Mobile phones are used across India by consumers who communicate, read messages, enter text and access digital services in different Indian languages. To support this requirement, mobile phone handsets supplied in India are subject to specific requirements relating to Indian language support.<\/p>\n
IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/strong> is titled \u201cMobile Phone Handsets: Part 3 Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets \u2013 Specific Requirements\u201d<\/strong> and is the Second Revision<\/strong> of the standard. BIS identifies this standard as a product specification for Indian language support in mobile phone handsets.<\/p>\n The 2022 revision replaced the earlier IS 16333 (Part 3):2017<\/strong> after the concurrent-running period ended on 17 December 2022<\/strong>. BIS’s implementation circular also notes that the product category was already covered by licences under Scheme-II.<\/p>\n Qualitance India provides professional BIS CRS consultancy support for manufacturers, importers and businesses requiring assistance with applicability assessment, documentation, laboratory testing and BIS registration.<\/p>\n The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)<\/strong> operates the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for specified electronic and electrical products.<\/p>\n For mobile phone handsets, Indian language support is addressed through:<\/p>\n IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/strong><\/p>\n Title:<\/strong> Mobile Phone Handsets \u2013 Part 3: Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets \u2013 Specific Requirements<\/p>\n The standard establishes specific requirements related to the ability of mobile phone handsets to support Indian language input and readability.<\/p>\n BIS LIMS currently lists testing facilities for IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/strong>, including laboratories covering the requirements and tests specified by the standard.<\/p>\n The applicable standard is:<\/p>\n IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/strong><\/p>\n Mobile Phone Handsets: Part 3 Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets \u2013 Specific Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n It is the Second Revision<\/strong> of the standard. BIS’s weekly bulletin records its publication as a second revision on 25 July 2022.<\/p>\n The standard is specifically concerned with Indian language support capabilities in mobile phone handsets rather than the general electrical safety requirements of the handset.<\/p>\n Mobile phones are used by consumers across different linguistic regions of India. A handset’s ability to correctly input and display Indian-language text is therefore an important usability and accessibility consideration.<\/p>\n Indian language support can be relevant to functions such as:<\/p>\n The applicable standard provides specific requirements and tests for these capabilities.<\/p>\n The BIS implementation guidance for the 2022 revision identifies changes in the requirements, including a provision allowing manufacturers to choose the keyboard layout for inputting various Indian languages.<\/p>\n BIS LIMS testing records currently identify testing areas including:<\/p>\n These areas are reflected in current laboratory scopes for IS 16333 (Part 3):2022.<\/p>\n One of the important areas under the standard is inputting of text<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The mobile handset should meet the applicable requirements for entering text in supported Indian languages.<\/p>\n The 2022 revision introduced a provision concerning the choice of keyboard layout by manufacturers for inputting various Indian languages.<\/p>\n For manufacturers, this means that the handset’s language-input functionality should be evaluated against the applicable requirements before submitting the product for testing.<\/p>\n Another important testing area is message readability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The mobile phone should be evaluated for its ability to display and read applicable Indian-language text according to the requirements of the standard.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS records specifically list Clause 5.2 \u2013 Message Readability<\/strong> as a testing area for IS 16333 (Part 3):2022.<\/p>\n The standard also contains requirements relating to marking.<\/p>\n BIS LIMS laboratory scopes currently identify:<\/p>\n as applicable testing\/evaluation areas under IS 16333 (Part 3):2022.<\/p>\n Manufacturers should ensure that product markings and associated information are consistent with the applicable BIS requirements.<\/p>\n The first step is to identify the exact mobile phone handset and determine the applicable BIS requirements.<\/p>\n Important information can include:<\/p>\n The applicable standard for Indian language support is:<\/p>\n IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/strong><\/p>\n The 2022 standard replaced the earlier 2017 version after the BIS-specified concurrent-running period.<\/p>\n The manufacturer should prepare appropriate technical information before testing.<\/p>\n Documents may include:<\/p>\n The representative mobile phone sample is submitted to an applicable BIS-recognized laboratory.<\/p>\n Testing can cover the relevant requirements relating to:<\/p>\n BIS LIMS currently lists multiple laboratories with testing scopes for IS 16333 (Part 3):2022.<\/p>\n After completion of testing, the laboratory prepares the applicable test report.<\/p>\n The product model, brand, manufacturer and technical configuration in the report should match the information proposed for the BIS application.<\/p>\n The applicable BIS CRS application is processed with the required documentation and supporting test report.<\/p>\n Correct and consistent information is important throughout the application process.<\/p>\n BIS reviews the submitted documents and technical information according to the applicable requirements.<\/p>\n After successful completion of the applicable conformity and registration process, BIS registration can be granted subject to the relevant regulatory requirements.<\/p>\n The exact documents may vary according to the applicant and product configuration. Commonly required information can include:<\/p>\n All product information should be kept consistent across the technical documents, sample, laboratory report and BIS application.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS records show that laboratories are providing testing facilities for this standard.<\/p>\n Testing areas can include:<\/p>\n Inputting of Text:<\/strong> Evaluation of the handset’s applicable Indian-language text input functionality.<\/p>\n Message Readability:<\/strong> Evaluation of the readability of applicable Indian-language messages.<\/p>\n Marking:<\/strong> Assessment of the relevant product marking requirements.<\/p>\n BIS Certification Marking:<\/strong> Evaluation of the applicable BIS certification marking requirements.<\/p>\n These testing areas are directly reflected in current BIS LIMS records.<\/p>\n Testing charges are not uniform across all laboratories.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS records show examples such as:<\/p>\n The exact fee depends on the laboratory, applicable test scope and current laboratory quotation. These figures should therefore not be treated as a fixed BIS certification fee.<\/p>\n For example, one current BIS LIMS listing shows \u20b915,000 total testing charges with individual charges for text input, message readability and marking. Another laboratory lists \u20b920,000 for the product scope.<\/p>\n Manufacturers should confirm the latest laboratory quotation before submitting samples.<\/p>\n The 2022 edition is a significant update from the earlier 2017 version.<\/p>\n BIS issued implementation guidelines stating that IS 16333 (Part 3):2017<\/strong> was revised and published as IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/strong>. The concurrent-running period was extended to 17 December 2022, after which the 2017 edition was to be withdrawn.<\/p>\n The implementation guidance also identifies changes in Clause 5, including the provision allowing manufacturers to choose a keyboard layout for inputting various Indian languages.<\/p>\n For new certification or compliance work, manufacturers should therefore work with the currently applicable requirements rather than relying on the withdrawn 2017 edition.<\/p>\n Manufacturers may face issues such as:<\/p>\n Testing the intended commercial software and firmware configuration before formal laboratory submission can help identify issues early.<\/p>\n Manufacturers should verify Indian-language functionality before laboratory testing.<\/p>\n Important pre-testing checks can include:<\/p>\n The sample submitted for testing should represent the intended commercial configuration.<\/p>\n Importers and overseas manufacturers supplying mobile phones in India should assess the applicable BIS requirements before commercial supply.<\/p>\n Where BIS registration is required, the product should comply with the relevant Indian Standards and applicable regulatory requirements.<\/p>\n For overseas manufacturers, authorization and applicant-related documentation may also need to be considered depending on the applicable BIS framework.<\/p>\n Qualitance India can assist with documentation, testing coordination and BIS CRS application support.<\/p>\n BIS CRS should not automatically be treated as an ISI Mark licensing process.<\/p>\n The applicable conformity assessment requirements depend on the product and scheme. Therefore, manufacturers should verify the requirements applicable to their specific product instead of assuming that factory inspection is mandatory for every CRS registration.<\/p>\n Qualitance India<\/strong> provides professional BIS CRS certification consultancy for mobile phone manufacturers, importers and businesses dealing with regulated electronic products.<\/p>\n Our support can include:<\/p>\n Our team helps businesses organize the certification process from product assessment and testing through BIS registration support.<\/p>\n IS 16333 (Part 3):2022 is the Indian Standard titled Mobile Phone Handsets \u2013 Part 3: Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets \u2013 Specific Requirements<\/strong>. It is the Second Revision.<\/p>\n It establishes specific requirements for Indian language support in mobile phone handsets, including applicable requirements relating to text input, message readability and marking.<\/p>\n The 2022 edition is the revised standard. BIS stated that the 2017 version would be withdrawn after the concurrent-running period ending on 17 December 2022.<\/p>\n Current BIS LIMS records identify areas including Inputting of Text, Message Readability and Marking<\/strong>, along with applicable requirements and BIS Certification Marking.<\/p>\n IS 16333 (Part 3) addresses Indian language support requirements. General mobile phone safety requirements are addressed through the applicable safety standard and regulatory framework separately.<\/p>\n The cost varies between laboratories. Current BIS LIMS records show different charges, including approximately \u20b910,000 to \u20b935,000 in the listed examples.<\/p>\n Yes. Laboratory charges and applicable testing scopes can change. The latest BIS LIMS listing and laboratory quotation should be checked before testing.<\/p>\n Documents can include manufacturer details, product specifications, model information, supported language details, keyboard\/input information, product markings, user manuals, authorization documents and laboratory reports.<\/p>\n The standard is for mobile phone handsets<\/strong>. Applicability to a particular smartphone model should be confirmed based on its product classification and the applicable BIS requirements.<\/p>\n Yes. Text input is specifically identified as a testing area in current BIS laboratory scopes, and the 2022 implementation guidance discusses keyboard-layout provisions for inputting Indian languages.<\/p>\n Yes. Message Readability<\/strong> is specifically identified as a testing area under the current BIS LIMS scope for IS 16333 (Part 3):2022.<\/p>\n Yes. Marking and BIS Certification Marking are identified in current laboratory testing scopes.<\/p>\n The applicable applicant and authorization requirements depend on the current BIS regulatory framework. These should be assessed before filing.<\/p>\n The manufacturer may need to correct the relevant software, input or display functionality and undergo applicable re-testing.<\/p>\n The applicable conformity assessment procedure should be verified for the particular product and scheme. Factory inspection should not automatically be assumed to be mandatory for every CRS product.<\/p>\n Yes. Qualitance India can provide support for product assessment, documentation, laboratory coordination, test report coordination and BIS CRS application assistance.<\/p>\n Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets<\/strong> is addressed through IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/strong>, which establishes specific requirements for Indian-language functionality in mobile phone handsets.<\/p>\n The standard includes important areas such as text input, message readability and marking<\/strong>, while the 2022 revision introduced changes including a provision concerning manufacturer choice of keyboard layout for inputting various Indian languages.<\/p>\n Manufacturers and importers should ensure that the intended handset configuration, software, language support, input functionality and product marking meet the applicable requirements before laboratory testing and BIS registration.<\/p>\nWhat Is BIS CRS Certification for Indian Language Support in Mobile Phones?<\/h2>\n
Applicable Indian Standard<\/h2>\n
Why Indian Language Support Is Important<\/h2>\n
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Key Requirements Under IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/h2>\n
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Inputting of Indian Language Text<\/h2>\n
Message Readability<\/h2>\n
Marking Requirements<\/h2>\n
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BIS CRS Certification Process for Indian Language Support<\/h2>\n
1. Product Assessment<\/h3>\n
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2. Applicable Standard Identification<\/h3>\n
3. Technical Documentation<\/h3>\n
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4. Laboratory Testing<\/h3>\n
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5. Test Report<\/h3>\n
6. BIS Application<\/h3>\n
7. BIS Review and Registration<\/h3>\n
Documents Required for BIS CRS Certification<\/h2>\n
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Testing Requirements Under IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/h2>\n
BIS Testing Cost for IS 16333 (Part 3):2022<\/h2>\n
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Important Update: 2022 Revision<\/h2>\n
Common Challenges in Compliance<\/h2>\n
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BIS CRS Certification for Mobile Phone Manufacturers<\/h2>\n
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BIS CRS Certification for Imported Mobile Phones<\/h2>\n
Is Factory Inspection Required for BIS CRS?<\/h2>\n
BIS CRS Certification Consultancy by Qualitance India<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
1. What is IS 16333 (Part 3):2022?<\/h3>\n
2. What does IS 16333 Part 3 cover?<\/h3>\n
3. What is the difference between IS 16333 Part 3:2017 and 2022?<\/h3>\n
4. What are the main testing areas?<\/h3>\n
5. Is Indian language support testing required separately from general mobile phone safety testing?<\/h3>\n
6. How much does IS 16333 Part 3 testing cost?<\/h3>\n
7. Can the testing cost change?<\/h3>\n
8. What documents are required?<\/h3>\n
9. Does the standard apply to smartphones?<\/h3>\n
10. Does the standard cover Indian language typing?<\/h3>\n
11. Does it cover message readability?<\/h3>\n
12. Is product marking evaluated?<\/h3>\n
13. Can an overseas mobile phone manufacturer apply for BIS registration?<\/h3>\n
14. What happens if the mobile phone fails Indian-language testing?<\/h3>\n
15. Does factory inspection apply to this CRS requirement?<\/h3>\n
16. Can Qualitance India assist with BIS testing?<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
Need BIS CRS Certification Consultancy for Mobile Phone Handsets?<\/h3>\n