CRS Certification for Smart Speakers With and Without Display

BIS CRS Certification Consultancy for Smart Speakers (With and Without Display)

Introduction

Smart speakers have become an important category of connected consumer electronic products, combining audio functions with technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, voice assistants, microphones, touch controls, displays and smart-home connectivity.

In India, Smart Speakers (with and without Display) are covered under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The current BIS Scheme-II listing identifies the applicable standard as IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 – Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements.

Earlier, Smart Speakers were covered under IS 616:2017. BIS has issued migration guidance for the transition to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. The concurrent-running period for Smart Speakers extends up to 1 November 2028, after which the older IS 616:2017 standard will stand withdrawn for the applicable product categories.

Qualitance India provides BIS CRS Certification Consultancy for Smart Speakers, supporting manufacturers, importers and brand owners with product assessment, model grouping, laboratory testing coordination, documentation, BIS application and registration-related compliance.

What is BIS CRS Certification for Smart Speakers?

BIS CRS Certification is a compulsory registration mechanism applicable to notified electronic and IT products in India.

For Smart Speakers, the certification process focuses primarily on demonstrating compliance with the applicable safety requirements through testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory and completing the applicable BIS registration process.

The current standard is:

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements

The BIS Scheme-II page specifically lists:

Product Category: Smart Speakers (with and without Display) Applicable Standard: IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

Smart Speakers Covered Under BIS CRS

The product category specifically covers:

Smart Speakers With Display

These products may include:

Touch-screen smart speakers
Non-touch display smart speakers
Smart displays with integrated speakers
Voice-assistant devices with displays
Smart-home control devices with display and audio functions

Smart Speakers Without Display

These may include:

Voice-controlled smart speakers
Wi-Fi smart speakers
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connected smart speakers
Voice-assistant speakers
Smart-home hub speakers
Connected audio devices without a display

The exact classification should be confirmed from the product construction, intended use, technical specifications and applicable BIS requirements.

Important Update: Migration from IS 616:2017 to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

Previously, Smart Speakers were covered under IS 616:2017 – Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus – Safety Requirements. BIS's earlier CRS records specifically identified Smart Speakers with and without Display under IS 616:2017.

BIS's migration guidelines now identify Smart Speakers as one of the product categories moving from IS 616:2017 to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

For Smart Speakers, the migration position is:

Earlier Standard: IS 616:2017 Current/New Standard: IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Concurrent Running Until: 1 November 2028

BIS states that after 1 November 2028, IS 616:2017 will stand withdrawn for the listed product categories.

For manufacturers planning a new certification, it is therefore important to evaluate the product against the current IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 requirements.

What is IS/IEC 62368-1:2023?

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is the Indian adoption of the modern safety standard for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment.

It uses a hazard-based safety engineering approach for equipment that can contain electrical energy, mechanical hazards, fire hazards and other potential sources of injury.

For Smart Speakers, compliance can involve assessment of areas such as:

Electrical safety
Protection against electric shock
Energy sources
Insulation
Creepage and clearance
Heating
Mechanical requirements
Fire enclosure requirements
Components
Power supply
Marking
Instructions
Constructional requirements

The exact testing scope depends on the product design, construction and applicable clauses.

Smart Speaker With Display vs Without Display

BIS's series guidelines specifically distinguish Smart Speakers with Display from those without Display.

Smart Speakers With Display

The series guidelines specify criteria including:

Same type of display — touch or non-touch
Same input voltage
Same class of construction
Same PCB design layout
Same enclosure material, except decorative differences
Same IP rating

Smart Speakers Without Display

The series guidelines specify:

Same input voltage
Same class of construction
Same PCB design layout
Same enclosure material, except decorative differences
Same IP rating

Additional considerations include the power transformer, battery where applicable and registered adapter where applicable.

These requirements are important when determining whether several Smart Speaker models can be covered within an appropriate series.

Smart Speaker Model Grouping

Manufacturers often have multiple Smart Speaker models with different:

Output power
Display sizes
Touch/non-touch displays
Enclosure designs
PCB configurations
Input voltages
Battery configurations
Power adapters
Connectivity options
Product dimensions
Audio configurations

A manufacturer should not automatically assume that all models can be included in one certification scope.

The BIS series guidelines specifically state that a range of maximum output power can be accommodated in a Smart Speaker series subject to the specified series conditions.

The guidelines also state that the maximum number of models that can be included in a series for the listed Phase-V product categories is 10 models.

A proper model assessment before testing can therefore help manufacturers establish an appropriate certification scope.

Testing Requirements for Smart Speakers

Testing is an important part of BIS CRS registration.

Testing is performed through an appropriate BIS-recognized laboratory against the applicable standard and relevant clauses.

For Smart Speakers, the testing scope can include areas such as:

1. Marking and Instructions

The product and accompanying documentation may be assessed for applicable marking and instruction requirements.

2. Heating Under Normal Operating Conditions

The equipment may be evaluated to determine whether accessible parts and relevant components remain within applicable temperature limits during normal operation.

3. Protection Against Electric Shock

The construction is evaluated for protection against hazardous electrical energy and accidental contact.

4. Electric Shock Hazards

The applicable electrical safety provisions are assessed under normal operating conditions and relevant fault conditions.

5. Insulation Requirements

Electrical insulation systems may be examined according to the applicable construction and voltage conditions.

6. Fault Conditions

Applicable fault-condition testing may be conducted to assess the safety of the equipment when specified abnormal conditions occur.

7. Mechanical Strength

The product enclosure and relevant components may be evaluated for mechanical strength and applicable safety requirements.

8. Creepage and Clearance

Relevant distances between electrical conductors may be assessed according to the applicable requirements.

9. Components

Safety-critical components can be assessed according to their relevant requirements.

10. Power Supply and Transformer

Where applicable, the power supply, transformer and insulation system can form part of the assessment.

BIS Testing Cost for Smart Speakers

There is no single fixed laboratory testing price for every Smart Speaker because the final cost depends on the laboratory, testing scope, product configuration and applicable clauses.

BIS LIMS records currently show laboratory-specific testing charges for Smart Speakers.

For example, BIS LIMS records show:

Around ₹35,000 at one listed laboratory for Smart Speakers with and without Display.
Around ₹60,000 in another BIS LIMS listing.
Around ₹1,00,000 at another listed laboratory for Smart Speakers with and without Display.
Another laboratory listing shows approximately ₹1,05,000 for the broader IS 616:2017 product grouping that included Smart Speakers.

These figures are laboratory-specific examples and should not be treated as a fixed BIS certification fee. Applicable taxes and any additional testing requirements may also affect the final amount.

For a new certification under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, the applicable laboratory scope and current quotation should be confirmed before sample submission.

Documents Required for BIS CRS Certification

The exact documentation depends on the manufacturer, product configuration and application. Commonly required documents may include:

Manufacturer name and address
Factory address
Brand name/trademark
Product name
Model numbers
Product technical specifications
Product photographs
Rating label
User manual
Product datasheet
Circuit diagram, where applicable
Block diagram
PCB details
Internal and external photographs
Critical component details
Adapter specifications
Battery specifications, where applicable
Transformer details, where applicable
Existing test reports, if available
Laboratory information
Declaration and undertaking documents
Trademark authorization documents, where applicable
Authorization documents for foreign manufacturers, where applicable
Indian representative details, where applicable

A technical document review before laboratory testing can help identify missing information.

BIS CRS Certification Process for Smart Speakers

Step 1: Product Applicability Assessment

The Smart Speaker is first reviewed to determine the applicable BIS CRS requirements and standard.

For the current BIS Scheme-II listing, Smart Speakers with and without Display are covered under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

Step 2: Model and Series Assessment

The manufacturer provides information about all proposed models.

The models are assessed against the applicable series guidelines.

Step 3: Technical Documentation

The required technical documents are collected and reviewed.

Step 4: Laboratory Selection

A suitable BIS-recognized laboratory with the relevant testing capability is identified.

Step 5: Sample Submission

The required product sample or samples are submitted to the laboratory.

Step 6: Product Testing

The laboratory performs the applicable tests according to the relevant standard and testing scope.

Step 7: Test Report

The laboratory issues the applicable test report after completion of testing.

Step 8: BIS CRS Application

The required application and supporting documents are submitted to BIS.

Step 9: BIS Review

BIS reviews the application and associated documentation.

If clarification or additional information is required, the applicant responds to the relevant queries.

Step 10: Registration

After satisfactory completion of the applicable requirements, BIS registration is granted for the relevant product and model scope.

Step 11: Continued Compliance

The manufacturer must maintain conformity of the registered product and follow applicable requirements concerning changes, marking and production.

BIS CRS Certification for Indian Smart Speaker Manufacturers

Indian manufacturers of Smart Speakers should ensure that the product submitted for testing accurately represents the production model.

Particular attention should be given to:

PCB design
Power supply
Transformer
Adapter
Battery
Display
Enclosure
Input voltage
Output power
Safety-critical components
Product marking
User instructions

Any major design change should be evaluated to determine whether it affects the existing registration.

BIS CRS Certification for Foreign Smart Speaker Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers supplying Smart Speakers to India may also need to comply with BIS CRS requirements.

The manufacturer may need to provide:

Overseas factory details
Product details
Brand information
Technical documents
Test samples
Authorization documents
Applicable Indian representative information
Supporting documents required for the BIS application

The exact documentation and application requirements depend on the applicant structure and current BIS procedures.

Does BIS CRS Require Factory Inspection?

BIS CRS should not automatically be treated in the same manner as traditional BIS ISI Mark licensing.

The CRS process generally revolves around product testing through a BIS-recognized laboratory and registration under the applicable scheme.

A factory inspection should not be assumed to be mandatory for every Smart Speaker CRS application. Product-specific and current BIS requirements should be checked for the particular application.

Common Smart Speaker Compliance Issues

Manufacturers may face difficulties because of:

Incorrect standard selection
Testing against an outdated standard
Incorrect model grouping
Differences between tested and production models
Incorrect adapter information
Changes in PCB design
Different enclosure construction
Missing transformer information
Battery configuration changes
Incomplete technical documentation
Incorrect rating labels
Missing instructions
Laboratory scope limitations
Test failures
Delayed responses to BIS queries

Proper technical assessment before testing can reduce avoidable delays.

Role of a BIS CRS Certification Consultant

A BIS certification consultant can support manufacturers through different stages of the registration process.

The consultancy may include:

Product applicability assessment
Identification of the current applicable standard
Model and series assessment
Technical document review
Laboratory selection assistance
Testing coordination
Test report review
BIS application support
Clarification and query support
Registration follow-up
Post-registration compliance guidance

Qualitance India provides BIS CRS consultancy support for Smart Speakers and other electronic and IT products.

Why Choose Qualitance India for Smart Speaker BIS Consultancy?

Qualitance India assists manufacturers, importers and businesses with BIS certification and regulatory compliance.

Our Smart Speaker BIS CRS consultancy can include:

Product assessment
IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 compliance guidance
Model grouping support
Documentation assistance
BIS-recognized laboratory coordination
Sample testing coordination
Test report review
BIS application support
Registration follow-up
Compliance guidance for product changes

Our objective is to help manufacturers coordinate the BIS certification process with proper technical and documentary preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is BIS CRS Certification mandatory for Smart Speakers?

Smart Speakers with and without Display are included in the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme product categories. The current BIS Scheme-II listing identifies IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 as the applicable standard.

2. What is the BIS standard for Smart Speakers?

The current standard is IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 – Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements.

3. What was the earlier standard for Smart Speakers?

Smart Speakers were previously covered under IS 616:2017. BIS's migration guidance identifies IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 as the replacement standard.

4. Until when can IS 616:2017 and IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 run concurrently?

For Smart Speakers and the other listed product categories covered by the migration guidance, the concurrent-running period is until 1 November 2028.

5. What happens after 1 November 2028?

BIS's migration guidance states that after 1 November 2028, IS 616:2017 will stand withdrawn for the listed product categories, including Smart Speakers.

6. Are Smart Speakers with Display and without Display both covered?

Yes. BIS identifies the product category as Smart Speakers (with and without Display).

7. Are touch-screen and non-touch Smart Speakers treated separately?

For series grouping, the BIS guidelines specifically distinguish Smart Speakers with Display by the type of display, including touch and non-touch.

8. Can multiple Smart Speaker models be covered under one series?

Multiple models may be accommodated subject to the applicable series requirements. BIS's Phase-V series guidelines specify model-grouping conditions for Smart Speakers.

9. What are the model-grouping conditions for Smart Speakers with Display?

The guidelines specify the same type of display, input voltage, class of construction, PCB design layout, enclosure material except decorative differences and IP rating, among other requirements.

10. What are the model-grouping conditions for Smart Speakers without Display?

The guidelines specify the same input voltage, class of construction, PCB design layout, enclosure material except decorative differences and IP rating, along with other applicable conditions.

11. Does maximum output power matter for series grouping?

Yes. The BIS series guidelines state that a range of maximum output power can be accommodated in a Smart Speaker series subject to the specified conditions.

12. How many models can be included in a series?

The Phase-V series guidelines state a maximum of 10 models for the listed product categories, including Smart Speakers.

13. Is testing required for BIS CRS registration?

Yes. Product testing through an appropriate BIS-recognized laboratory is an important part of the CRS registration process.

14. How much does Smart Speaker testing cost?

Laboratory charges vary. Current BIS LIMS listings show examples ranging from approximately ₹35,000 to ₹1,00,000 or more depending on the laboratory and scope. These are not fixed certification charges.

15. Can a Smart Speaker with a screen be covered under the same series as one without a screen?

The BIS series guidelines distinguish the two configurations. Model grouping should therefore be assessed according to the applicable series criteria rather than assuming that all models automatically form one series.

16. Does a Smart Speaker with Wi-Fi require BIS CRS?

The presence of Wi-Fi does not by itself determine the certification route. The complete product category, construction and applicable BIS requirements should be evaluated.

17. Does a Smart Speaker with Bluetooth require BIS CRS?

Bluetooth functionality alone does not determine the applicable certification category. The product should be assessed according to its complete functionality and BIS product classification.

18. Can imported Smart Speakers obtain BIS CRS registration?

Yes. Foreign manufacturers can comply with applicable BIS CRS requirements for covered products, subject to the applicable application and documentation requirements.

19. Can Qualitance India assist with Smart Speaker BIS certification?

Yes. Qualitance India provides consultancy support for product assessment, model grouping, documentation, laboratory coordination, testing and BIS application/registration support.

20. How can I start BIS CRS Certification for my Smart Speaker?

You can provide the product model details, technical specifications, photographs, power supply/adapter information and available test documents. These details can be reviewed to determine the appropriate BIS CRS certification approach.

Get BIS CRS Certification Consultancy for Smart Speakers

Manufacturers and importers of Smart Speakers should plan compliance according to the current BIS requirements and the transition to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

Qualitance India provides professional BIS CRS Certification Consultancy for:

Smart Speakers With Display Smart Speakers Without Display

Our assistance can cover product assessment, model grouping, documentation, testing coordination, laboratory support, BIS application and registration follow-up.

Qualitance India BIS Certification & Compliance Consultancy

Phone: +91-9310-615-170 Email: info@qualitanceindia.com

For BIS CRS certification assistance, contact Qualitance India with your Smart Speaker product details and model information.

Conclusion

BIS CRS Certification is an important compliance requirement for Smart Speakers supplied in the Indian market.

The current BIS Scheme-II listing identifies Smart Speakers with and without Display under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, while BIS migration guidance provides for the transition from IS 616:2017 to the newer standard. The concurrent-running period for this category extends until 1 November 2028.

Manufacturers should pay particular attention to product configuration, model grouping, PCB design, enclosure, input voltage, display type, IP rating, power supply, battery and adapter details when preparing their certification scope.

With proper technical assessment, laboratory testing, documentation and BIS application support, manufacturers and importers can work toward meeting the applicable CRS requirements for Smart Speakers.

Qualitance India provides end-to-end BIS CRS Certification Consultancy to support Smart Speaker manufacturers and businesses throughout the certification process.