Safety Testing IS 13252-1 : 2010 - IT Equipments

The IS 13252-1: 2010 standard has long been the backbone of the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for Information Technology Equipment in India. It has now been superseded by IS/IEC 62368-1:2023; both standards can be used until 1 November 2028. It ensures that electronics entering the Indian market adhere to stringent safety protocols to protect end-users from potential hazards.

• Hazard Mitigation: Prevents electric shocks, thermal burns, and mechanical injuries.
• Market Access: Mandatory for any manufacturer (OEM) selling IT hardware in India.
• Quality Assurance: Establishes consumer trust through the "Standard Mark."
• Legal Compliance: Ensures adherence to MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) guidelines.

The primary regulatory framework is IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010, which is technically aligned with the international IEC 60950-1 standard. It has now been superseded by the hazard-based IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. Under the amended CRS order, IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 can still be used until 1 November 2028, after which it is withdrawn, so we recommend testing new models to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

The scope of this standard is vast, covering almost any device that processes data or resides in a business/office environment. Key product categories include:

• End-User Computing: Laptops, Desktops, Tablets, and Notebooks.
• Office Automation: Printers, Scanners, Plotters, and Photocopying machines.
• Enterprise Infrastructure: Servers, Storage systems, and Networking Routers.
• Mobile Ecosystem: Smart Phones, Feature Phones, and Power Banks.
• Power Solutions: UPS and Inverters with a rating $\leq$ 5kVA.

Our laboratory evaluation focuses on five critical safety pillars:

1. Electrical Safety: Insulation resistance, leakage current, and dielectric strength.
2. Thermal Stability: Temperature rise tests under peak load to prevent melting or fire.
3. Material Integrity: Flammability testing of plastic enclosures and internal components.
4. Mechanical Robustness: Drop tests, impact tests, and stability (anti-tip) assessments.
5. Abnormal Operations: Evaluation of the device during component failure or fan blockage.

Testing must be conducted exclusively by a BIS-Recognized Laboratory located in India. These labs must hold a valid NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation specifically for the IS 13252-1 scope. Reports from non-recognized or foreign labs are not accepted for the final BIS grant.

• Testing Phase: 10 to 15 working days (subject to sample performance).
• Documentation & Submission: 2 to 3 working days.
• BIS Review & Grant: 15 to 20 working days. Total Estimated Time: Approximately 30 to 45 days, depending on the workload at the Bureau of Indian Standards.

To initiate the testing process, we typically require:

• Main Units: 1 to 2 complete, functional sets of the product.
• Critical Components: Additional samples of power adapters, internal batteries, or power cords for separate component testing if they are not already BIS-certified.

The total cost is divided into three segments:

1. Laboratory Testing Fee: Varies based on product complexity and the number of models in a series. Testing to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 starts from ₹35,000.
2. Official BIS Fee: Includes application fees, processing fees, and an annual marking fee.
3. Professional Service Fee: For documentation, coordination, and end-to-end liaison with the Bureau. Note: Fees are subject to the specific product configuration and the number of "Series Models" being added.

To ensure a smooth application, the following documents are essential:

• Legal Identity: Certificate of Incorporation and Trademark Registration (Brand Authorization).
• Technical File: Circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, and a detailed User Manual.
• Component List: Bill of Materials (BOM) highlighting "Critical Components" with their respective safety certificates.
• Authorization: Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for foreign manufacturers.

A label reading “IS 13252 (Part 1)/IEC 60950-1” next to the BIS Standard Mark and a number such as R-41234567 means the product was tested to India’s IT equipment safety standard at a BIS-recognised lab and registered with BIS under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. You see it on phone and laptop chargers, adapters, power banks, routers, printers and many other IT products. The R-number identifies the manufacturer’s registration; the model name on the same label should match the registration.

1. Note the R-number and the model name from the label.
2. Search for the R-number in the registered manufacturers search on the BIS CRS website, or use the BIS Care app.
3. Check that the registration is valid and that it covers the brand and model on the label.

If the number is not found, or the model is not covered, the mark may be misused; report it through the BIS Care app.

IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 have been superseded by IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, the hazard-based standard used worldwide, for every product under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme that used them. You can choose either the old or the new standard until 1 November 2028; after that the old standards are withdrawn. Extended reality devices (AR, VR, MR) had to move by 1 May 2026. We recommend the new standard for new models; testing starts from ₹35,000. See IS/IEC 62368-1 testing, the migration FAQs and BIS CRS registration.