BIS Registration Guidelines and Requirements for Security of CCTV Cameras

In today’s digital age, CCTV cameras play a crucial role in maintaining security. To address this, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) in India has set new guidelines, known as “Essential BIS Requirements for Security of CCTV,” to ensure that systems meet certain safety and security standards.

BIS has updated theri BIS CRS portal with the necessary provision for generating Test Request for important Requiremnets for Security of CCTV- ER: 01. Only STQC labs are entrusted as of now for the security testing of CCTV Cameras expected to be on the test bench now to comply with necessary Requiremnet for the Security testing, as the mandatory Registration implementation date is 9th April 2025.  Below is a simplified breakdown of these guidelines, along with their implications for CTV manufacturers and users.

Key Highlights of the New Guideline

Listed below are some key highlights for the New Guidelines for BIS Registration for CCTV Cameras: 

I. Mandatory Certification Requirement

CCTV Cameras and Recorders must meet the requirements of IS 13252 (Part 1) / IEC 60950-1 under Scheme-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Included in the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) 2021, notified by MeitY.

II. Notification for Essential Security Requirements

On 9th April 2024, MeitY issued the Requirements (ER) for Security of CCTV. The implementation deadline has been extended up to 9th April 2025.

III. Updates from the BIS Portal

Test Request for ER:01 is opened on the BIS Portal. Detailed guidelines for testing CCTV security from MeitY are available for reference.

IV. Testing and Reporting Requirements

Test reports shall be generated for ER compliance by outside laboratories. They shall include series models, the similarities and differences among them, the hardware/software BoM, plus conformity data.

Implementation Guidelines BIS Registration

Go through the following pointers of BIS CRS registration in India to know what to implement after the new guidelines: 

A. For Existing Licensees

• To be applied through online application along with ER:01 test reports on or before 9 April 2025. 
• Fees: ₹30,000 (including 1 report) + ₹20,000 for each additional report + taxes.
• BIS will issue a letter to confirm compliance in respect of the models. 
• Models not complying shall be removed after the expiry of the deadline; failure to do so may result in cancellation of licenses.

B. For New Applicants

Applications to be accompanied by IS 13252 PART-1 test report as well as ER:01 report. 
Applications without ER:01 are only accepted up to 9 April 2025 with a declaration in writing. 
No license shall be granted after the said deadline without ER compliance.

C. Inclusion of New Models

The application for inclusion will require submission of the ER:01 test report (allowed only till 9 April 2025 with a declaration). 
Existing licensees should use a specific module for ER compliance (rather than the Inclusion module). “This CCTV camera complies with Essential Requirement(s) for Security”

Series Guidelines for CCTV Models

As per the essential requirements (ERs) for CCTV products, as outlined in the Gazette of India, the following guidelines must be adhered to for any CCTV product that is developed, marketed, or distributed within the compliance framework. Go through the important highlights and know more: 

• All the products in the series must use the same SoC to maintain consistent processing performance and functionality. 
• An identical PCBA Layout is compulsory. Critical components like microcontrollers, sensors, memory, and power management units must have the same layout. Non-critical variations are allowed, such as (housing, lens, mounting, and connector).
• Wired and Wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet must be uniform across the series. 
• All products must use identical firmware/software versions; if software differs, then each version is treated as a separate series and tested independently.

The required documents for certification are as follows:

• Product image (DUT)
• Model number
• Chipset details (make, model, country of origin)
• Firmware version & hash value
• Differential analysis report (in case of any deviation)

Conclusion

The implementation of the Essential Requirements for the Security of CCTV establishes a clear framework for manufacturers to ensure that their CCTV products meet high standards of safety and security. All CCTV models in India must comply with these guidelines by April 9, 2025, to remain on the market. For more updates on BIS Guidelines for different products, connect with ERCS, your trusted BIS Consultant in India.