BIS CRS Certification for Telephone Answering Machines | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | BIS Consultancy
Introduction
Telephone Answering Machines are electronic communication equipment designed to automatically receive and record incoming telephone messages when the user is unavailable. Manufacturers and importers supplying such products in India need to consider the applicable BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) requirements.
The BIS CRS product list identifies Telephone Answering Machines under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, with the date of implementation shown as 03 July 2013.
BIS also provides a Uniform Test Report Format specifically for Telephone Answering Machines under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.
However, there is an important current regulatory development. BIS's current Scheme-II page lists Telephone Answering Machines under IS/IEC 62368 Part 1:2023, reflecting the migration of several audio/video, information and communication technology products from the older IS 13252/IS 616 standards. Manufacturers should therefore verify the latest applicable requirement and transition position before testing or filing a new application.
This article explains the BIS CRS requirements, testing process, documentation, cost factors, registration procedure and consultancy support for Telephone Answering Machines.
What Is a Telephone Answering Machine?
A Telephone Answering Machine is an electronic device that automatically answers incoming telephone calls and records voice messages when the intended recipient is unavailable.
Depending on the design, a Telephone Answering Machine may include features such as:
- Automatic call answering
- Incoming voice message recording
- Message playback
- Outgoing greeting/message recording
- Message storage
- Call-related controls
- Telephone-line connectivity
- Mains or battery operation
- Digital memory
- Display or indicator functions
The exact classification of a product should be determined from its technical construction and intended function before selecting the applicable BIS standard.
What Is BIS CRS Certification?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for specified electronic and IT products.
Under CRS, covered products are required to demonstrate conformity with the applicable Indian Standard through testing at an appropriately recognized laboratory and completion of the BIS registration process.
BIS CRS is different from the traditional BIS ISI Mark licensing scheme. CRS primarily follows a registration-based conformity route for products covered under the applicable regulatory order.
Applicable Standard for Telephone Answering Machines
Historically, Telephone Answering Machines have been listed under:
IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
Title: Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements
The BIS CRS product list identifies Telephone Answering Machines under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and shows 03 July 2013 as the implementation date.
The BIS Uniform Test Report Formats page also lists a dedicated Telephone Answering Machines test report format under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.
Important Current BIS Standard Update
BIS's current Scheme-II Registration Scheme page lists Telephone Answering Machines under IS/IEC 62368 Part 1:2023, titled:
Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements
The same current BIS page indicates migration to IS/IEC 62368 Part 1:2023 from the earlier IS 13252 Part 1:2010 and IS 616:2017 framework for relevant products.
Therefore, manufacturers should not automatically assume that an old IS 13252:2010 test report is sufficient for a new application. The applicable current standard and transition requirements should be verified with BIS before initiating testing.
BIS CRS Implementation Date
For the legacy CRS listing:
Product: Telephone Answering Machines
Indian Standard: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
Date of Implementation: 03 July 2013
This information is listed on the official BIS CRS product database.
Who Needs BIS CRS Registration?
BIS CRS compliance can be relevant to manufacturers and importers dealing with covered electronic products in the Indian market.
This may include:
- Indian manufacturers
- Foreign manufacturers
- Importers
- Brand owners, where applicable
- Companies manufacturing electronic communication equipment
- Businesses importing Telephone Answering Machines for sale in India
The exact legal responsibility depends on the applicable order and the role of the entity in the supply chain.
Products That May Fall Within This Category
The product should be assessed based on its actual design and functionality.
Examples may include electronic telephone answering equipment that provides:
- Automatic telephone answering
- Voice message recording
- Message playback
- Telephone-line interface
- Digital message storage
- Mains-powered operation
- Battery-powered operation
The final product classification should always be confirmed before testing.
BIS CRS Certification Process
The general certification workflow can be summarized as:
Product Assessment → Applicable Standard Verification → Laboratory Selection → Sample Submission → Product Testing → Test Report → Documentation → BIS Application → Scrutiny → Registration → Compliant Marking
Each stage should be handled carefully because errors in product classification, technical specifications or documentation can cause delays.
Step 1: Product Assessment
The first step is to understand the product completely.
The manufacturer should provide information such as:
- Product name
- Product description
- Brand name
- Model number
- Electrical ratings
- Power supply details
- Product photographs
- Technical specifications
- User manual
- Circuit/block diagram
- Factory details
This information helps determine the applicable standard and testing requirements.
Step 2: Verify the Applicable BIS Standard
For the historical CRS category, Telephone Answering Machines were covered under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.
However, the current BIS Scheme-II page lists the category under IS/IEC 62368 Part 1:2023.
Therefore, standard verification is especially important for manufacturers starting a new certification project in 2026.
A consultant can review the product and determine which current BIS requirements need to be considered before laboratory testing.
Step 3: Select a BIS-Recognized Laboratory
Testing should be conducted through a laboratory having the appropriate scope for the applicable standard and product category.
BIS LIMS currently shows multiple laboratories with testing scope under IS 13252 Part 1:2010 covering Telephone Answering Machines.
Before submitting a sample, manufacturers should verify:
- Current laboratory scope
- Applicable standard
- Product coverage
- Sample requirements
- Testing charges
- Testing schedule
- Required technical documents
Step 4: Submit Product Sample
The product sample submitted for testing should represent the actual product intended for the Indian market.
The laboratory may require supporting technical information, including:
- Product specification
- User manual
- Circuit diagram
- Block diagram
- Product label
- Power supply details
- Critical component details
- Internal photographs
- Model information
Any difference between the tested sample and the final production model can create compliance problems later.
Step 5: Product Testing
The product is tested against the applicable requirements of the relevant safety standard.
For IS 13252 Part 1:2010, laboratory scope information includes testing areas such as:
- Markings and instructions
- Protection from electric shock and energy hazards
- Power interface
- Protection against hazardous voltages
- Insulation requirements
- Electrical strength
- Power supply requirements
- Mechanical requirements
- Heating-related requirements
- Components
- Internal wiring
- Construction-related requirements
The exact tests depend on the product configuration and the laboratory's applicable scope.
Marking and Instructions
The product's marking and user instructions are important parts of compliance evaluation.
The laboratory may review applicable information such as:
- Manufacturer name
- Model number
- Electrical rating
- Input voltage
- Frequency
- Warning information
- Product identification
- Applicable markings
The information should be consistent with the technical documentation and BIS application.
Protection Against Electric Shock
Telephone Answering Machines may contain mains-connected electrical circuits.
The applicable safety evaluation can therefore include protection against electric shock and access to hazardous electrical parts.
Insulation and Electrical Strength
The applicable insulation system and electrical strength requirements are evaluated according to the standard and product design.
These tests help assess whether the equipment provides appropriate electrical isolation under specified conditions.
Power Supply and Electrical Components
For mains-operated products, the power supply and associated components can be important parts of the safety evaluation.
Depending on the construction, the assessment may involve:
- Power supply circuitry
- Transformers
- Insulation
- Power cords
- Appliance connectors
- Fuses
- Protective components
- Internal wiring
Telephone Line Interface
Telephone Answering Machines can include connections to telephone networks.
The product configuration and applicable standard requirements should therefore be reviewed carefully for the relevant interfaces and protection requirements.
Test Report
After completion of testing, the laboratory prepares the applicable test report.
BIS maintains a Uniform Test Report Format specifically for Telephone Answering Machines under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.
The report may contain information relating to:
- Manufacturer
- Factory address
- Product name
- Brand
- Model/type
- Ratings
- Test specification
- Test results
- Supporting documents
- Laboratory information
The test report should accurately correspond to the product and manufacturer details used in the BIS application.
Documents Required for BIS CRS Registration
Typical documentation may include:
- Manufacturer details
- Factory address
- Brand/trademark details
- Product name
- Model numbers
- Product specifications
- Product photographs
- Rating label
- User manual
- Circuit diagram
- Block diagram
- Critical component details
- Power supply details
- Laboratory test report
- Trademark authorization, where applicable
- Authorization documents, where applicable
- Applicable declarations and undertakings
- Indian representative documents for foreign manufacturers, where applicable
The exact document list can vary depending on the applicant and current BIS requirements.
BIS CRS Registration for Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers supplying Telephone Answering Machines in India should carefully establish the manufacturer and Indian representative information required for the application.
The following details should be consistent:
- Manufacturer name
- Factory location
- Brand
- Product model
- Product description
- Technical specifications
- Test report
- Application information
Errors in these details can result in queries or delays.
BIS Testing Cost for Telephone Answering Machines
There is no single universal laboratory testing fee applicable to every case.
Current BIS LIMS listings show different laboratory-specific charges for Telephone Answering Machines under IS 13252 Part 1:2010.
For example, current listings include:
- ₹35,000 at one laboratory
- ₹50,000 at another laboratory
- ₹60,000 at another laboratory
- ₹65,000 under a Class I & II product pricing structure at another laboratory
- ₹80,000 at another laboratory
- ₹1,10,500 for a mains-operated Telephone Answering Machine at another laboratory
These are laboratory-specific published charges and should not be treated as a fixed BIS-wide fee. Taxes and any additional testing requirements may also apply.
The final project cost can depend on:
- Laboratory selected
- Product configuration
- Mains or battery operation
- Testing scope
- Number of models
- Additional samples
- Retesting
- Documentation requirements
- BIS application requirements
- Consultancy support
BIS CRS Certification Timeline
The total timeline can vary depending on:
- Product readiness
- Laboratory availability
- Testing duration
- Documentation quality
- Test results
- Retesting requirements
- BIS application processing
- Queries raised during scrutiny
- Current transition requirements
Manufacturers can reduce avoidable delays by completing technical documentation and standard verification before sample submission.
Common Reasons for BIS CRS Delays
Some common reasons include:
- Incorrect product classification
- Using an outdated standard without checking current requirements
- Incorrect model number
- Product label mismatch
- Incomplete user manual
- Missing technical documents
- Manufacturer information mismatch
- Incomplete trademark documents
- Test failure
- Retesting
- Incorrect application details
- Changes to the product after testing
- Incomplete responses to BIS queries
Model and Variant Considerations
Telephone Answering Machines can have different variants based on:
- Mains or battery operation
- Number of telephone lines
- Recording capacity
- Display configuration
- Memory technology
- Power supply
- Additional communication interfaces
- Product construction
Model grouping should be evaluated according to the applicable BIS requirements rather than assuming that every variant can automatically be covered by one test report.
BIS Marking and Labelling
Once registration is obtained, the manufacturer must follow the applicable BIS marking and labelling requirements.
The product, packaging and documentation should be consistent with the registered information.
Manufacturers should particularly verify:
- Brand
- Model
- Manufacturer details
- Registration information
- Electrical ratings
- Required BIS marking information
Is Factory Inspection Required for BIS CRS?
BIS CRS should not be confused with the traditional ISI Mark licensing process.
CRS is based primarily on conformity assessment and registration for specified products, with product testing being an important part of the process.
Whether any additional BIS action is applicable depends on the current regulatory framework and product-specific requirements.
Why BIS CRS Registration Is Important
Obtaining the applicable BIS registration can help manufacturers and businesses:
- Meet Indian regulatory requirements
- Demonstrate product safety compliance
- Support legal market access
- Build customer confidence
- Improve distributor acceptance
- Reduce compliance risks
- Maintain proper technical documentation
- Support organized product commercialization in India
Why Choose Qualitance India for BIS Consultancy?
BIS CRS registration involves technical, laboratory and documentation-related activities.
Qualitance India provides end-to-end support for BIS certification and registration activities, including:
- BIS CRS Certification Consultancy
- Product Classification Support
- Applicable Standard Verification
- Documentation Support
- BIS Application Filing
- Product Testing Coordination
- BIS-Recognized Laboratory Coordination
- Test Report Review
- Technical Compliance Support
- Query Resolution Support
- BIS Registration Approval Assistance
- End-to-End Certification Support
For Telephone Answering Machines and other electronic products, our team can help coordinate the certification process from initial product assessment through BIS registration.
Simple BIS CRS Process
Product Details
↓
Standard & Requirement Verification
↓
Laboratory Selection
↓
Sample Submission
↓
Product Testing
↓
Test Report
↓
Documentation Preparation
↓
BIS CRS Application
↓
BIS Scrutiny
↓
Registration Approval
↓
Compliant Product Marking
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is BIS CRS Certification required for Telephone Answering Machines?
Telephone Answering Machines are included in the BIS CRS product list under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. The current BIS Scheme-II page also lists the category under IS/IEC 62368 Part 1:2023, so the current applicable requirement should be verified before a new application.
2. What is the old applicable standard for Telephone Answering Machines?
The legacy CRS listing specifies IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.
3. What is the current BIS standard listed for this product?
The current BIS Scheme-II page lists Telephone Answering Machines under IS/IEC 62368 Part 1:2023.
4. What was the implementation date for the CRS requirement?
The BIS CRS product list shows 03 July 2013 for Telephone Answering Machines under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.
5. Does BIS provide a test report format for Telephone Answering Machines?
Yes. BIS lists a Uniform Test Report Format specifically for Telephone Answering Machines under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.
6. Where should Telephone Answering Machines be tested?
Testing should be performed at a laboratory having the appropriate current BIS-recognized scope for the applicable standard and product.
7. How much does testing cost?
Testing charges vary between laboratories. Current BIS LIMS listings show different charges for Telephone Answering Machines, so a current laboratory quotation should be obtained before testing.
8. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS CRS registration?
Yes, eligible foreign manufacturers can follow the applicable BIS CRS registration procedure, including the required Indian representative arrangements where applicable.
9. What documents are needed?
Typical documents include manufacturer details, factory information, product specifications, model details, photographs, rating label, user manual, technical documents and the applicable laboratory test report.
10. Is a test report necessary?
Product testing and the applicable test report form an important part of the BIS CRS registration process.
11. What happens if the product fails testing?
The manufacturer may need to correct the relevant technical issue and undergo applicable retesting before proceeding.
12. Can multiple models be included?
Model grouping depends on the applicable BIS requirements, product construction and technical similarity. Each proposed model should be evaluated before application.
13. Can the product be changed after testing?
Significant changes should be reviewed because they may affect the validity or applicability of the existing test results.
14. Is factory inspection mandatory under CRS?
CRS should not be treated as identical to the traditional ISI Mark licensing process. The applicable current requirements should be checked for the specific product.
15. Why is standard verification important?
The BIS regulatory framework has evolved, and the current Scheme-II page now lists Telephone Answering Machines under IS/IEC 62368 Part 1:2023. Therefore, manufacturers should verify the applicable current standard before beginning testing.
16. What is IS 13252 Part 1?
IS 13252 Part 1:2010 is the Indian Standard titled Information Technology Equipment – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements.
17. What information should be checked before testing?
The manufacturer should review the product name, brand, model, electrical ratings, power supply, product construction, user manual and technical documentation.
18. Can a BIS consultant coordinate testing?
Yes. A BIS consultant can assist with laboratory selection, sample submission and testing coordination.
19. Can Qualitance India help with BIS CRS registration?
Yes. Qualitance India provides BIS certification and CRS registration consultancy, including documentation, testing coordination and application support.
20. How can I start the BIS registration process?
You can begin by providing the product specification, model information, manufacturer details, brand information and technical documents for an initial compliance assessment.
Conclusion
BIS CRS Certification is an important compliance consideration for manufacturers and suppliers of Telephone Answering Machines intended for the Indian market.
The legacy BIS CRS product list identifies Telephone Answering Machines under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010, with an implementation date of 03 July 2013.
At the same time, the current BIS Scheme-II page lists the product category under IS/IEC 62368 Part 1:2023, making current-standard and transition verification particularly important for new certification projects.
A successful certification process requires proper product classification, correct standard selection, appropriate laboratory testing, accurate documentation and careful BIS application filing.
For professional BIS CRS and BIS registration consultancy, Qualitance India can assist manufacturers and importers with end-to-end certification support.
Qualitance India
Phone: +91-9310-615-170 Email: info@qualitanceindia.com Website: Qualitance India
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