Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus require mandatory BIS CRS Registration to be sold in India, under IS 616:2010 (valid until 1 November 2028) or the updated IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 standard, administered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). These adaptors convert mains electricity to the regulated low-voltage power needed by amplifiers, mixers, speakers, projectors, set-top boxes, and similar audio-visual equipment. The registration is manufacturer-specific, site-specific, and brand-specific — each unique combination of manufacturer, factory address, and brand requires its own BIS registration number. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). Non-compliance is an offence under the BIS Act, 2016.
Power adaptors are the unsung enablers of every audio-visual setup. From the compact unit powering a wireless speaker to the rack-mounted adaptor driving a professional audio mixer, these devices sit at the interface between mains electricity and sensitive audio-video circuitry — and that position carries inherent safety obligations. Because they connect directly to household mains voltage and deliver power to equipment that users operate in close proximity, they are subject to mandatory BIS CRS registration under the IS 616 / IS/IEC 62368-1 framework before they can legally enter the Indian market.
India's AV equipment power adaptor market is growing at approximately 7.8–12.3% CAGR, reflecting expanding consumer electronics penetration, the growth of smart home audio-visual systems, and demand for energy-efficient power supply solutions across residential, commercial, and professional AV applications. With that growth comes increasing regulatory scrutiny — and BIS CRS registration is the mandatory compliance gate for every manufacturer and importer in this space.
📑 Quick Navigation
- Why BIS CRS Registration Is Mandatory for AV Power Adaptors
- IS 616:2010 vs IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 — Both Standards Compared
- AV Power Adaptors vs IT Power Adaptors — Key Distinction
- 4 Pillars of BIS Registration
- Key Safety Tests Under IS 616 / IS/IEC 62368-1
- Domestic vs Foreign Manufacturer: Process Compared
- Document Checklist for BIS Registration
- 7-Step Registration Process
- Consequences of Non-Compliance
- How Rego Services Supports Your Registration
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why BIS CRS Registration Is Mandatory for AV Power Adaptors
Power adaptors for audio-video equipment sit directly between mains electricity and the amplifiers, speakers, mixers, projectors, and media players they power. That position — converting high-voltage AC mains supply into regulated DC output — means inadequate design, substandard insulation, or compromised thermal protection in the adaptor carries the risk of electric shock, overheating, or fire in the environment where the AV equipment is used. India's mandatory BIS CRS registration framework is the mechanism through which these risks are screened before products reach the market.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product name | Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus |
| Applicable certification | BIS CRS Registration |
| Applicable Indian Standard | IS 616:2010 (valid till 1 Nov 2028) / IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 (updated IS) |
| Compliance requirement | Mandatory |
| Certificate issued by | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
Mandatory safety testing under IS 616 / IS/IEC 62368-1 verifies that AV power adaptors do not present electric shock, thermal, or fire hazards to the users of audio-visual equipment powered by them — in homes, offices, studios, and public venues.
Without a valid BIS registration number, AV power adaptors cannot legally be manufactured for sale, imported, or distributed in India. Customs clearance is contingent on registration, and major retail and e-commerce platforms require it as a mandatory listing condition.
India's rapidly expanding smart home, professional AV, and consumer electronics segments are driving sustained demand growth for compliant power adaptors — creating a large and growing accessible market for manufacturers who hold valid BIS registration.
A certified AV power adaptor helps protect the connected audio-visual equipment from power surges, over-voltage, and under-voltage conditions — preserving the longevity and reliability of the devices it powers and reducing warranty and after-sales costs for brands.
IS 616:2010 vs IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 — Both Standards Compared
Two Indian Standards are currently applicable for BIS CRS registration of Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus. Understanding the differences between them — in IEC alignment, safety framework approach, and applicable scope — is essential before testing investment is made.
- Full Title: Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus — Safety Requirements
- IEC Alignment: IEC 60065 (6th Edition)
- Safety Approach: Prescriptive component-based safety requirements
- Status: Valid for BIS CRS registration until 1 November 2028
- Coverage: Audio, video, and similar electronic apparatus including their power supplies
- Test Regime: Based on IEC 60065 — established labs, well-understood test programme
- Full Title: Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment — Safety Requirements
- IEC Alignment: IEC 62368-1 (3rd Edition)
- Safety Approach: Hazard-Based Safety Engineering (HBSE) — performance-based, technology-neutral
- Status: Updated standard applicable now; replaces IS 616:2010 after Nov 2028
- Coverage: Unified standard for AV, IT, and communication technology equipment
- Test Regime: Broader, performance-based test suite reflecting modern AV-IT convergence
AV Power Adaptors vs IT Power Adaptors — Key Distinction
A question manufacturers and importers frequently ask is: what is the difference between a BIS registration for a Power Adaptor for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus and a Power Adaptor for IT Equipment? The technical answer lies primarily in the applicable standard and the product's declared use — not necessarily in the hardware design.
Power adaptors declared as intended for audio-visual equipment — amplifiers, speakers, projectors, set-top boxes, AV receivers, and similar apparatus — are registered under this category. The original applicable standard was IS 616:2010 (aligned with IEC 60065). The updated IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 now provides a unified framework covering both AV and IT equipment.
Power adaptors declared as intended for information technology equipment — laptops, routers, printers, and similar IT products — are registered under a separate BIS CRS category governed by IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. The applicable MeitY notification and the registration category differ from the AV power adaptor category.
For manufacturers whose power adaptors serve both AV and IT equipment — a common scenario for universal USB-C chargers and multi-device power supplies — IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 provides a single unified safety framework. However, separate BIS registrations may still be required for each product category, depending on the specific product's declared use and MeitY notification category.
Selecting the wrong BIS registration category — and testing under the wrong standard — wastes laboratory investment and delays registration. Rego Services confirms the correct category and applicable standard for your specific AV power adaptor product before any testing begins, preventing this costly and avoidable error.
4 Pillars of BIS Registration for AV Power Adaptors
A BIS CRS Registration Certificate is granted to a specific combination of manufacturer, manufacturing site, product category, and brand. If any of these four parameters changes, a fresh BIS application is required.
BIS licence granted only to the actual manufacturer. Importers, traders, and retailers cannot hold it independently.
Each factory site address requires its own licence number — the same adaptor from two different plants needs two separate registrations.
Power Adaptors for AV equipment. Similar models from the same design family can often be grouped under one licence.
A separate BIS Registration Number is required for every brand or trademark — even from the same factory with an identical product.
Key Safety Tests Under IS 616 / IS/IEC 62368-1
All safety tests required for BIS CRS registration of AV power adaptors must be conducted at a BIS-approved laboratory. The following test categories cover the principal safety and performance parameters verified under both IS 616:2010 and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.
Protection against electric shock, insulation resistance, and dielectric strength — verifying safe isolation between the mains voltage input and the low-voltage DC output that connects to audio-visual equipment and is accessible to users during normal operation.
Measures the current that would flow through a person touching the adaptor's accessible surfaces, confirming it remains within safe limits under both normal and single-fault conditions — particularly important for metal-bodied AV adaptors and those with exposed connector housings.
Temperature rise on the adaptor's enclosure surfaces, windings, and internal components under continuous rated operation — confirming no surface or component exceeds the temperature limits that would create a fire risk or contact burn hazard, including under extended operation in enclosed AV racks.
Subjects the adaptor to output overload and short-circuit fault conditions, verifying that internal protection circuits respond correctly and the product does not present fire, shock, or explosion hazards when subjected to these realistic fault scenarios in AV equipment installations.
Tests the adaptor's safety response under abnormal conditions — blocked ventilation, extended overload, and simulated component failure — verifying that protective mechanisms activate and that the product does not present hazards when operated outside its normal design envelope.
Enclosure robustness, connector retention, strain relief for input and output cables, and resistance to mechanical stresses encountered during everyday plugging and unplugging — ensuring the physical design does not create accessible live parts or contact hazards during normal use.
Conducted and radiated emissions testing to confirm the adaptor does not interfere with connected audio-visual equipment or nearby electronics, and operates correctly amid external electromagnetic disturbances — critical for AV equipment where EMI can audibly or visually degrade system performance.
Verification of mandatory markings — rated input/output voltage and current, manufacturer's name or trademark, BIS Standard Mark and registration number — in legible, durable format on the product and its packaging, along with user manual adequacy for safe installation and use.
Domestic vs Foreign Manufacturer: Process Compared
The core BIS CRS registration requirements — standard compliance, laboratory testing, and BIS portal submission — are the same for both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The key procedural difference is the Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) requirement applicable only to foreign manufacturers.
- Apply directly via the BIS portal (crsbis.in)
- No AIR requirement — manufacturer applies directly
- Factory address is the Indian manufacturing site
- Manufacturing licence issued by an Indian authority
- Product samples tested at a BIS-approved laboratory in India
- BIS may conduct a factory inspection at the Indian facility
- Registration certificate issued to the Indian manufacturer entity
- Must appoint an AIR in India before the application begins
- AIR manages all BIS applications and liaison in India
- Factory address is the overseas manufacturing site
- Manufacturing licence issued by the overseas authority
- Product samples tested at a BIS-approved laboratory in India
- BIS factory inspection at the overseas facility (or waived with warranty)
- Registration issued in the manufacturer's name with AIR on record
BIS CRS Registration for Power Adaptors for IT Equipment India 2026 — Complete Guide
If your power adaptor is declared as intended for IT equipment — laptops, routers, printers — rather than audio-video apparatus, the applicable BIS registration category and standard differ. See our companion guide to BIS CRS Registration for Power Adaptors for IT Equipment under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 / IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for the complete document checklist, tests, and 7-step process for that registration category.
Document Checklist for BIS CRS Registration of AV Power Adaptors
The document set for BIS CRS registration of Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus covers technical product documentation, facility and quality records, and brand ownership evidence. Complete, accurate, and fully consistent documentation is the most effective way to minimise BIS scrutiny rounds and avoid delays.
- PCB layout — The printed circuit board layout for the power adaptor's internal electronics, supporting BIS's technical review of the device's construction and protection design.
- Schematic diagram — A complete schematic of the adaptor's electrical circuit — input rectification, conversion topology, output regulation, and protection circuitry — fully consistent with the CCL and the BIS test report.
- User manual — The end-user manual covering rated input/output specifications, safe use guidance, installation instructions, and any applicable safety warnings required under IS 616 / IS/IEC 62368-1.
- Critical Component List (CCL) — A comprehensive listing of all critical components in the adaptor — transformers, capacitors, switching devices, output connectors — with manufacturer names, model numbers, and ratings.
- Product technical specification sheet — Full specifications of the AV power adaptor — rated input voltage/frequency, rated output voltage/current, efficiency class, connector type, and operating temperature range.
- BIS-recognised laboratory test report — The complete test report from a BIS-approved laboratory confirming IS 616:2010 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 compliance across all required safety and performance tests — the document most critically reviewed by BIS technical officers.
- Legal address proof of factory / manufacturing licence — Official documentation confirming the legal registration and operating status of the manufacturing facility producing the AV power adaptors.
- ISO 9001 certificate — The manufacturer's current ISO quality management system certificate, demonstrating the quality framework underpinning consistent production.
- Trademark registration copy — Copy of the registered trademark certificate for the brand name under which the AV power adaptor is marketed in India.
- Trademark authorisation letter — A letter from the trademark owner authorising the manufacturer or applicant to use the registered brand name on AV power adaptor products in India.
- Authorisation letter from manufacturer — A letter from the AV power adaptor manufacturer formally authorising the applicant or regulatory representative to manage the BIS registration process on its behalf.
- AIR appointment letter (foreign manufacturers) — The formal letter designating the Authorised Indian Representative as BIS regulatory liaison for registration and ongoing compliance management.
- AIR company registration proof and photo ID — Documentation confirming the legal entity status of the Indian AIR and government-issued photo identification for the authorised signatory named in the application.
- BIS-prescribed undertakings and declarations — The standardised declarations required by BIS for CRS applications, confirming the accuracy of submitted information and the applicant's ongoing compliance obligations.
7-Step Registration Process for AV Power Adaptors
BIS CRS registration for Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus follows a seven-step process. The typical end-to-end timeline is 6 to 10 weeks — with laboratory testing taking 3 to 5 weeks and BIS portal submission and scrutiny adding a further 2 to 4 weeks.
Verify that the product falls within the scope of Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus, confirm whether IS 616:2010 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is the appropriate standard, and define the lead model and any variants to be covered under the registration. This decision must be made before any laboratory testing investment to avoid testing under the wrong standard edition or category.
Foreign manufacturers must formally appoint an AIR before the BIS application process begins. The AIR manages all portal submissions, laboratory coordination, BIS correspondence, and ongoing compliance matters in India on the manufacturer's behalf. The appointment must be documented in the prescribed format and submitted as part of the application.
Register on the BIS CRS portal (crsbis.in) and complete the application form with accurate product, brand, and manufacturer details. Generate the formal test request needed to initiate laboratory testing — the laboratory will require this test request number before accepting samples for testing.
Submit representative AV power adaptor samples to a BIS-recognised laboratory for testing under the applicable IS standard. Confirm laboratory BIS recognition status for the specific standard edition and available testing slots before finalising your registration schedule — laboratory availability is the primary determinant of overall registration timeline.
Receive the complete IS test reports from the BIS-approved laboratory and compile all required supporting documents — PCB layout, schematic, CCL, user manual, facility certificates, trademark records, and AIR documents. Verify full cross-document consistency before submission — inconsistencies between the application form, CCL, and test reports are the most common source of BIS scrutiny delays for AV power adaptor registrations.
Submit the complete BIS CRS registration application on the portal with all supporting documents and pay the applicable government fees. Retain payment receipts as part of the application record and confirm portal status reflects receipt of the complete submission before proceeding.
BIS technical officers review the submitted application and may raise clarification queries on the CCL, schematic, or test report details. Respond promptly and accurately — delayed responses are the most common cause of extended timelines. Upon successful review, BIS issues the CRS registration certificate authorising manufacture, import, sale, and distribution of the AV power adaptor in India.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Manufacturing, importing, or selling Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus without valid BIS CRS registration is an offence under the BIS Act, 2016. Enforcement is active and covers all supply chain stages.
AV power adaptor consignments arriving at Indian ports and airports without valid BIS registration numbers are subject to customs detention and clearance refusal. Held shipments incur demurrage, disrupt supply to distribution and retail partners, and cannot be resolved without valid registration.
BIS and enforcement authorities can seize non-compliant AV power adaptors at any point in the supply chain — at the border, in warehouses, at distributors, or in retail and e-commerce channels. Seized inventory is a direct financial loss with no immediate remedy.
The BIS Act, 2016 prescribes monetary penalties for selling CRS-notified products without valid registration. Penalties escalate for repeat and wilful violations and can be assessed against both the corporate entity and responsible individual officers within it.
Major Indian e-commerce platforms — Amazon, Flipkart — and large retail chains require valid BIS registration as a mandatory listing condition for power adaptors. Non-compliant products are delisted on detection, immediately cutting off access to India's most important consumer sales channels.
How Rego Services Supports Your BIS CRS Registration for AV Power Adaptors
Rego Services Private Limited manages the complete BIS CRS registration journey for AV power adaptor manufacturers and importers — from standard selection and category confirmation through laboratory testing, documentation, portal submission, BIS scrutiny response, and certificate issuance.
- Standard and category confirmation — We confirm whether IS 616:2010 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is the appropriate standard, and whether registration under the AV or IT power adaptor category is required for your specific product — preventing the cost of testing under the wrong standard or submitting to the wrong registration category.
- Pre-registration compliance review — We review your AV power adaptor's specifications against the applicable IS standard before testing begins, identifying potential compliance gaps so they can be addressed before samples are submitted — preventing test failures and retesting cycles.
- Model grouping strategy — We advise on grouping multiple AV power adaptor models under a single BIS registration number where permitted, minimising testing cost and registration time across a product family.
- BIS-recognised laboratory coordination — We coordinate sample submission and testing with BIS-approved laboratories, managing turnaround tracking and progress updates to keep your registration timeline on schedule.
- Documentation preparation and consistency review — We compile and review the complete document set — PCB layout, schematic, CCL, user manual, facility certificates, trademark records, AIR documents — ensuring full cross-document consistency before portal submission.
- BIS portal submission and management — We submit the complete CRS application on the BIS portal and manage all portal interactions, document uploads, fee payments, and status tracking throughout the review process.
- BIS scrutiny query response — We respond to all BIS technical and documentary queries promptly and accurately, drawing on our experience with IS 616 and IS/IEC 62368-1 registrations to resolve queries in the fewest possible rounds.
- AIR services for foreign manufacturers — We provide or coordinate AIR appointment and services for AV power adaptor manufacturers based outside India, satisfying BIS's requirement for a designated India-based regulatory liaison.
- Registration renewal management — We maintain compliance calendars for your BIS registrations and manage the renewal process before expiry, ensuring continuous market access without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of audio-video equipment power adaptors need BIS registration?
All power adaptors intended for use with audio, video, and similar electronic apparatus — including adaptors for amplifiers, speakers, mixers, AV receivers, projectors, set-top boxes, media players, soundbars, wireless AV receivers, and similar equipment — require BIS CRS registration under IS 616:2010 / IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 before they can be legally sold or imported in India. There is no minimum wattage or power threshold below which the registration requirement does not apply.
Can a universal power adaptor that works with both AV and IT equipment be registered under a single BIS registration?
The answer depends on the declared product category and the applicable MeitY BIS CRS notification. Where a universal adaptor is declared under the AV apparatus category and tested against IS 616:2010 or IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, a single registration under the AV category may suffice. However, if the manufacturer wishes to explicitly market the same adaptor as an IT equipment charger as well, a separate registration under the IT power adaptor category (IS 13252 Part 1 / IS/IEC 62368-1) may also be required. Confirm the required registrations with Rego Services before proceeding, based on your specific product's intended market positioning and declared use.
Does an AV power adaptor with built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi monitoring need WPC ETA approval?
Yes. AV power adaptors with integrated wireless radio frequency modules — including Wi-Fi for smart power monitoring, Bluetooth for app connectivity, or any other radio functionality — require both BIS CRS registration under IS 616 / IS/IEC 62368-1 and WPC ETA (Equipment Type Approval) from the Department of Telecommunications for the wireless module. Both certifications can be pursued simultaneously to minimise combined time to market. Rego Services manages both BIS CRS and WPC ETA requirements for smart AV power adaptor products.
Can I use IEC 60065 or IEC 62368-1 test reports from an overseas laboratory for the BIS application?
Existing IEC 60065 or IEC 62368-1 test reports from accredited international laboratories provide a valuable technical foundation for the BIS registration process and can significantly reduce the time and cost of the Indian test programme. However, test reports from a BIS-recognised laboratory remain a mandatory requirement for the BIS CRS registration application — existing foreign lab reports cannot directly substitute. Rego Services can advise on which existing test data can be leveraged and what additional Indian testing is required for your specific product.
✓ Key Takeaways
- BIS CRS registration is mandatory for Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus in India — required before manufacture, import, sale, or distribution under the BIS Act, 2016
- Two standards are currently applicable: IS 616:2010 (valid until 1 November 2028, IEC 60065-based) and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 (updated, IEC 62368-1-based, broader scope)
- The Indian AV power adaptor market is growing at approximately 7.8–12.3% CAGR — BIS registration opens access to a large and rapidly expanding compliant market
- Registration is per manufacturer × manufacturing address × brand — each unique combination requires a separate BIS registration number
- AV power adaptors are registered under a separate BIS category from IT power adaptors — confirm the correct category before testing to avoid wasted investment
- Key mandatory test categories include electrical safety, touch current, thermal safety, overload/short-circuit protection, abnormal operation, mechanical safety, EMC, and markings
- Foreign manufacturers must appoint an AIR before applying — the registration is issued in the manufacturer's name with the AIR as BIS liaison
- Smart AV power adaptors with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth require both BIS CRS registration AND WPC ETA approval — pursue both in parallel for fastest combined market entry
- Non-compliance carries customs detention, seizure, monetary penalties, e-commerce delisting — with active BIS market surveillance including online marketplace monitoring
Your Next Step
BIS CRS registration for Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus is a well-defined process — but with two applicable standard editions, a separate registration category from IT power adaptors, and BIS scrutiny that closely reviews CCL and schematic consistency, quality of preparation directly determines whether registration takes 6 weeks or 14 weeks. With the right regulatory partner managing every step, the path from product to certificate is clear, efficient, and free of avoidable delay.
Rego Services' regulatory team brings the specific IS 616 / IS/IEC 62368-1 expertise to manage your AV power adaptor registration from initial standard and category confirmation through laboratory coordination, documentation preparation, BIS portal submission, scrutiny query response, and certificate issuance.
Contact Rego Services today to begin your BIS CRS registration for Power Adaptors for Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus and build a clear, compliant path to India's AV equipment market.