The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has directed all customs field formations to strictly validate the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration of imported goods before allowing clearance at ports. The move follows concerns raised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) regarding the import of non-compliant CCTV equipment.
Background
MeitY had reported that during customs clearance, officers often relied solely on the BIS registration number mentioned in the Bill of Entry, without verifying its validity or status on the BIS portal. This resulted in the import of CCTV units that did not meet the Essential Requirements (ERs) for security under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (CRO).
In some cases, goods were cleared despite the registration number being marked as "Deferred" or even cancelled by BIS.
New CBIC Instruction
In Instruction No. /2025-Customs, issued on August 26, 2025, CBIC has made it mandatory for officers to:
- Verify BIS registration details on the BIS-CRS website (https://www.crsbis.in).
- Allow clearance only for goods with a valid registration number.
- Reject imports where registrations are deferred or cancelled.
- Cross-check manufacturer's name, model number, and manufacturing location to ensure consistency with the registration details.
The directive further clarifies that the validation requirement applies not just to CCTVs, but to all electronic and IT goods covered under the CRO.
Impact on Trade
The new instruction is expected to tighten quality control at entry points and prevent the import of substandard or unsafe products. Importers will now need to ensure that their BIS registrations are active and compliant before shipping goods to India.
Industry experts believe this measure will enhance consumer safety, improve product quality, and strengthen India's regulatory framework for electronics. However, some importers may face initial delays as customs officers adapt to the enhanced verification process.
Way Forward
CBIC has instructed principal chief commissioners, commissioners, and director generals across customs zones to sensitize officers and ensure effective compliance. Stakeholders have been advised to promptly raise any operational difficulties with the Board.
Official copy of the instruction has been attached
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