IS 16333 BIS Certification for Mobile Phones
Mobile Phones made, imported or sold in India must be certified against IS 16333 under CRS registration (Scheme-II). What the standard covers, how testing works and how to get the registration.
About IS 16333
| Standard | IS 16333 (Part-3) |
|---|---|
| Title | Mobile Phone Handsets Part 3 Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets – Specific Requirements |
| Product covered | Mobile Phones |
| Category | Electronics & IT Goods |
| Scheme | CRS registration (Scheme-II) |
| Notified under | Electronics & Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012, dated 13th November 2012 · Order PDF |
| Also | BIS notification, dated 24th Oct 2016 · Order PDF |
Editions and amendments of IS 16333
| Edition | Published | Status |
|---|---|---|
| IS 16333 (Part 3):2022 Mobile phone handsets: Part 3 indian language support for mobile phone handsets - Specific requirements(Second Revision) | 31 Jul 2022 | Current, next review 31 Mar 2027 |
| IS 16333 (Part 3):2017 Mobile phone handsets: Part 3 indian language support for mobile phone handsets - Specific requirements (First Revision) | Withdrawn 5 Sept 2023 |
Amendments:First Amendment (2025). Test reports must reflect the standard with its amendments.
Testing against IS 16333
Samples are type-tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory in India; foreign lab reports are not accepted. BIS then reviews the test report and documents and grants the registration. Market surveillance samples follow.
The test report has to cover every clause of IS 16333 that applies to the product, in the edition current on the date of testing. When BIS revises IS 16333 or replaces it with a new edition, existing licence holders move to the new edition by the date BIS sets in its notification.
How to get CRS registration under IS 16333
Registration is granted to the manufacturer for a specific factory, brand and models. Overseas manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative to apply and hold the registration in India.
- Confirm the Indian Standard and group models into a series
- Submit samples to a BIS-recognised lab in India for testing
- Apply on the CRS portal with the test report, factory and brand documents
- BIS review and grant of the R-number registration
- Mark products with the Standard Mark, IS number and R-number
Timeline. Lab testing usually takes 2 to 6 weeks; BIS processing typically takes another 3 to 6 weeks after a complete application with the test report.
Fees. Application and annual licence fees of ₹1,000 each, a processing fee of ₹25,000 per year, and ₹20,000 for each additional test report, plus lab testing charges (BIS Conformity Assessment Amendment Regulations, 2026).
Mark. Certified products carry the BIS Standard Mark (CRS) with the IS number and the R-number.
Frequently asked questions
What does IS 16333 cover?
IS 16333 (Part-3): Mobile Phone Handsets Part 3 Indian Language Support for Mobile Phone Handsets – Specific Requirements. BIS has made certification against it compulsory for mobile phones.
Is BIS certification under IS 16333 mandatory?
Yes, for mobile phones, under the Electronics & Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012. The product needs a valid BIS registration (CRS) and must carry the BIS Standard Mark (CRS) with the IS number and the R-number.
Where is a product tested for IS 16333?
Samples are type-tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory in India; foreign lab reports are not accepted. BIS then reviews the test report and documents and grants the registration. Market surveillance samples follow.
How long does IS 16333 BIS certification take?
Lab testing usually takes 2 to 6 weeks; BIS processing typically takes another 3 to 6 weeks after a complete application with the test report.
Other standards in Electronics & IT Goods
- IS 302 20 products
- IS 10322 8 products
- IS 15885 LED Drivers (Control Gear for LED Modules)
- IS 16046 Lithium-ion and Portable Batteries
- IS 16102 LED Bulbs (Self-Ballasted LED Lamps)
- IS 16103 Standalone LED Modules for General Lighting
- IS 16242 2 products
- IS 18112 Television Sets
- IS 19348 Screen Protectors for Smartphones
- IS 60669 Dimmers for LED products
Source: BIS lists of products under compulsory certification (Scheme-I, Scheme-II), checked October 2026. See the full BIS product list or all Indian Standards.
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