Decoding MeitY’s New Order: BIS Registration Now Mandatory for Standalone HDDs

Update: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 have been superseded by IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for products under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme. You can still register under the old standard until 1 November 2028, after which it is withdrawn. We recommend testing new models to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023; testing starts from ₹35,000.

The landscape of electronics manufacturing and importation in India is undergoing a significant shift. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has just introduced a crucial amendment to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. If your business deals in IT hardware, specifically data storage devices, it is time to pay close attention. Published in the Gazette of India on May 5, 2026, this notification directly impacts standalone hard disk drives (HDDs), closing a long-standing regulatory gap and reinforcing the government's commitment to consumer safety and market standardization.

Decoding the Amendment: What Exactly Changed?

For years, the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) has been the cornerstone of electronic product safety in India, governed under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The latest amendment specifically targets Serial No. 50 of the CRO Schedule. By replacing the older, broader entry with a highly specific categorization—"Standalone Hard Disk Drives"—MeitY has brought absolute clarity to the compliance framework.

This means that bare-drive units and internal hard disk drives, which are crucial components for assembling desktop computers, servers, and enterprise storage arrays, can no longer bypass rigorous safety evaluations. They are now firmly under the regulatory microscope alongside other critical electronic hardware.

Applicable Standard: IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010

To ensure these storage devices meet the highest safety benchmarks, the government has mandated compliance with IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 (Information Technology Equipment – Safety: General Requirements). This standard is meticulously designed to protect end-users, IT infrastructure, and industrial systems from electrical, thermal, and mechanical hazards. Achieving this certification requires comprehensive laboratory testing in BIS-recognized testing facilities, ensuring that every standalone HDD entering the Indian market is resilient, well-constructed, and entirely safe for prolonged, intensive use.

Critical Timeline: When Do You Need to Act?

Regulatory transitions can often be chaotic, but MeitY has outlined a clear, phased approach for this amendment to prevent sudden market disruptions:

• USB Type External Hard Disk Drives: If your product portfolio consists solely of external, plug-and-play USB hard drives, there is no immediate disruption to your supply chain. These products will continue to be governed by the existing notified provisions without any sudden changes.
• Standalone Hard Disk Drives (Internal/Bare Drives): This is where the clock is ticking for the industry. All other categories of standalone HDDs fall under the new CRO provisions effective November 5, 2026. Manufacturers, OEM brands, and importers have exactly a six-month window from the gazette date to complete their product testing, submit their documentation, and successfully secure their BIS registration.

How This Impacts the IT Hardware Industry

The ripple effects of this gazette notification will be felt across the entire electronics supply chain.

• For Manufacturers: Both domestic and international manufacturers must proactively initiate the testing phase immediately. The BIS registration process involves rigorous laboratory assessments that take time, and any delay could lead to a halt in production or restricted sales access within the Indian market.
• For Importers: The stakes are equally high for importers and distributors. Customs authorities will strictly enforce these new rules at all entry ports. Importers must verify that their overseas manufacturing partners possess valid BIS registration certificates before initiating shipments. Products arriving at Indian ports without the necessary compliance documentation after the November deadline will face severe clearance delays, heavy penalties, or outright rejection.

Why This Amendment is a Game-Changer

Beyond simply adding another layer of compliance paperwork, this amendment is a strategic move by the government to elevate the overall quality of IT hardware available in India. It effectively weeds out sub-standard and potentially hazardous electronic components from the open market. By ensuring uniform quality standards, it aligns perfectly with India's broader vision of becoming a trusted, high-quality electronics manufacturing hub on the global stage. Most importantly, it fosters immense consumer trust, assuring buyers and enterprise IT managers that the hardware storing their critical data is demonstrably safe and reliable.

Your Next Steps with InstaCertify

Navigating BIS regulations, laboratory testing protocols, and the intricacies of the Compulsory Registration Scheme can be a complex and time-consuming endeavor. With the November 5, 2026 deadline fast approaching, taking immediate action is critical. Delaying compliance not only risks your market access but also your brand's reputation in a highly competitive sector.

At InstaCertify, our team of regulatory experts is fully prepared to streamline this entire transition for you. From identifying the exact testing requirements for your specific HDD models to liaising with BIS-approved laboratories and managing the end-to-end application process, we handle the heavy regulatory lifting. Let us ensure your standalone HDDs are fully compliant and market-ready without the stress of bureaucratic roadblocks.