BIS CRS Certification for Standalone Hard Disk Drives | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | BIS Consultancy
Introduction: Standalone Hard Disk Drives and BIS Certification
A Standalone Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a storage device used for storing digital data such as documents, software, photographs, videos, databases and other electronic information. Hard disk drives are used in computers, servers, data-storage systems and various information technology equipment.
With increasing demand for data storage and IT hardware, manufacturers, importers and electronics brands dealing with standalone HDDs need to understand the applicable BIS certification and product compliance requirements in India.
The official BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme product list includes Standalone Hard Disk Drives under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, with an implementation date of 1 April 2021.
What Is BIS CRS Certification for Standalone Hard Disk Drives?
BIS CRS Certification is a conformity assessment and registration framework applicable to specified electronic and IT products covered under the applicable government requirements.
For Standalone Hard Disk Drives, the applicable details are:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Standalone Hard Disk Drives |
| Indian Standard | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 |
| Standard Title | Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements |
| BIS Scheme | Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) |
| Implementation Date | 1 April 2021 |
| Regulatory Ministry | MeitY |
The BIS public dashboard also identifies Standalone Hard Disk Drives against IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 / IEC 60950-1:2005 under the MeitY product framework.
Is BIS Certification Required for Standalone Hard Disk Drives?
Standalone Hard Disk Drives are included in the official BIS CRS product list under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. The listed implementation date is 1 April 2021.
A May 2026 Gazette notification also specifically identifies Standalone Hard Disk Drives against IS 13252 Part 1:2010, further clarifying the product entry in the applicable compulsory-registration framework.
Therefore, manufacturers and importers should assess their HDD product against the applicable BIS requirements before placing it on the Indian market.
Important: Standalone HDDs should not automatically be treated as the same product category as USB Type External Hard Disk Drives. The BIS CRS list contains these as separate product entries, so the exact product configuration should be checked before certification.
Who Needs BIS CRS Certification for Standalone HDDs?
BIS consultancy may be relevant for:
- Standalone Hard Disk Drive Manufacturers
- Foreign HDD Manufacturers
- Importers of Hard Disk Drives
- IT Hardware Brands
- Storage Device Brands
- OEM and Private Label Companies
- Electronics Distributors
- Computer Hardware Suppliers
- Online Sellers of IT Products
The exact certification requirements may depend on the product configuration, manufacturer, brand and application type.
Applicable Standard: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 covers safety requirements for information technology equipment.
BIS laboratory information identifies IS 13252 Part 1:2010 as Information Technology Equipment – Safety: Part 1 General Requirements and includes disk drives within the relevant product/testing scope.
For a specific HDD model, the applicable test scope should be confirmed according to its construction, power arrangement, interface and configuration.
Safety Requirements for Standalone Hard Disk Drives
A hard disk drive is an electronic product containing electrical and electronic components that operate as part of an information technology system.
Depending on the applicable configuration and test requirements, assessment can involve areas such as:
- Protection against electric shock and energy hazards
- Electrical insulation
- Power interface requirements
- Internal wiring
- Components and critical parts
- Printed circuit boards
- Protection against fire-related hazards
- Mechanical and construction-related safety
- Marking and instructions
BIS laboratory test scopes for IS 13252 Part 1 include areas such as protection from electric shock and energy hazards, power interface, internal wiring, printed boards, components, fire enclosure, and marking and instructions.
The exact tests applicable to a particular HDD should be confirmed with the relevant laboratory and current BIS requirements.
BIS CRS Certification Process for Standalone Hard Disk Drives
1. Product Applicability Assessment
First, identify whether the product falls under the Standalone Hard Disk Drives category and confirm the applicable BIS standard.
2. Technical Evaluation
Review the HDD's:
- Model number
- Storage capacity
- Interface
- Power requirements
- PCB configuration
- Product construction
- Brand
- Manufacturing location
3. Documentation Preparation
Prepare the required technical and manufacturer-related documents for testing and BIS application.
4. Product Testing
Submit the appropriate sample to an applicable laboratory for testing according to the relevant BIS requirements.
5. Test Report Review
The test report should be reviewed for completeness, model details, ratings and applicable test results before application submission.
6. BIS CRS Application
Prepare and submit the CRS application along with the required test report and supporting documents.
7. BIS Assessment
Address observations, clarifications or additional requirements raised during the application process, wherever applicable.
8. Registration and Compliance
Complete the applicable BIS registration process and maintain compliance for the registered product and models.
Documents Required for Standalone HDD BIS Certification
Depending on the applicant and product, commonly relevant documents may include:
- Manufacturer details
- Factory address
- Product model details
- Technical specifications
- Product photographs
- Circuit diagram
- Block diagram
- PCB details
- Critical component details
- Power supply specifications
- User manual
- Product marking details
- Brand/trademark documents
- Laboratory test report
- Authorization documents, where applicable
- BIS application-related documents
The final document checklist should be confirmed according to the specific application.
Testing of Standalone Hard Disk Drives
Testing is an important part of the BIS CRS registration process.
BIS LIMS currently lists laboratories with testing capability under IS 13252 Part 1:2010, with HDD/disk-drive products included within relevant scopes. Laboratory scope, sample requirements and testing charges can vary, so these details should be confirmed before submitting the product for testing.
Before testing, manufacturers should verify:
- Correct product category
- Applicable standard
- Sample configuration
- Model and rating details
- Critical components
- Technical documents
- Applicable laboratory scope
BIS Consultancy for Standalone Hard Disk Drives – Qualitance India
Qualitance India provides professional BIS Certification Consultancy support for manufacturers, importers, electronics brands and IT hardware businesses.
Our consultancy support includes:
- BIS applicability assessment
- Indian Standard identification
- Documentation support
- Product testing coordination
- Test report review
- BIS CRS application filing assistance
- Registration process guidance
- Compliance support
If you manufacture or import Standalone Hard Disk Drives under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, Qualitance India can assist with the certification and compliance process.
Contact Qualitance India
Phone: +91-9310-615-170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: qualitanceindia.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which IS Standard applies to Standalone Hard Disk Drives?
Standalone Hard Disk Drives are listed under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 in the BIS CRS product list.
2. What is the implementation date for Standalone HDDs?
The BIS CRS product list specifies 1 April 2021 as the implementation date.
3. Are Standalone HDDs and USB External HDDs the same BIS category?
No. The BIS CRS product list separately identifies Standalone Hard Disk Drives and USB Type External Hard Disk Drives. The exact product category should therefore be verified before applying.
4. Is product testing required?
Testing forms part of the applicable BIS conformity assessment process. The applicable laboratory and test scope should be confirmed for the specific HDD model.
5. Can an importer get BIS CRS support for an HDD?
Importers and foreign manufacturers should verify the applicable applicant structure, manufacturer details, authorization requirements and product scope before filing the application.
6. Can Qualitance India help with Standalone HDD BIS Certification?
Yes. Qualitance India provides consultancy support for BIS applicability assessment, documentation, testing coordination, test report review and CRS application assistance.
Conclusion
Standalone Hard Disk Drives are included in the BIS CRS product list under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, with an implementation date of 1 April 2021. The 2026 Gazette notification also specifically identifies Standalone Hard Disk Drives under this standard.
Manufacturers, importers and IT hardware brands should verify the applicable BIS requirements, product category and testing scope before introducing standalone HDDs into the Indian market.
For professional assistance with Standalone Hard Disk Drive BIS CRS Certification, testing, documentation and compliance, contact Qualitance India.