Unsafe China-Sourced Electronics Flood Indian Market, Compliance Experts Raise Alarm

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 - raising concerns over consumer safety and potential regulatory action.

Recent market checks 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 such as BIS CRS, WPC ETA, EPR registration, and BEE ratings.

A senior regulatory expert at JR Compliance said the issue is becoming more common across fast-moving categories. “There has been a visible rise in uncertified imports, especially in low-cost electronics sourced from China. By the time gaps are detected, most units are already sold to consumers,” Mr. Rishikesh Mishra, CEO and Founder of JR Compliance said.

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.