Latest Update | BIS Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) | October 2026
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has extended the deadline for implementing the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 for the implementation of Standalone Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Implementation date has been extended from 5th November 2026 to 1st May 2027 as per Notification S.O. 5689(E) dated 16th October 2026 in the Gazette of India. This extension gives a grace period to manufacturers, importers and relevant stakeholders to get ready for the compliance requirements applicable for Standalone Hard Disk Drives.
1. Background of the Notification
On 5 May 2026, MeitY had published Notification S.O. 2204(E) about the amendment of the schedule of the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. The product category at Serial No. 50 of the schedule was amended by substituting “Standalone Hard Disk Drives” for “USB Type External Hard Disk Drives” through this amendment. The revised product category was defined for compliance with IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and implementing date of 5 November 2026 was set. Later, MeitY released the notification dated 16th October 2026 extending the implementation date to 1st May 2027.
2. Key Highlights of the Notification
The following table summarises the important details of the latest notification:
| Particulars | Details |
| Issuing Authority | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
| Notification Number | S.O. 5689(E) |
| Notification Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Earlier Amendment | S.O. 2204(E), dated 5 May 2026 |
| Applicable Order | Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 |
| Product Category | Standalone Hard Disk Drives |
| Schedule Reference | Serial No. 50 |
| Applicable Indian Standard | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 |
| Previous Implementation Date | 5 November 2026 |
| Revised Implementation Date | 1 May 2027 |
Source: Gazette of India Extraordinary, Notification S.O. 5689(E), dated 16 October 2026.
3. Applicable BIS Standard: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
The notification refers to Indian Standard IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 as the Indian Standard applicable to the amendment to the Standalone Hard Disk Drives covered by the amendment.
This standard applies to the safety aspects of information technology equipment and is part of the compliance framework referred to in the applicable CRO.
Manufacturers and importers should check the classification of the product and the requirements that apply to it to identify the compliance obligations that apply to their products.
Extension of deadline alters the time frame for implementation as given in the notification. By itself, it does not provide any exemption from the requirements of the applicable BIS.
4. What Does the Deadline Extension Mean for Manufacturers and Importers?
This updated implementation date will give businesses extra time to prepare for the businesses affected by Standalone Hard Disk Drives (SHDDs) under the revised CRO schedule.
For Manufacturers
Manufacturers should take advantage of the longer timeframe to:
- Check the applicability of the revised product category to their product.
- Test compliance with Indian Standard.
- Review existing BIS Registration and Product Documentation (where applicable).
- Determine if further tests or documentation is needed.
- Schedule compliance events in advance of the new implementation date.
For Importers
The following measures should be taken by importers:
- Verify whether their imported products fall within the revised Standalone Hard Disk Drives category.
- Ensure that their imported products are included in the new Standalone Hard Disk Drives category.
- Check the BIS registration criteria.
- Ensure products meet the required specifications and provide supporting documentation with overseas manufacturers.
- Coordinate and organize import and supply chain activities according to the changed implementation period.
- Make sure that relevant regulatory requirements are covered in time.
For Overseas Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers who sell products in India should understand whether the revised product category applies to their products and the compliance arrangements that must be done. To minimise the chances of last minute delays in testing, document, register or plan for market entry, businesses should prepare as early in the process as possible.
5. What actions must be taken by Businesses before 1st May 2027?
The deadline to implement has been delayed, but businesses shouldn't wait until the last minute to get ready. There are several steps in a practical approach:
A practical approach includes the following steps:
Step 1: Confirm product applicability
Identify if product is within or outside the scope of Standalone Hard Disk Drives subject to amended CRO schedule.
Step 2: Review the applicable Indian Standard
Evaluate the demand of IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 referred in the notification.
Step 3: Evaluate existing compliance status
Review relevant registrations, test reports, product specifications, and technical documentation, as applicable.
Step 4: Identify pending requirements
Determine whether any additional testing, documentation, or registration-related activities are necessary.
Step 5: Establish a compliance timeline
Develop an internal action plan to undertake the required activities much in advance of 1 May 2027. It is also important for businesses to check the full notification and subsequent changes to ensure the requirements which are relevant to their products are correct.
6. Important Regulatory Considerations
The extension is provided by the S.O. 5689(E) and specifically modifies the implementation date of the amendment made by the S.O. 2204(E). This "exemption" from a BIS certification or registration is not a blanket exemption from BIS certification or registration requirements. The notification doesn't explicitly exclude all hard disk drives from regulatory obligations. Ideally, companies should therefore review the product category, the provisions of the CRO and other applicable requirements before deciding if they are compliant.
7. How Aleph INDIA Group Can Assist
Aleph INDIA Group is available to assist businesses in grasping the Indian product certification and regulatory compliance requirements. In the case of companies involved in information technology and electronic products, steps in regulatory planning can include the identification of Indian Standards applicable to the products, review of product specific requirements, coordinating compliance activities, and understanding the BIS certification / registration framework applicable to the products. Our team can help companies assess compliance requirements and map the necessary action to get ready for the regulatory landscape in India.
