Compliance experts raise alarm as unsafe China-sourced electronics flood Indian market

Compliance specialists are warning of a growing wave of low-cost electronics imported mainly from China and other Southeast Asian countries entering India without mandatory safety certifications. This raises concerns over consumer safety and potential regulatory action. By the time these anomalies are detected, most units are already sold to consumers,

Recent market raids and enforcement drives have flagged uncertified chargers, low-grade lithium batteries, counterfeit BIS-marked appliances, and untested smart gadgets. Many of these products were found both online and in local markets, despite lacking approvals.

These approvals include BIS CRS, WPC ETA, EPR registration, and BEE ratings.

Key issues identified:

• Products sold with fake or invalid BIS numbers.

• High-volume imports entering India without WPC approval.

• Lithium-battery devices bypassing safety testing.

• Missing EPR compliance from several importers.

• Marketplaces unable to verify certification authenticity.

Authorities are expected to increase inspections of high-risk items such as chargers, power banks, LED lights, smartwatches, and small consumer electronics. Several states have already reported seizures of non-compliant imported goods, indicating stricter checks ahead.

Experts warn that uncertified electronics can cause overheating, fire hazards, short circuits, and device failures, and advise consumers to verify certification details before buying electronics from online discount listings or unofficial resellers.