Introduction
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued guidelines for the implementation of parallel testing for products covered under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements of Compulsory Registration Order), 2021. These guidelines, initially introduced as a pilot project for mobile phones and later extended to include wireless earphones, headphones, laptops, notebooks, and tablets, have now been converted into a permanent scheme after stakeholder consultation and regulatory consent. Here's how it impacts various stakeholders:
Approval Impact
- Allows manufacturers to generate test requests under parallel testing for all product categories covered by the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) of BIS.
Spectrum Impact
- Not applicable; pertains to testing and registration procedures for electronic products.
Importer Impact
- Manufacturers bear the total risk, including cost, in the parallel testing procedure, ensuring products are not supplied, sold, or manufactured in the market without valid registration.
Format and Requirements
- Guidelines outline a detailed procedure for parallel testing, including requirements for manufacturers to ensure compliance and validity of registration.
Exemptions
- The guidelines are voluntary, and manufacturers still have the option to submit applications sequentially for registration as per the existing procedure.
Timeline and Implementation
- Effective from January 9, 2024, the guidelines facilitate a streamlined testing and registration process for electronic products covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme.
Market Access Requirements Impacted
- Compliance with the guidelines allows manufacturers to benefit from the parallel testing approach, provided they adhere to the specified requirements and procedures outlined by the BIS, enhancing market access for electronic products in India.