BIS Registration for Smart Card Reader: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010

Prescriptive Approach is adopted in IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. This involves specifying limits and constructing guidelines like:

• Limits of safe voltage & current ratings
• Fire-resistant enclosures & material
• Creepage & clearance distances between live parts
• Temperature limits during normal & abnormal operation
• Marking, labeling & instructions to users
• Stability requirements, lack of sharp edges & moving parts requirement

The lead model is tested in a laboratory approved by BIS under these clauses and a test report is issued.

BIS Registration Process for Smart Card Readers

Though there are slight variations depending on whether you are an Indian or a foreign company, the basic process is as follows:

Step 1: Scope confirmation. It is necessary that your Smart Card Reader is indeed in the CRS notified categories.

Step 2: Appointment of AIR. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative for BIS communications.

Step 3: Testing at a BIS approved laboratory. Samples of the lead item have to be tested in accordance with the relevant standard.

Step 4: Document preparation. Typical documents required are the test report, a description of the factory and manufacturing process, circuit diagrams, critical component list, user manual, label art work, authorisation letter and a declaration/undertaking.

Step 5: Filing the application through BIS Portal. Application filing is done online along with the requisite fees and documents.

Step 6: Registration by BIS. After successful verification, BIS registers the item.

Step 7: Labelling the item. Standard Mark and registration number are marked on the item.

Why Is It Important?

1. Legal obligation. Without BIS certification, smart card readers cannot be legally marketed in India. Marketing non-registered products may result in fines and confiscation of inventory.
2. Consumer protection. Testing assesses insulation, heat generation, fire resistance and electrical properties to prevent electric shock hazards and electrical fires.
3. Market entry. Certification enables manufacturers to legally market their smart card readers in India. This applies to importers and online retailers as well.
4. Customer confidence. The BIS Standard Mark and registration number provide evidence of compliance to consumers and government procurement.
5. Quality control. Certified products reduce field failure rates and warranty claims.

Latest Update: Migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

This is relevant to those who are preparing themselves for registration at present. The made some changes in Compulsory Registration Order in order to inform that IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 has become the new standard that will replace the earlier IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 for 38 different types of products. Smart Card Readers are one such product category.

• Both standards run at the time until 1 November 2028 under BIS guidelines that were issued on 9 March 2026.
• After 1 November 2028 IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is no valid and only IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 will be considered.
• Applicants who sign up under the standard might have to provide an agreement to move to the new standard before the deadline.
• CRS licence validity has been increased to 5 years starting from 25 February 2026

IS/IEC 62368-1 is a standard that focuses on hazards. Of having strict rules it encourages manufacturers to find energy sources that can cause harm and put protections in place. If you are creating a reader it is smart to plan for IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 from the beginning.

Additional Points to Keep in Mind

• Also applies to importers. Any importer of smart card readers needs to ensure that the product is registered before clearing from customs and selling the product.
• Model variations. Different variations of model series can be included in one registration provided the variations have been disclosed.
• Renewal and surveillance. Ensure your registration stays active and your manufacturing quality is consistent. BIS conducts market surveillance.
• Power Adaptor. If your reader uses external adaptors, then these adaptors will require their own registrations.
• Cost and timeline considerations. The total cost of the procedure will depend on lab costs, BIS costs and number of models. The time of procedure will also depend on laboratory testing and preparation of documents, so start early.
• Select the correct partner. A BIS consultant or lab will help avoid rejections due to lack of documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is BIS registration necessary for smart card readers in India?
Yes. Smart card readers come under Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). BIS registration is mandatory for their sale in India.
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Q2. What standard is required for BIS registration of smart card reader?
The relevant standard is IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 which deals with the safety of information technology equipment. Migration Table indicates that it will get migrated to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for smart card readers.

Q3. How are IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 different from each other?
IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is based on Prescriptive Safety Engineering Approach with Fixed Safety Requirements. IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is Hazard Based Safety Engineering Standard replacing that approach.

Q4. Can I apply under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010?
Yes, for now, since both standards are valid in parallel up to 1 November 2028, by which time IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 would have been withdrawn. You might be required to give an undertaking on migration; please verify that with BIS/consultant.

Q5. Does BIS registration require the manufacturer/importer/both?
Both Indian manufacturers, export manufacturers, and importers must register the product. Foreign exporters also require an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).

Q6. At which laboratory must the smart card reader be tested?
The product must be tested in a recognised laboratory by BIS; reports from other laboratories would not be acceptable for registration.

Conclusion

The BIS registration of the smart card reader according to IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 is mandatory from a regulatory and safety perspective before marketing of the product in India. Registration procedure requires testing of the product in a laboratory recognised by BIS, preparation of documentation and application in BIS portal along with product labeling. With the new standard to be published, i.e., IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 and withdrawal of old standard after 1st Nov 2028, preparations must begin to ensure compliance.