Smartphones combine cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, a lithium-ion battery and a charger, so they touch more regulations than almost any other consumer product. In India, BIS, the Department of Telecommunications, BEE and CPCB each regulate a different part of the product, and overseas manufacturers must apply through an Indian representative.
To import and sell smartphones in India you will typically need:
Each row links to our detailed guide for that scheme. “Conditional” means it depends on the model’s features, packaging or sales channel – we confirm this in the free applicability check.
| Certification | Why it applies to smartphones | Authority | Mark | Typical timeline | Local representative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) Mandatory |
Mobile phones and their chargers are on the Compulsory Registration Scheme list, and the lithium-ion battery inside also needs its own registration. | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) | Standard Mark (R-number) | Varies – ask us | Yes for foreign manufacturers (AIR) |
| WPC Equipment Type Approval (ETA) Mandatory |
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios operate in de-licensed bands and need Equipment Type Approval before import. | Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing, DoT | — | Varies – ask us | Depends – Indian applicant/importer usually files |
| TEC Mandatory Testing & Certification of Telecom Equipment (MTCTE) Mandatory |
Mobile handsets are telecom equipment covered by TEC's mandatory testing and certification regime. | Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), DoT | — | Varies – ask us | Yes – Indian representative for foreign OEMs |
| EPR Registration – E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022 Mandatory |
Mobile phones are listed electrical and electronic equipment, so the producer or importer must hold E-Waste EPR registration. | Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) | — | Varies – ask us | Yes – Indian producer/importer registers |
| EPR Registration – Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 Mandatory |
The battery inside the phone counts as a battery placed on the Indian market. | Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) | — | Varies – ask us | Yes – Indian producer/importer registers |
| Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities (LMPC) Registration Mandatory |
Imported phones are pre-packaged goods and need Legal Metrology declarations and importer registration. | Legal Metrology Department (Dept. of Consumer Affairs / States) | — | Varies – ask us | Yes – Indian importer/packer registers |
Exact standards and editions depend on the model and the scheme; we confirm the test plan before any sample is shipped.
Yes. Mobile phones and their chargers are on the Compulsory Registration Scheme list, and the lithium-ion battery inside also needs its own registration. Registration based on test reports from a BIS-recognised Indian lab; no factory audit. Each brand, model series and factory needs its own registration.
The core requirements are BIS CRS, WPC ETA, TEC MTCTE, EPR E-Waste, EPR Battery, LMPC. The table above explains why each one applies.
Yes for most schemes. BIS requires an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) for foreign manufacturers, and EPR, LMPC and WPC filings are made by an Indian importer, brand owner or representative. By scheme – BIS CRS: Yes for foreign manufacturers (AIR); WPC ETA: Depends – Indian applicant/importer usually files; TEC MTCTE: Yes – Indian representative for foreign OEMs; EPR E-Waste: Yes – Indian producer/importer registers; EPR Battery: Yes – Indian producer/importer registers; LMPC: Yes – Indian importer/packer registers.
Typical timelines by scheme: BIS CRS: Varies – ask us; WPC ETA: Varies – ask us; TEC MTCTE: Varies – ask us; EPR E-Waste: Varies – ask us; EPR Battery: Varies – ask us; LMPC: Varies – ask us. Schemes can run in parallel once samples and documents are ready. Send us your model details for a realistic plan.
Partly. BIS CRS and TEC MTCTE require testing in BIS-recognised or TEC-designated labs in India, so foreign reports cannot replace that testing, but existing IEC/CB reports help you pass first time. WPC ETA is mostly based on RF test reports, and ISO 17025 lab reports are usually accepted there.
← Search all 80+ certifications in the Global Certification Hub
Send us the model datasheet – we will confirm every approval it needs, the test plan, cost and timeline within 24 hours.
One of India's leading independent consultancy bodies providing compliance, certification, and regulatory services to international and domestic players in electronics, IT, chemical, and electrical sectors.