The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has come up with an important amendment to the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. This notification, published in the Gazette of India on May 5, 2026, highlights several key changes for manufacturers, importers, and stakeholders of standalone hard disk drives (HDDs).
Background of the CRO Scheme
The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, in place the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) to guarantee that electronic products are safe and of good quality before they are introduced in the Indian market. The products that are covered under this scheme have to be registered with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and comply Indian Standards.
Key Amendment Highlights1. Inclusion of “Standalone Hard Disk Drives”
The amendment revises Serial No. 50 of the CRO Schedule by replacing the earlier entry with:
“Standalone Hard Disk Drives”
This change clarifies the product category and expands the scope of compliance under the registration framework.
2. Applicable Indian Standard
All standalone HDDs must comply with: IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 Information Technology Equipment – Safety: General Requirements This standard ensures that the devices meet essential safety benchmarks for consumer and industrial use.
Applicability & Timeline
The notification specifies a phased applicability:
- USB Type External Hard Disk Drives These will continue to be governed by the existing notified provisions, meaning no immediate change in compliance requirements.
- Other Standalone Hard Disk Drives All other categories of standalone HDDs will come under the CRO provisions effective from November 5, 2026.
Impact on IndustryManufacturers
The manufacturers need to make sure that their standalone HDD products are tested and registered with BIS prior to enforcement. Failure to comply may result in the restriction on sale / import in India.
Importers
Importers must confirm that manufacturers from abroad have BIS registration to ensure that they are not delayed or refused shipment at the customs.
Market Compliance
The amendment, apart from enhancing the product safety guidelines, also ensures a uniformity in quality standards among the electronics industry in India.
Why This Amendment Matters
- Enhances consumer safety through stricter compliance
- Brings clarity in product categorization
- Ensures uniform quality standards in the IT hardware market
- Aligns with India’s broader goal of improving electronics manufacturing standards
Conclusion
The recent amendment by MeitY indicates that the government is still working towards increasing their regulatory control over the electronic industry. Businesses dealing with standalone hard disk drives should act promptly to align with the updated BIS requirements before the November 2026 deadline. Not only being in compliance allows access to the market, but also fosters trust with the consumers due to meeting the established safety standards.
