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM, or GPS modules
- Rechargeable Smart Watches with lithium-ion/polymer batteries
Exemptions Provided
- Products manufactured only for export
- Devices imported for demonstration, testing, or R&D (non-commercial use)
- Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exempted under CRS 2021 provisions
Industries Impacted
- Wearable device and accessory manufacturers
- Consumer electronics importers and distributors
- OEM/ODM smart wearable producers
- Retail and e-commerce tech sellers
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 2017: Effective 17th February 2018
- CRS 2021: Effective 18th September 2021
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with field-level monitoring by BIS and MeitY.
Violations attract penalties including registration cancellation, fines, seizure of goods, and imprisonment for up to 2 years.
Conclusion
Since February 2018, reinforced under CRS 2021, Smart Watches must comply with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 for BIS certification.
This ensures device safety, reliable performance, and full regulatory compliance for all wearable devices in the Indian market.