How to Get BIS Certificate for Imported Electronics in 2025

If you're wondering how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics while also reducing customs costs, this guide covers both critical compliance requirements. The Advance Authorization Scheme has become a lifeline for Indian exporters who rely on imported raw materials and capital goods. If you're an importer looking to legally reduce your duty burden, understanding the Import Duty Exemption Certificate process alongside BIS certification is non-negotiable.

This guide breaks down every exemption route available to Indian businesses in 2026, with actual duty rates, government notifications, and the exact steps to claim your benefits. We also explain how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) to ensure your products meet Indian safety standards before customs clearance.

What Is an Import Duty Exemption Certificate?

An Import Duty Exemption Certificate is an official authorization issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that allows eligible importers to bring goods into India without paying Basic Customs Duty (BCD), Integrated GST (IGST), and other applicable levies.

Key Facts to Know:

• Fact 1: Duty exemption certificates are primarily available to exporters under the Advance Authorization and EPCG schemes
• Fact 2: The Advance Authorization scheme allows duty-free import of inputs required for export production
• Fact 3: EPCG (Export Promotion Capital Goods) scheme permits zero-duty import of capital goods for export obligation
• Fact 4: Standard BCD rates range from 0% to 100% depending on product category
• Fact 5: IGST is levied at 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% on most imported goods
• Fact 6: Importers under exemption schemes must fulfill export obligations within 18 months (AA) or 6 years (EPCG)
• Fact 7: The Ministry of Commerce has extended several export incentive schemes through 2026

How to Get BIS Certificate for Imported Electronics: Step-by-Step Process

Understanding how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics is essential for any business bringing electronic goods into India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) compliance for most electronic products under Scheme II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Step 1: Identify Applicable IS Standards

Determine the specific Indian Standard (IS) code for your electronics category. Common standards include:

• IS 13252(Part 1):2010 for IT equipment
• IS 616:2017 for audio/video equipment
• IS 302(Part 2): series for household appliances

Step 2: Testing at BIS-Recognized Lab

Submit your product samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing. The lab issues a test report confirming compliance with the relevant IS standard. This report is mandatory for the registration process.

Step 3: Submit Online Application

Register on the BIS portal and file your application under the CRS scheme. Required documents include:

• Factory authorization letter (if importing on behalf of manufacturer)
• Self-evaluation cum declaration of conformity
• Original test report from recognized lab
• Business registration documents
• Authorization letter from brand owner (for Indian applicants representing foreign manufacturers)

Step 4: Application Scrutiny

BIS examines your documents and test reports. Typical processing takes 20-30 working days for complete applications with valid test reports.

Step 5: Grant of BIS Registration

Upon approval, BIS issues a Registration Number and permits use of the Standard Mark (ISI logo) on your products. The certificate remains valid for two years from the date of grant.

Important: Electronics cannot be cleared through Indian customs without valid BIS CRS registration (or application under consideration with specific exemptions). This requirement operates independently of your how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics timeline, so initiate the process before shipment arrival.

Types of Import Duty Exemption Schemes in India

1. Advance Authorization Scheme

The Advance Authorization (AA) allows duty-free import of inputs that are physically incorporated into the export product. This includes raw materials, components, and consumables.

Eligibility: Manufacturers and merchant exporters with a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

2. EPCG Scheme (Export Promotion Capital Goods)

The EPCG scheme permits import of capital goods at zero customs duty. These include machinery, equipment, and spare parts for pre-production, production, and post-production.

Export Obligation: 6 times the duty saved on capital goods, to be fulfilled over 6 years.

3. Duty Drawback Scheme

Unlike AA and EPCG, Duty Drawback provides refund of duties paid on imported inputs after export of finished goods. This is ideal for exporters who don't want the compliance burden of advance authorization.

Current Drawback Rates (2026):

• All Industry Rate (AIR): Fixed rates based on HS codes
• Brand Rate: Specific rates negotiated with CBIC

4. Other Exemption Routes

How to Apply for an Import Duty Exemption Certificate: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Register on DGFT Portal

Create an account on the DGFT e-BRC platform. You'll need your IEC number and digital signature certificate (DSC).

Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility

Use the SION (Standard Input Output Norms) database to check if your product has fixed norms. If not, apply for ad-hoc norms.

Step 3: Submit Online Application

File your application through the DGFT portal:

• Advance Authorization: Apply under "Services → Advance Authorization"
• EPCG: Apply under "Services → EPCG"

Documents Required:

• IEC certificate
• GST registration
• PAN card
• Bank certificate in prescribed format
• Project report (for capital goods)
• Estimated export FOB value

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

Step 5: Obtain Authorization

DGFT typically processes applications within 15-30 working days. Track status through your portal dashboard.

Step 6: Import Under Authorization

Present your authorization at ICEGATE during customs clearance. The exemption gets applied automatically.

Step 7: Fulfill Export Obligation

Submit proof of export (Shipping Bills, e-BRCs) within the stipulated timeframe to close your authorization.

Costs and Savings: Real Numbers

Example Scenario: Importing ₹50 lakh worth of electronic components for smartphone manufacturing

> 💡 Pro Tip: Even with exemption, you pay 0.1% processing charge and actual user condition applies—meaning goods cannot be transferred without DGFT permission.

Compliance Requirements and Timelines

Advance Authorization Compliance

EPCG Compliance

Recent Regulatory Updates (2026)

The Ministry of Commerce has announced several changes affecting duty exemptions:

1. Digital Processing: All exemption applications must now be filed online through the DGFT portal—physical submissions are no longer accepted.
2. e-BRC Integration: Export obligation fulfillment is automatically tracked through electronic Bank Realization Certificates linked to your IEC.
3. Enhanced Monitoring: DGFT has implemented AI-based risk assessment for authorization approvals, reducing processing time for compliant exporters.
4. Product Norms Rationalization: Several SION norms were updated in early 2026—verify current norms before applying.

> ⚠️ Watch Out: Failure to fulfill export obligations results in recovery of duty saved plus 15% annual interest. DGFT is actively tracking defaults through data integration with customs and banks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Norms Application: Using outdated SION rates can lead to short shipments or compliance issues.
2. Missing Documentation: Incomplete shipping bills or missing e-BRCs delay obligation closure.
3. Transfer Violations: Selling exempted goods in the domestic market without permission attracts penalties.
4. Deadline Lapses: Missing export obligation deadlines—even by a day—triggers duty recovery proceedings.

When to Consult an Import Consultant

Consider professional assistance when:

• Your product lacks standard SION norms
• You need ad-hoc norms fixation
• You're importing under multiple schemes simultaneously
• You face a customs duty recovery notice
• You need guidance on how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics while managing duty exemptions

Befach International specializes in duty exemption documentation and BIS CRS registration services. Our Advance Authorization services handle everything from application filing to obligation closure, while ensuring your electronics meet all BIS compliance requirements.

Summary Table: Choosing the Right Scheme

FAQ: How to Get BIS Certificate for Imported Electronics

Q1: Is BIS certification mandatory for all imported electronics?

Yes, most electronic products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Without BIS registration, customs will not clear your goods. Understanding how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics before shipment is critical to avoid demurrage charges.

Q2: How long does the BIS certification process take compared to duty exemption certificates?

BIS CRS registration typically takes 20-30 days from application submission with complete documents. DGFT duty exemptions (Advance Authorization/EPCG) take 15-30 working days. Plan both processes simultaneously, as BIS compliance is required at customs clearance while duty exemptions are applied at the same stage.

Q3: Can I claim duty exemptions on electronics without BIS certification?

No. Duty exemption certificates (AA/EPCG) reduce or eliminate customs duties, but they do not override BIS safety requirements. You must complete how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics procedures separately. Both documents are required for legal import and customs clearance of electronic goods.

Q4: Do foreign manufacturers need to apply directly for BIS certification?

Foreign manufacturers can authorize Indian entities to apply on their behalf. The authorized Indian representative submits the application, holds the registration, and ensures compliance. This is common when how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics queries involve brands manufacturing outside India but selling domestically.

Q5: What is the validity period of BIS registration vs. duty exemption certificates?

BIS CRS registration remains valid for two years from grant date and is renewable. Advance Authorization is valid for 18 months (with export obligation completion). EPCG authorizations run for 6 years. Track these timelines separately to maintain continuous compliance.

Next Steps

1. Check your product's SION norms on the Indian Trade Portal
2. Register or update your IEC if not already active
3. File your Advance Authorization or EPCG application on the DGFT portal
4. Initiate your BIS CRS application for electronics at bis.gov.in
5. Track your export obligations to maintain compliance

Need help navigating the process? Contact our import consultants for end-to-end duty exemption support and BIS certification assistance. We handle DGFT applications, BIS documentation, customs clearance, and compliance management so you can focus on growing your export business.

TARGET KEYWORD: how to get BIS certificate for imported electronics

Need help with this process? Befach handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business. Let us handle it