Last updated on October 24, 2025
Yes, selling refurbished laptops in India is legally allowed—provided they meet safety and quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and are registered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) mandated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
India’s Tech Reboot: The Rise of Refurbished
In a country where over 800 million people access the internet and digital literacy is on the rise, the demand for affordable computing devices is booming. Enter refurbished laptops—budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and increasingly popular. But can you legally sell them in India? The answer is a confident yes, with a few important caveats.
India’s regulatory framework doesn’t just allow refurbished electronics—it actively encourages their safe circulation. The government recognizes the dual benefits: reducing electronic waste and expanding digital access. However, this isn’t a free-for-all. Sellers must play by the rules, and those rules are set by MeitY and BIS.
The Legal Backbone: BIS and MeitY
The sale of refurbished laptops falls under the purview of the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, first issued in 2012 and updated in 2021. This order mandates that certain categories of electronics—including laptops, notebooks, and tablets—must conform to Indian safety standards and be registered with BIS before they can be sold, whether new or refurbished.
This means sellers must ensure that refurbished laptops meet the IS 13252 (Part 1) standard, which covers general safety requirements for IT equipment. Once compliant, the product must carry a label stating “Self declaration — Conforming to IS 13252 (Part 1)” and be registered under the CRS. Without this, selling the device is prohibited.
Refurbished ≠ Recycled
It’s important to distinguish between refurbished and recycled electronics. Refurbished laptops are typically pre-owned devices that have been repaired, tested, and restored to working condition. Recycling, on the other hand, involves dismantling and repurposing components, often in ways that can be hazardous if not done properly.
India’s e-waste rules, while separate, intersect with refurbishment. The government is keen to prevent unsafe recycling practices, especially in informal sectors. Refurbishment, when done professionally and in compliance with BIS standards, is seen as a safer and more sustainable alternative.
Why It Matters
Selling refurbished laptops isn’t just legal—it’s part of a broader movement toward sustainable tech. With India generating over 1 million tons of e-waste annually, the government is pushing for formalized, safe, and certified reuse of electronics. This aligns with global trends and supports India’s digital inclusion goals.
For entrepreneurs and businesses, this opens up a promising market. But it’s not a shortcut. Compliance with BIS standards is non-negotiable, and registration is mandatory. The good news? The process is well-documented and supported by government portals.
See more on INDIA
Sources
Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012
https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/05/Electronics-Information-Technology-Goods-Requirements-for-Compulsory-Registration-Order-2012.pdf
Published: September 7, 2012
Scheme – II (Registration Scheme) | Bureau of Indian Standards
https://www.bis.gov.in/product-certification/products-under-compulsory-certification/scheme-ii-registration-scheme/
Published: November 13, 2012 (with updates through 2021)