BIS CRS Registration for Electronic Games in India: Complete 2026 Guide Process, Documents & Fees

• BIS CRS registration for electronic games is mandatory under the MeitY CRS Order, 2021 — selling without it is illegal in India.
• IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is the new safety standard — concurrent running with IS 616:2017 runs until 01 November 2028.
• As of 25 February 2026, your CRS Scheme-II license is now valid for 5 years (up from 1 year), with fees paid annually.
• Both domestic manufacturers and foreign importers must register each model separately before it enters the Indian market.

What is BIS CRS Registration For Electronic Games ?

BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) registration for electronic games is mandatory in India under the MeitY Electronics and Information Technology Goods CRS Order, 2021. Electronic games (video) must comply with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, which supersedes IS 616:2017, with a concurrent running deadline of 01 November 2028. As of 25 February 2026, CRS Scheme-II licenses are valid for five years with annual fee payment. Manufacturers and importers must test products at BIS-recognised labs, apply through the BIS portal, and display the CRS mark and registration number on each unit.

If your product falls under the category 'Electronic Games (Video)' — including consoles, gaming devices, and video game machines — you cannot legally manufacture, import, or sell it in India without a valid BIS CRS certificate. The registration confirms that your product has been tested against the applicable Indian Standard and meets the required safety and performance benchmarks.

The scheme operates through BIS's Registration Department. Once registered, your product receives a unique registration number (R-number) that must be displayed on the product label, packaging, and user documentation.

Which Products Are Covered? — Electronic Games Product Table

The table below lists the specific product categories, applicable standards (current and new), and the concurrent running deadline as per the latest BIS / MeitY notifications dated October 2025 and March 2026.

Source: MeitY Notification S.O. 4997(E) dated 29 October 2025 and BIS Guidelines Ref: Reg/IS/IEC 62368-1:2023/Guidelines/01 dated 09 March 2026.

Related Consumer Electronics Also Covered Under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

The March 2026 BIS Guidelines confirm 38 product categories now transitioning to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. Alongside electronic games, the following related categories are part of the same standard migration. This is useful context if your business handles multiple product lines:

2026 Regulatory Updates You Cannot Ignore

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 — New Safety Standard for Electronic Games

MeitY issued Notification S.O. 4997(E) on 29 October 2025, formally notifying IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 as the new safety standard for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment. This standard supersedes IS 616:2017, which was previously applicable to Electronic Games (Video).

BIS followed up with detailed Implementation Guidelines (Ref: Reg/IS/IEC 62368-1:2023/Guidelines/01) on 09 March 2026, clarifying the transition path for both existing licensees and new applicants.

CRS Scheme-II License Validity Extended to 5 Years (25 February 2026)

Pursuant to the amendment dated 25 February 2026 to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, the validity and continuation provisions for CRS Scheme-II licenses have been significantly revised. This is a major operational change that directly benefits manufacturers and importers.

This change reduces administrative burden significantly. Instead of renewing every year, electronic game manufacturers and importers now hold a licence for five years, with only the fee payment and production details requiring annual attention.

Who Needs BIS CRS Registration for Electronic Games?

BIS CRS registration is compulsory for any person or entity that falls into the following categories:

Domestic Manufacturers

• Indian companies or individuals manufacturing electronic games (video) within India for the domestic market.
• Units manufacturing under OEM/ODM arrangements where the finished product is an electronic gaming device.
• Startups and MSMEs producing gaming hardware — no exemptions based on company size.

Importers and Foreign Brands

• Foreign manufacturers who export electronic gaming products to India must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) and register each model under the AIR's name through BIS.
• Indian importers sourcing electronic games from overseas — registration must be obtained before clearing goods at Indian customs.
• E-commerce sellers and distributors listing or selling unregistered electronic gaming products are also liable under the CRS Order.

Who Does NOT Need CRS Registration?

Applicable Indian Standards — Electronic Games

Understanding the applicable standard is foundational to your registration. As of 2026, here is the standards landscape for Electronic Games (Video):

Benefits of BIS CRS Registration for Electronic Games

Getting BIS CRS registration is not just a legal requirement — it creates tangible business value for manufacturers and importers across the electronics gaming sector.

Legal Compliance & Market Access

• Mandatory for selling or importing electronic games in India — avoids penalties, product seizures, and legal action.
• Enables customs clearance — without R-number, goods can be detained at Indian ports.
• Required for listing on major e-commerce platforms (Amazon India, Flipkart, etc.) under their compliance policies.

Brand & Consumer Trust

• CRS mark signals that your product has been independently tested and certified — builds buyer confidence in competitive markets.
• Demonstrates compliance with BIS safety standards — reduces product liability risk.
• Supports retail and institutional procurement — many B2B buyers require CRS-certified products.

Operational & Business Benefits

• 5-year license validity (post February 2026 amendment) reduces annual administrative overhead.
• Registered models can be expanded through change-in-scope applications without a full re-registration.
• BIS CRS certification is often a prerequisite for government tenders and public sector procurement.

BIS CRS Registration Process for Electronic Games — Step by Step

The BIS CRS registration process follows a structured sequence. Here is the complete step-by-step process as applicable in 2026:

Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration

The document checklist differs slightly between domestic manufacturers and foreign importers. Here is a comprehensive view of what you need to prepare:

For Domestic Manufacturers

• BIS portal registration details and applicant profile
• Complete test report from a BIS-recognized NABL-accredited laboratory (as per IS 616:2017 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023)
• Declaration of Conformity (DoC) signed by authorized signatory
• Product details: model name, model number, technical specifications, photographs
• Factory / manufacturing unit details — address, registration, GST certificate
• Authorization letter if applying through a consultant or third party
• Undertaking for series models confirming IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 compliance (for standard migration)

For Foreign Manufacturers / Importers

• Appointment letter of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) on company letterhead
• AIR's business registration proof in India (GST, company registration, etc.)
• Original test report from BIS-recognized laboratory (foreign labs may need specific BIS recognition)
• Declaration of Conformity (DoC) from the foreign manufacturer
• Photographs and technical details of the product / model
• Proof of foreign manufacturer's identity — business registration in country of origin
• Import-export code (IEC) — if applicable

For Standard Migration (IS 616:2017 to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023)

• Fresh test report under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for lead model(s) from a BIS-recognised lab
• Undertaking declaring that IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 requirements have been implemented in all series models
• Signed declaration (if IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 compliance does not impact other concurrent standards like IS 18112:2025)
• Submission through 'Standard Revision/Amendment/Essential Requirement' provision on the applicant's BIS login

Fees for BIS CRS Registration — Electronic Games (2026)

BIS CRS registration fees are structured based on the type of applicant (domestic or foreign), and are payable at different stages of the process. From February 2026, fees under Scheme-II are paid on an annual basis in advance even though the licence is valid for five years.

Important: Failure to pay annual fees along with production details by the due date triggers suspension or cancellation provisions under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, as amended.

License Validity and Renewal — 2026 Update

Updated Validity: 5 Years (w.e.f. 25 February 2026)

As per the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 amendment effective 25 February 2026, the CRS Scheme-II licence is now valid for five years from the date of grant. This is a significant change from the earlier one-year validity regime.

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Migration — What Existing Licensees Must Do

If you already hold a BIS CRS licence for Electronic Games (Video) under IS 616:2017, you must take specific action before 01 November 2028 to remain compliant. The BIS March 2026 guidelines are clear on this:

For Existing CRS Licensees (IS 616:2017)

• Ensure conformance to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for all lead models in your license scope by the concurrent running deadline of 01 November 2028.
• Obtain fresh test reports from a BIS-recognized laboratory under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for lead models that were previously tested under IS 616:2017.
• Submit these test reports through the 'Standard Revision / Amendment / Essential Requirement' option available in your BIS portal login.
• Provide an undertaking confirming that IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 requirements have been implemented across all series models in your license scope.
• Refer to MeitY's revised series guidelines (to be issued separately) for detailed technical compliance guidance.
• If you fail to complete the migration by 01 November 2028, BIS may cancel your license or delete non-compliant models from your scope.

For New Applicants (Applying in 2026 and Beyond)

• You may apply under IS 616:2017 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 during the concurrent running period.
• If applying under IS 616:2017, you must submit a declaration that you will implement IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 by the concurrent running deadline.
• After 01 November 2028, all new applications must be filed exclusively under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

Labelling and Marking Requirements

Once your BIS CRS registration is granted, you must comply with specific marking and labelling requirements for each product unit sold in India. Non-compliance with marking requirements is a separate violation under the BIS Act.

• Display the BIS Standard Mark (the BIS logo with IS mark) on the product and packaging.
• Mention the CRS Registration Number (R-number) issued by BIS on every unit.
• Label must include the applicable Indian Standard number (e.g., IS 616:2017 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023).
• Manufacturer's name, address (India address for importers), and country of origin must be clearly stated.
• Date of manufacture or lot/batch number must be included per BIS requirements.
• For imports: the Authorized Indian Representative's name and contact details must appear on the label.

Penalties for Non-Compliance BIS CRS Registration For Electronic Games

Manufacturing, importing, or selling electronic games in India without valid BIS CRS registration carries serious legal and financial consequences:

Common Mistakes to Avoid BIS CRS Registration For Electronic Games

BIS CRS Registration Timeline — How Long Does It Take?

The total time for BIS CRS registration for electronic games depends on several factors, including lab availability, completeness of documentation, and BIS processing time. Below is a realistic indicative timeline:

Working with an experienced CRS consultant can reduce delays by ensuring your documents are complete and your lab is correctly chosen from the first submission.

Conclusion

Getting BIS CRS registration for electronic games involves navigating technical standard requirements, managing lab testing, filing BIS portal applications, and staying current with regulatory updates like the IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 migration and the February 2026 license validity changes. One paperwork gap or missed deadline can delay your product launch or put your existing license at risk.

Silvereye Certifications is a leading regulatory compliance consultancy helping Indian and global businesses obtain BIS CRS registration across product categories. Whether you are registering your first electronic game model or managing a large portfolio of CRS licences, Silvereye provides the expertise to get you compliant — on time and without complications.

Contact Silvereye Certifications today for a free consultation on BIS CRS registration for your electronic games product line.

Frequently Asked Questions