The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has published S.O. 2204(E) in the Gazette of India on 5 May 2026, amending the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (CRO). The amendment brings standalone hard disk drives (HDDs) explicitly within the mandatory registration framework administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The amended requirements for standalone HDDs will come into force on 5 November 2026. Products falling within this category that are sold or imported into India must hold a valid BIS registration under the CRO before that date.
What Has Changed
Entry No. 50 of the CRO Schedule has been revised. The product description, previously listed as “Hard Disk Drives,” is now specifically defined as “Standalone Hard Disk Drives.” This change is more than a terminology update — it clarifies the boundary of what is subject to compulsory BIS registration under this entry.
The applicable Indian Standard remains IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 — Information Technology Equipment – Safety, Part 1: General Requirements.
Scope Clarification: Standalone vs. USB Type External HDDs
The amendment draws a clear regulatory distinction between two categories of hard disk drives:
- Standalone Hard Disk Drives — now explicitly captured under Entry No. 50 of the CRO, subject to mandatory BIS registration with effect from 5 November 2026.
- USB Type External Hard Disk Drives — continue to be governed under the existing notified provisions of the CRO without change.
Manufacturers and importers should assess their product portfolios against this distinction, as the compliance pathway differs depending on product type.
What This Means for Industry
For manufacturers and importers of standalone HDDs supplying the Indian market, this amendment signals the need for early action. BIS registration under the CRO requires product testing against the applicable Indian Standard through a BIS-recognised laboratory, followed by registration via the BIS portal. The process involves document preparation, sample testing, and ongoing compliance obligations including factory inspections and market surveillance.
With the 5 November 2026 deadline in place, companies that have not yet initiated the registration process should do so promptly to avoid disruption to their supply chains.
To read the official notification, access below.
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV has extensive experience supporting manufacturers and importers with BIS Compulsory Registration (CRO) for electronics and IT products in India. Our team can assist with product scope assessment, testing coordination through BIS-recognised laboratories, application management, and ongoing compliance support — ensuring your standalone HDD products are market-ready before the November 2026 deadline.
Have questions? We’re here to help.