BIS QCO Amendment order for Electronics and Information Technology Product - Detailed Information

On 5 May 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology introduced a new update on BIS Registration for Electronic products, specifically targeting standalone hard disk drives (HDDs). The original order from 2021 listed item number 50 as “USB Type External Hard Disk Drives,” which indicated that only USB-connected external hard drives were subject to regulation. The recent amendment has changed this entry to “Standalone Hard Disk Drives,” a broader term that encompasses all types of standalone hard disk drives, not just those that connect via USB.

Overview of the BIS Amendment Order of Electronics and IT Goods

The notification update provides an updated list of electronic devices that must be BIS-certified before they can be sold in India.

In the past, Entry No. 50 in this list was much more far-reaching; however, it has been amended to include not only "Standalone Hard Disk Drives," but also to define them as Hard Disk Drives that function like external hard drives, without being inside a computer or laptop. This will allow the government to continue expanding the CRO’s scope, provide consumers with additional safeguards, and ensure that quality standards are upheld for all products. The addition of Standalone Hard Disk Drives is just one example of this expanding effort.

How does the BIS CRS amendment affect HDD importers?

The key change is the clear classification of standalone HDDs, along with separate compliance requirements based on their type.

USB Type External Hard Disk Drives

• These are the commonly used external HDDs connected via USB
• No change in rules
• They will continue to follow existing BIS compliance requirements

Other Standalone Hard Disk Drives

• Includes non-USB external or standalone storage devices
• Now, electronic goods require mandatory certification to obtain the BIS CRS Mark under CRS
• The compliance deadline is on 5th November 2026

Important Deadline to Remember under the Electronic and IT Goods Amendment

The Manufacturers and Importers must ensure compliance by 5th November, 2026. This provides the industry with 6 months from the notification date of 5th May, 2026, to align with the new requirement.

Why Is this Regulation Important?

Below, you can go through the benefits of obtaining Compulsory Registration for Electronic and IT Goods: 

• Consumer Protection: To protect consumers from injury, health risks or other issues arising from the use of electronic goods sold in India.
• Quality Control: To regulate and monitor the product quality of all electronic goods sold in India, regardless of the country of origin.
• Fair Business Practices: To create an equal and competitive marketplace for all manufacturers and distributors of electronic goods, both in India and abroad.

Who Will Be Affected?

Who needs BIS registration for standalone hard drives? The CRO applies to every person who produces, imports, stocks, sells or distributes a listed product in India. This includes:

Manufacturers in India

• Foreign Manufacturers (who will be required to designate an Authorised Representative to act on their behalf);
• Importers/traders (importers shall have the verified contents of their products available for customs clearance);
• E-commerce sellers.

What Businesses Should Do Now?

If you are supplying a product as a single-unit HDD, then you should:

• Please identify the new product category that applies to you. 
• Start your registration process with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• Get your products tested in accordance with the appropriate Indian Standard (IS 13252  Part 1).
• Comply before the cut-off date.

What Happens If You Don't comply with the latest MeitY notification 2026?

Selling or importing CRO listed products without BIS registration constitutes a violation of the law as defined in the BIS Act, 2016. The consequences of this violation will include:

• Seizure of products by enforcement authorities
• Fines/Financial penalties attached to the goods
• Legal action in extremely serious cases
• Damage to the reputation of the brand

Conclusion

In short, the Indian government is implementing stricter safety rules for standalone hard drives, which will take effect by November 5, 2026. All non-USB-supplied standalone drives must have a mandatory BIS code certification from the government. This legislation is intended to improve the quality, safety, and regulated market for electronics in India.