BIS CRS Certification for CCTV-Related Products: Requirements, Process and Compliance Guide

CCTV products are now subject to specific BIS compliance requirements in India, making BIS CRS Certification for CCTV-related products an important consideration for manufacturers and businesses bringing surveillance equipment into the Indian market. CCTV cameras were added to the Compulsory Registration Scheme through a MeitY notification in April 2024, with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 identified as the applicable Indian Standard along with additional Essential Requirements for CCTV. The notification also made submission of test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories a prerequisite for registration.

The compliance picture has developed further with security requirements for CCTV cameras. The official CRS portal states that the Quality Control Order concerning the Essential Requirements for Security of CCTV Cameras has been implemented from 9 April 2025.

For manufacturers, this means CCTV compliance should be planned around both product safety and the applicable security requirements.

What Is BIS CRS Certification for CCTV Products?

The Compulsory Registration Scheme, or CRS, is a BIS conformity assessment route used for specified electronic and IT products. Unlike the traditional BIS licence model used for many industrial products, CRS requires manufacturers of covered products to obtain registration based on conformity with the applicable Indian Standards and requirements.

BIS's current Scheme-II information lists CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders among the products covered by CRS, with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 associated with the category. BIS's laboratory test-report database also provides a specific test-report format for CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders.

The important point is that a manufacturer should not assume that a general electronics test report is enough. CCTV products have their own applicable requirements, including the additional CCTV Essential Requirements.

Which CCTV Products Are Covered?

The CRS framework specifically refers to CCTV Cameras and CCTV Recorders. Depending on the actual product and its function, related surveillance equipment may have a different regulatory classification.

For this reason, manufacturers should identify the exact product before starting testing. A product described commercially as a “security camera,” for example, may have different features from a conventional CCTV camera, such as wireless communication, storage, audio functions or network connectivity.

BIS provides a Know Your Standard facility that allows users to search standards by IS number or product keyword and access related information, including laboratories and licences.

Applicable Standard and Essential Requirements

The April 2024 MeitY amendment specifically added CCTV Camera to the CRS schedule against IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, titled Information Technology Equipment – Safety General Requirements. It also introduced specific Essential Requirements for CCTV under an annexure.

This means CCTV compliance is not limited to checking basic electrical safety. The product also needs to satisfy the applicable CCTV-specific requirements.

Security has become particularly important. The official CRS portal confirms that the Essential Requirements for Security of CCTV Cameras were implemented from 9 April 2025.

Manufacturers should therefore check the latest applicable requirements before arranging testing, particularly when introducing a new camera platform or modifying an existing model.

BIS CRS Certification Process for CCTV

The process can be divided into several practical stages.

1. Identify the Exact Product

Begin with the product's technical details, model number, brand and intended use. Determine whether it falls within the CCTV category covered by CRS.

This step is worth doing carefully because the applicable requirements depend on the actual product rather than only its marketing name.

2. Check the Current Requirements

Review the applicable Indian Standard and CCTV Essential Requirements. Manufacturers should also check amendments and current BIS/MeitY notifications before sending samples for testing.

A requirement that applied to an older model may not cover a newly introduced version.

3. Select a BIS-Recognized Laboratory

CCTV testing must be supported by a test report from an appropriate BIS-recognized laboratory. BIS maintains laboratory information and uniform test-report formats for CRS products.

Before sending the sample, confirm that the laboratory has the appropriate scope for the relevant CCTV requirements.

4. Submit the Product for Testing

The sample should represent the actual model intended for the Indian market. Product specifications, model information and technical details supplied to the laboratory should match the manufacturer's records.

If a manufacturer submits one hardware configuration for testing and later sells a substantially different configuration under the same model description, compliance questions can arise.

5. Prepare the CRS Application

After obtaining the required test documentation, the manufacturer prepares the CRS application and supporting documents.

These may include:

• Manufacturer and factory details

• Brand information

• Exact model numbers

• Product specifications

• Test report

• Authorization documents, where applicable

• Required affidavits or undertakings

• Security-related compliance information

• Details of the applicant or authorized representative

The application and test report should be internally consistent. Even a simple mismatch in the manufacturer's legal name or model number can create unnecessary clarification.

6. BIS Scrutiny and Registration

BIS reviews the submitted information and may raise queries where clarification is required. Once the application meets the applicable requirements, the registration can be granted.

CRS compliance does not end with obtaining the registration. BIS also carries out market surveillance to check whether registered products continue to conform to the applicable standards.

Security Compliance for CCTV Cameras

Security requirements deserve special attention because modern CCTV cameras often connect to networks, cloud platforms or mobile applications.

A manufacturer should review the applicable security requirements during product development rather than waiting until the BIS application stage. Changes to firmware, communication functions, remote-access features or other security-related aspects can affect compliance.

The implementation of CCTV security requirements from April 2025 makes this an important part of the current certification planning process.

Common Mistakes Manufacturers Make

One common mistake is using an old test report without checking whether it covers the current requirements.

Another is treating all CCTV models as identical. Differences in hardware, firmware, storage, connectivity or product configuration can affect the compliance assessment.

Manufacturers should also avoid choosing a laboratory only on the basis of cost. The laboratory's relevant scope and ability to test the required parameters are more important.

Finally, documentation should be checked before submission. Product names, model numbers, manufacturer details and technical specifications should remain consistent throughout the testing and registration process.

Why Professional Support Can Be Useful

CCTV compliance involves product testing, documentation and security-related requirements. Companies handling several models can find it difficult to track which report belongs to which configuration and whether each model has been assessed against the latest requirements.

A compliance specialist such as umspcs can assist with standard identification, laboratory coordination, document preparation and CRS application tracking. The manufacturer should still verify that the submitted technical information accurately reflects the product being manufactured and sold.

Conclusion

BIS CRS Certification for CCTV-related products has become an important market-entry requirement for covered surveillance equipment in India. CCTV cameras are specifically included under the CRS framework, with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and additional CCTV Essential Requirements forming part of the applicable compliance structure. Security requirements have also been implemented, making technical and cybersecurity-related preparation increasingly important.

Manufacturers can reduce delays by identifying the correct requirements early, selecting a suitable BIS-recognized laboratory, testing the actual commercial configuration and keeping every document consistent with the product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BIS CRS registration mandatory for CCTV cameras?

Yes, CCTV cameras are included in the CRS framework. The April 2024 notification added CCTV Camera to the CRS schedule, subject to the specified Indian Standard and Essential Requirements.

Which standard applies to CCTV cameras under CRS?

CCTV cameras are listed against IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, along with CCTV-specific Essential Requirements.

Are CCTV security requirements mandatory?

The official CRS portal states that the Quality Control Order for Essential Requirements for Security of CCTV Cameras has been implemented from 9 April 2025.

Is laboratory testing required for CCTV CRS registration?

Yes. The 2024 CCTV amendment specifies that test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories are a prerequisite for obtaining registration under Scheme II.

Do CCTV recorders also come under CRS?

BIS's uniform test-report database lists CCTV Cameras/CCTV Recorders under the relevant CRS testing category. The exact requirements should be confirmed for the specific product before application.

Can one registration cover every CCTV model?

Not automatically. The scope of registration is linked to the approved product and models. Manufacturers should follow the applicable BIS procedure for model inclusion or additional models rather than assuming that every model is automatically covered.

Should manufacturers check BIS requirements before product testing?

Yes. BIS requirements, standards and applicable notifications can change. Checking the latest information before testing helps avoid using an outdated requirement or an unsuitable test report. BIS's Know Your Standard portal provides access to standards, amendments and related laboratory information.