BIS CRS Registration for Video Cameras in India: Complete Guide For Manufacturers & Importers

• BIS CRS Registration is mandatory for all Video Cameras sold or imported in India under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (CRO) Order, 2021 — covering consumer camcorders, professional video cameras, action cameras, and cinema cameras.
• The applicable standard IS 616:2017 is migrating to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 — migration deadline is 1 November 2028 per MeitY notification S.O. 4997(E) dated 29 October 2025.
• BIS amended CRS license validity to 5 years effective 25 February 2026 — annual fee payment is still mandatory every year to maintain license validity.
• Video Cameras with wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC) additionally require WPC type approval — both BIS CRS and WPC are mandatory for legal sale in India.

Introduction

BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) is mandatory government certification for Video Cameras sold in India, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Department of Consumer Affairs. Video Cameras are listed at Sl. No. 35 in the BIS migration guidelines (9 March 2026) under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (CRO) Order, 2021.Current applicable standard: IS 616:2017 — being replaced by IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. Migration deadline: 1 November 2028 per MeitY notification S.O. 4997(E) dated 29 October 2025.

From 25 February 2026, CRS licenses are valid for 5 years — annual fees must still be paid every year in advance to keep the license active. Video Cameras with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC also require WPC type approval for the wireless module — a separate mandatory compliance from BIS CRS. No Video Camera brand can legally manufacture, import, or sell in India without a valid BIS CRS license.

What is BIS CRS Registration for Video Cameras?

BIS CRS Registration is the mandatory product safety certification for Video Cameras in India. It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, and is required under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (CRO 2021). Every Video Camera sold, manufactured, or imported into India must carry a valid BIS CRS licence before it can legally enter the Indian market.

Video Cameras — devices specifically designed to capture moving images and video footage, including consumer camcorders, professional broadcast video cameras, action cameras, cinema cameras, and handheld video recorders — are listed at Sl. No. 35 in the BIS implementation guidelines dated 9 March 2026 (Ref: Reg/IS/IEC 62368-1:2023/Guidelines/01). They fall under the audio/video apparatus category governed by IS 616:2017.

The current applicable safety standard for Video Cameras is IS 616:2017 — India's adoption of IEC 60065:2014, the safety standard for audio, video, and similar electronic apparatus. As per MeitY notification S.O. 4997(E) dated 29 October 2025, this standard is being superseded by IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. The transition deadline is 1 November 2028, after which IS 616:2017 will be officially withdrawn for Video Cameras.

An important distinction: the BIS CRS notification for 'Video Cameras' at Sl. No. 35 is separate from 'Digital Cameras' at Sl. No. 34 and 'Webcams (Finished Product)' at Sl. No. 36 — each is a distinct product category with its own certification requirement. A brand selling both video cameras and digital cameras must obtain separate BIS CRS licences for each category.

Types of Video Cameras Covered Under BIS CRS Registration

The BIS CRS notification covers all types of Video Cameras sold as standalone products in India. Here is a clear breakdown of which camera types fall within this certification requirement and how they differ from adjacent categories:

The key differentiator for 'Video Cameras' under Sl. No. 35 is that the device is primarily designed and marketed for video recording as its core function. Cameras where video is a secondary feature (like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras primarily used for still photography) are covered under Digital Cameras (Sl. No. 34), while computer-connected video devices are Webcams (Sl. No. 36). Understanding this classification upfront prevents incorrect product categorization — a common source of BIS CRS queries and delays.

Who Needs BIS CRS Certification for Video Cameras?

The BIS CRS certification requirement covers every entity in the Video Camera supply and sales chain in India:

• Indian manufacturers producing consumer camcorders, professional video cameras, action cameras, or cinema cameras for the domestic market
• Foreign manufacturers — global video camera brands (Sony, Canon, Panasonic, JVC, Blackmagic Design, GoPro, DJI, etc.) whose products are imported and sold in India
• Authorized Indian Representatives (AIRs) acting on behalf of foreign video camera brands for all BIS CRS compliance purposes
• Importers bringing video cameras into India for commercial distribution, rental companies, or retail sale
• OEM and ODM brands whose video camera hardware enters India under any domestic or international brand label
• Professional equipment distributors supplying video cameras to broadcast studios, film production companies, or news organisations
• E-commerce sellers that source and list video cameras on Amazon India, Flipkart, or other platforms under their own or a principal brand

India has a large and growing video production ecosystem — spanning Bollywood and regional film industries, corporate video production, news broadcasting, social media content creation, wedding videography, sports coverage, and education. Every Video Camera entering this market — whether a budget action camera or a cinema-grade professional camera — requires BIS CRS certification before it can legally be sold or imported.

Video Camera vs Digital Camera vs Webcam — BIS CRS Classification Explained

One of the most common questions for BIS CRS applicants in the imaging space is: which product category does my camera fall under? This matters because BIS CRS requires separate licences for Video Cameras (Sl. No. 35), Digital Cameras (Sl. No. 34), and Webcams Finished Product (Sl. No. 36). Getting the classification right from the start prevents BIS queries and application delays.

The classification test is based on the primary intended use and design of the camera, not on its technical capability. A Sony ZV-E series camera marketed primarily as a video/vlogging camera → Video Camera (Sl. No. 35). A Sony Alpha mirrorless camera marketed primarily for still photography with video as a secondary feature → Digital Camera (Sl. No. 34). A Logitech webcam → Webcams Finished Product (Sl. No. 36). When in doubt, consult a BIS CRS expert before applying — incorrect classification requires re-application.

Wireless Video Cameras and WPC Type Approval — Mandatory Dual Compliance

Modern video cameras — especially consumer camcorders, action cameras, and professional cameras — increasingly include built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for wireless file transfer, remote control via smartphone apps, and live streaming. If your Video Camera includes any of these wireless features, it requires WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing) type approval for the wireless module in addition to BIS CRS.

WPC type approval is issued by the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing under the Ministry of Communications. It covers the radio frequency parameters, transmission power, and spectrum compliance of the wireless module — completely separate from the product safety compliance covered by BIS CRS. Both certifications must be obtained before your Video Camera can be legally imported or sold in India. Running both processes simultaneously minimises your total time to market.

Key 2026 Regulatory Updates — BIS CRS for Video Cameras

BIS Extends CRS License Validity to 5 Years — Amendment Dated 25 February 2026

The Bureau of Indian Standards amended the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 on 25 February 2026, revising the validity and continuation provisions for all CRS licenses under Scheme-II. This directly affects every Video Camera brand holding or applying for a BIS CRS license:

What this means for Video Camera brands: Your CRS license is now valid for 5 years from the date of grant — a significant improvement that reduces the administrative burden of annual renewal applications. However, annual fees must still be paid every year in advance by the prescribed due date, with production details submitted alongside. Failing to pay even one annual fee within the 5-year period triggers suspension and can lead to license cancellation. The 5-year validity is a stability benefit, not a waiver of annual compliance obligations.

MeitY Notification S.O. 4997(E) Dated 29 October 2025 — IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Migration

MeitY issued notification S.O. 4997(E) on 29 October 2025, formally amending the CRO 2021 to notify IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 as the new mandatory safety standard for Video Cameras, superseding IS 616:2017. Video Cameras are listed at Sl. No. 35 in the BIS implementation guidelines dated 9 March 2026.

The concurrent running period — during which both IS 616:2017 and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 are valid — ends on 1 November 2028. After this date, IS 616:2017 is officially withdrawn for Video Cameras. All existing video camera CRS licensees must complete migration before this date.

Applicable BIS Standards for Video Cameras — Current vs New (2026 Update)

Video Cameras, like Bluetooth Speakers and Webcams, fall under IS 616:2017 — the audio/video equipment safety standard — rather than IS 13252. Understanding this is critical for selecting the correct standard when applying for BIS CRS or planning the IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 migration.

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 was designed to consolidate and replace both IEC 60065 (audio/video standard) and IEC 60950-1 (IT equipment standard). For Video Camera manufacturers, this means a single HBSE-based standard now governs products that previously spanned both IEC 60065 (for AV functionality) and IEC 60950-1 (for digital/IT functionality in modern cameras with Wi-Fi, USB, and processing capabilities). The migration requires product retesting at a BIS-recognised laboratory and technical documentation updates aligned with the HBSE energy classification framework.

India's Video Camera Market — Why BIS CRS Compliance Is a Business Imperative

India's video production and content creation landscape is one of the most vibrant in the world. The combination of Bollywood, regional cinema, a massive digital content creator economy, news broadcasting, corporate video, and the growing sports coverage ecosystem creates sustained demand for video cameras across every price and performance tier.

Across every segment, BIS CRS certification is not optional. It is the legal and commercial prerequisite for accessing India's Rs. 3,000+ crore video camera market — from budget action cameras to cinema-grade professional systems.

Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration — Video Cameras

For Indian Manufacturers

• Completed BIS CRS application form — filed via manakonline.in under Scheme-II
• Business registration certificate — Company Incorporation / MSME Certificate / LLP Agreement / Partnership Deed
• GST Registration Certificate
• Manufacturing or assembly facility address proof — ownership deed or lease agreement
• Product details — brand name, model number(s), camera type (camcorder / action / professional), resolution, key specifications
• Safety Test Report from a BIS-recognized laboratory under IS 616:2017 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023
• Product photographs — all angles including lens, viewfinder, controls, ports, battery compartment, and retail packaging
• Packaging specimens showing BIS Standard Mark placement space and R-number field
• Technical documentation — circuit diagrams, block diagrams, battery specification, charger details, wireless module specs (if applicable)
• Declaration of conformity signed by the authorized signatory
• Authorized signatory identity documents — PAN, Aadhaar, designation letter
• Bank details for BIS fee payments
• WPC type approval certificate for wireless module(s) — mandatory if camera has Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / NFC (can be coordinated simultaneously)

For Foreign Manufacturers / Importers

• All company registration and identity documents of the foreign manufacturer or brand owner
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) appointment letter — notarized and signed by the foreign manufacturer
• AIR company registration documents — Indian entity certificate, GST, PAN
• Import Export Code (IEC) of the AIR or Indian importer
• Power of Attorney or MOU between the foreign manufacturer and the Indian AIR
• Safety Test Report from a BIS-recognized or MRA-accredited partner laboratory (IS 616:2017 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023)
• Brand / trademark ownership certificate or registration document
• Country of origin certificate for the Video Camera
• Product photographs — all angles, accessories (battery, charger, carry case), and retail packaging
• Packaging and label specimens showing designated BIS Standard Mark and Registration Number space
• Technical file — product description, bill of materials, battery cell specifications, sensor details, wireless module make and model, firmware version
• Declaration of conformity from the foreign manufacturer
• WPC type approval for wireless module(s) — mandatory for Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / NFC enabled video cameras

Step-by-Step BIS CRS Registration Process — Video Cameras

BIS CRS Registration Fees — Video Cameras

Note: BIS fee amounts are revised periodically. WPC type approval fees are governed separately by WPC, Ministry of Communications. Always verify current fee schedules on bis.gov.in and wpc.gov.in, or consult a certified compliance consultant like Silvereye Certifications for accurate, current fee guidance before initiating the process.

BIS CRS License Validity, Renewal & Annual Compliance — Video Cameras 2026

Initial License Grant — 5 Years

• Video Camera CRS license is now granted for an initial period of 5 years from the date of issue (post 25 Feb 2026 amendment)
• Annual fees must be paid in advance by the prescribed due date every year throughout the 5-year period
• Production details — model-wise quantities manufactured or imported — must accompany each annual fee payment
• BIS Standard Mark with R-number must remain accurately displayed on all active product batches

License Renewal — Further 5 Years

• At the end of the 5-year period, the license is renewed for a further 5 years
• Renewal fees follow the same annual payment structure — paid in advance each year during the renewal period
• By the time of first post-2026 renewal, all video camera models must already be IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 compliant

Consequences of Non-Compliance with Annual Obligations

• Non-payment of annual fee by due date → suspension or deferment of CRS license
• Continued non-payment → cancellation or expiry of the license
• Cancelled license → Video Cameras cannot be legally sold, imported, or distributed in India
• Non-migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 by 1 November 2028 → license made inoperative or models removed from scope
• Reinstating a cancelled licence requires a completely fresh application — entire process starts from scratch

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Migration Guidelines — Video Camera Brands

Existing CRS Licensees — Action Required Before 1 November 2028

• Implement IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 compliance for all Video Camera models in your license scope by 1 November 2028 — no exceptions.
• Submit complete Test Reports from a BIS-recognized laboratory (tested under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023) for all lead models covered under your CRS license.
• Upload updated test reports through the Standard Revision / Amendment / Essential Requirement provision available in your BIS portal login ID.
• Provide a signed undertaking confirming IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 requirements have been implemented in all series models (variants of lead models) within your license scope.
• BIS will issue a confirmation letter once migration is verified — listing all compliant video camera models.
• Failure to complete migration by 1 November 2028 → license cancellation or model deletion. Legal right to sell those video cameras in India is immediately lost.

New Applicants — First-Time BIS CRS for Video Cameras

• Applications where samples have already been submitted to a laboratory under IS 616:2017 can still be processed under the old standard
• New applications can be filed directly under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 — strongly recommended to avoid future migration costs, retesting, and documentation updates
• Applying under IS 616:2017 requires a signed declaration committing to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 migration by 1 November 2028
• After 1 November 2028, no new CRS license will be granted under IS 616:2017 for Video Cameras

Change in Scope — Adding New Video Camera Models

• Adding new video camera models to an existing licence scope follows the same guidelines as for new applicants
• Scope change requests under IS 616:2017 are permitted only until the licensee's own IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 switchover date or 1 November 2028 — whichever is earlier

Complete List of 38 Products Migrating to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Under BIS CRS (2026)

All 38 product categories under BIS CRS migration as per the BIS implementation guidelines dated 9 March 2026. Video Cameras appear at Sl. No. 35 — note the adjacent Digital Cameras (Sl. No. 34) and Webcams (Sl. No. 36) are separate categories requiring separate licences:

Video Cameras are listed at Sl. No. 35 in the BIS Migration Guidelines issued on 9 March 2026. Current standard: IS 616:2017. New mandatory standard: IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. Migration deadline: 1 November 2028. Note: Digital Cameras (Sl. No. 34) and Webcams (Sl. No. 36) are separate product categories requiring separate BIS CRS licenses.

Key Benefits of BIS CRS Registration for Video Camera Brands

• Legal right to sell in India: BIS CRS is the mandatory legal gateway — no video camera can be legally imported, distributed, or sold in India without it
• Customs clearance: The BIS Registration Number (R-XXXXXXXX) is required at Indian customs — without it, video camera consignments are detained, returned, or confiscated
• E-commerce marketplace access: Amazon India, Flipkart, and other major platforms require a valid BIS CRS R-number for video camera product listings — uncertified products are de-listed
• Professional and broadcast distribution: Authorized distributors of professional video cameras for film, broadcast, and corporate clients require BIS CRS as a supply chain qualification
• Government and institutional procurement: Government media departments, police body camera procurement, education institutions — all specify BIS-certified video cameras
• Film and production industry access: Bollywood and regional film industry production companies increasingly require BIS-certified equipment for their procurement processes
• Consumer trust and credibility: The BIS Standard Mark signals product safety and regulatory compliance — important in a market where counterfeit and uncertified cameras are a real problem
• Protection from enforcement action: Valid BIS CRS shields your brand from product seizure, import bans, financial penalties, and prosecution under the BIS Act, 2016
• 5-year license stability (2026 update): Reduced administrative overhead — 5-year license term with fewer renewal cycles and lower ongoing compliance management costs

Eligibility Criteria for BIS CRS Registration — Video Cameras

There is no minimum revenue, production volume, or capital requirement for BIS CRS eligibility. A startup importing budget action cameras and a global professional cinema camera company establishing India distribution are both equally required — and equally eligible — to obtain BIS CRS Registration before their video cameras can legally enter the Indian market.

Silvereye Certifications — India's Trusted BIS CRS Consultant for Video Camera Brands

BIS CRS Registration for Video Cameras requires a consultant who understands the nuances of imaging product classification, IS 616:2017 and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 testing requirements, WPC type approval for wireless-enabled cameras, and the specific documentation needs of both consumer and professional camera segments. Silvereye Certifications brings all of this expertise — and stays current with every regulatory change in India's electronics compliance landscape.

Silvereye Certifications is one of India's most experienced BIS CRS consulting firms, with a proven track record in audio/video products, imaging devices, consumer electronics, and professional equipment certification. Whether you represent a global action camera brand entering the Indian D2C market, a professional video camera manufacturer supplying to Bollywood studios, or a consumer camcorder importer — Silvereye delivers compliance results that keep your business running and your products legally on sale in India.

Conclusion

BIS CRS Registration for Video Cameras is a non-negotiable legal requirement for every brand — consumer to professional — that wants to operate in India's vibrant video camera and content creation market. The 2025-2026 regulatory updates bring added urgency and complexity: MeitY has mandated migration from IS 616:2017 to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 by 1 November 2028, BIS has extended licence validity to 5 years while keeping annual compliance obligations in place, and wireless-enabled video cameras face a dual compliance requirement of BIS CRS plus WPC type approval.

Getting the product classification right — Video Camera vs Digital Camera vs Webcam — is an additional critical step that brands must address from the outset.

Frequently Asked Questions