Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements
Wireless Headphones & Earphones (IS 616:2017)
Strategic Recommendations – Wireless Headphones & Earphones (IS 616:2017)
- Apply for BIS CRS Registration
Ensure all wireless headphones and earphones comply with IS 616:2017 and secure BIS CRS certification before import, manufacturing, or sale in India. - Engage Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA compliance team for CRS filing, product testing, exemption clarifications (export/R&D/HSE), and marking guidance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – For BIS certification, product testing, and CRS order clarifications. - Monitor Notifications & Amendments
Stay updated on CRS 2012/2021 Orders, BIS amendments, and compliance deadlines via ERA Newsletter and BIS/MeitY circulars. - Conduct Gap Assessment
Verify device designs against safety parameters – electrical safety, battery protection, fire resistance, mechanical durability – and ensure BIS marking compliance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Wireless Headphones and Earphones |
| 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 (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 (with subsequent amendments) and CRS Order, 2021 under BIS Act, 2016 |
| Notification & Amendments | - S.O. 2357(E), dated 3rd October 2012 (principal CRS Order) - S.O. 2905(E), dated 13th November 2014 (headphones/earphones included) - S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021 (new CRS Order 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 June 2016 - CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical safety, fire resistance, and safe operation of wireless audio devices, reducing risks of electric shock, overheating, or fire during use or charging. |
| Products Covered | Wireless headphones and earphones, including Bluetooth-enabled audio devices for personal or portable use. |
| Exemptions | - Goods manufactured exclusively for export - Products imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration (later scrapped/exported) - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exemptions under CRS 2021 |
| Industries Impacted | - Consumer electronics manufacturers - Audio equipment OEMs & importers - E-commerce & retail sellers - Music & entertainment accessory distributors |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 616:2017 - BIS CRS Registration compulsory - Each unit must bear marking: “Self declaration – Conforming to IS 616:2017 – (Unique Registration No.)”. |
| Testing Parameters | - Electrical safety & insulation - Battery charging safety - Fire hazard & temperature rise tests - Overcurrent & short-circuit protection - Mechanical strength & durability tests |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as certification authority. Enforcement supported by MeitY and District Industries Centres. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | - Suspension/cancellation of BIS registration - Seizure of stock - Monetary fines - Imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, under BIS Act, 2016 |
| Conclusion | All Wireless Headphones and Earphones sold, imported, or manufactured in India must conform to IS 616:2017 and be BIS-registered under CRS, ensuring electrical safety, fire protection, and quality assurance in the consumer audio segment. |
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Notification
Wireless Headphones and Earphones were officially included under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 via S.O. 2905(E), dated 13th November 2014. The final enforcement was implemented through S.O. 344(E), dated 3rd February 2016, effective 1st June 2016. Later, the product was brought under the CRS Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021) under the BIS Act, 2016, effective from 18th September 2021, further amended by corrigenda in March and July 2021.
Overview
Wireless Headphones and Earphones are personal audio devices, often Bluetooth-enabled, for listening to music, calls, or multimedia. The governing standard, IS 616:2017, specifies electrical safety, battery safety, and operational requirements to safeguard users.
Objective & Scope
The regulation ensures that wireless audio devices marketed in India are safe, reliable, and BIS-certified, preventing hazards such as electric shock, overheating, fire, or battery failure during usage or charging.
Products Covered
All wireless headphones and earphones, including Bluetooth-enabled and portable personal audio devices.
Exemptions Provided
- Goods manufactured exclusively for export,
- Imported units for R&D, testing, or demonstration (later scrapped/exported),
- Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) as per CRS 2021.
Industries Impacted
Consumer electronics manufacturers, audio device OEMs & importers, e-commerce and retail sellers, and music & entertainment accessory distributors.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Wireless headphones and earphones must conform to IS 616:2017 and obtain BIS CRS Registration. Each unit must display the self-declaration ISI conformity mark with registration number.
Enforcement Timeline
- CRS 2012 → 1st June 2016,
- CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The regulation is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 by BIS with support from MeitY and local authorities. Non-compliance may lead to license suspension, product seizure, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
Since 1st June 2016, Wireless Headphones and Earphones have been subject to BIS CRS certification under IS 616:2017. This ensures electrical safety, standardized quality, and reliable performance for wireless personal audio devices in India.
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.