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- Mandatory Certification: Certification by the BSI under IS 16046 (Part-2):2018/IEC 62133-2:2018 is required for lithium-ion batteries, a standard harmonized to the international standard IEC 62133-2:2017.
- Who needs the Certification: Only the manufacturer, importer or OEM needs the Certification, including EV Start up manufacturers/sellers in India which develop lithium-ion batteries or battery powered devices.
- The Important National Standard: IS 16046 – 2 Certification ensures that batteries have passed a series of safety tests covering overcharge, short circuit, crush or drop, and temperature cycling.
Why is Lithium Ion Battery BIS Certificate ?
Recently, demand and adoption of lithium ion batteries have grown significantly due to trends in electric mobility, smart electronics, renewable energy devices and other applications. Lithium Ion batteries have increased risk due to their highly volatile chemistry and are prone to fire, explosion and environmental risk. These risks and the underlying cause is a consequence of the use of non-certified batteries which have not passed the underlying expected certification tests. This is where the requirement for BIS Certification is necessary and is conducted under the range of IS 16046: (Part-2): 2018 / IEC 62133-2:2018 standard.
You must provide certification whether you are exporting batteries to India or you are manufacturing batteries locally, if you want to achieve access to the Indian market, compliance with BIS is required.
“A leading battery brand from Germany was unable to sell their product in India in 2022 due to delays in BSI approvals. Today, compliance is not only best practice, it is a requirement to have access to the market.”
What Is BIS Certification for Lithium Ion Battery ?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are the national standards body for India and regulate product safety and quality in different areas. It operates under its compulsory registration scheme (CRS) for lithium-ion batteries and has made compliance with the safety standard IS 16046 (Part-2):2018, harmonized with IEC 62133-2:2017.
BIS Certification is an official guarantee from the Bureau of Indian Standards that a lithium-ion battery or battery powered product meets the safety, quality, and performance standards of India—specifically for portable and rechargeable batteries based on lithium.
This certification is compulsory for the product to be marketed in India; a battery without BIS certification can result in fines and confiscations for the product. The certification can provide manufacturers and importers with operational advantages, including:
- Avoid customs delays and fines
- Increase product credibility with retailers and consumers
- Allow government contracts and tenders
Whether you are a startup developing electric vehicle (EV) batteries or an OEM exporting battery packs to India, considering BIS Certification is crucial to maintain the legality and ease of facilitating business.
Why It Matters?
BIS Certification is the official entry point for international manufacturers looking to enter India’s huge and fast-developing battery-powered electronics and EV market. There are many products that may comply with globally accepted standards such as UN 38.3 or IEC 62133 but will not be sold or distributed in retail or via customs to India unless it has a valid BIS license number.
Key Advantages:
- Gain legal access to one of the world’s largest battery-consuming markets
- Strengthen global brand presence through recognized Indian safety certification
- Boost supply chain efficiency by reducing customs bottlenecks
- Unlock partnerships with Indian government, PSU, and private sector buyers
- Align with India’s push for clean energy, EV, and tech innovation markets
- Leverage compliance to expand across other South Asian markets using India as a hub
Obtaining BIS Certification is required for any international business exporting lithium-ion batteries into India. This certification is required for compliance with India’s IS 16046-2/IEC 62133-2 standard and for accessing lucrative government contracts, customs clearance, and aligning strategically with India’s EV and green energy commitment.
International firms may apply for BIS Certification through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). Diligence Certifications offers global support through clients groups in the US, China, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and others, including the ability to navigate BIS compliance and approval quickly and confidently.
A client from South Korea received BIS approval in under 40 days with our support—enabling them to secure a major EV contract in India.
Who Needs BIS Certification?
Applicable Entities
- Domestic manufacturers of lithium-ion cells or battery packs
- Global exporters and OEMs targeting the Indian market
- Importers of lithium-ion products for resale
- Contract manufacturers supplying battery components
- EV startups and consumer electronics brands
Applicable Products
- Lithium-ion cells & batteries (rechargeable)
- Power banks, smartphones, laptops
- Electric vehicles (2W, 3W, 4W)
- Drones, solar energy storage packs
- Telecom & medical backup devices
If your product contains a lithium-ion battery, you likely need BIS compliance.
Requirements for Lithium Ion Battery BIS Certification
Technical & Documentation Requirements
- Product samples tested in a BIS-recognized lab
- Comprehensive battery specifications including voltage, capacity, chemistry
- Factory Quality Assurance Manual
- Brand Authorization Letter (if brand is not owned by the applicant)
- IEC and internal safety test results (if available)
Infrastructure Requirements
- Manufacturing facility must have testing equipment and safety protocols
- Designated quality control officer and inspection logs
- Labeling must include BIS Registration Number (R-Number)
Eligibility Criteria for BIS Certification
To apply for BIS Certification under CRS for lithium ion batteries you must:
- Be considered a legal entity in India or at the international level (Pvt Ltd, LLP, Partnership, etc)
- Have access for manufacturing a facility (own or contract)
- Manufacture lithium ion battery cells or packs (for portable or automotive application)
- Submits battery samples for testing to a BIS Accredited laboratory
- Comply with IS 16046 (Part-2):2018 standard guidelines
For foreign brands, eligibility also includes successful completion of FMCS factory inspection by BIS officials.
Understanding IS 16046 (Part-2):2018/IEC 62133-2:2018
Scope of the Standard
IS 16046-2 governs safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries used in portable applications.
Key Safety Tests Include:
- Overcharge and over-discharge protection
- Temperature cycling test
- External short circuit
- Drop, vibration, and crush resistance
- Electrolyte leakage
“It ensures that batteries do not pose risks to life, property, or the environment.”
International Alignment
This standard is harmonized with the globally accepted IEC 62133-2:2017, which means compliance gives your product a globally competitive edge.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
Choose Certification Scheme
- IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 comes under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) of BIS.
- Products covered under CRS need to be registered prior to sale in India.
Testing in BIS-Recognized Laboratory
Have your battery tested according to IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 in a BIS-recognized testing laboratory.
Major tests are:
- Electrical performance
- Thermal abuse
- Mechanical shock
- Overcharging & over-discharging
- Short-circuit test
- Temperature cycling
- External short circuit
- Foreign labs are not allowed; only Indian BIS-approved labs can be utilized.
Documentation Required
You have to prepare and submit:
- Test report (from lab approved by BIS)
- Manufacturer’s ISO 9001 certificate
- Details of factory location
- Organizational chart
- Label and marking details on product
- Technical specifications / datasheet
- Authorization letter (if through agent)
Online BIS CRS Portal Registration
- Register on the BIS CRS portal.
- Complete online application (Form VI).
- Upload documents and test report.
Grant of Registration
- BIS examines application and documents.
- If everything is correct, Registration Certificate is granted.
- Validity: 2 years, renewable.
Document Checklist for BIS Certification
| Requirement | Details |
| Business registration | GST, IEC Code, CIN or MSME Certificate |
| Technical specifications | Datasheets, battery chemistry, voltage |
| Brand ownership proof | Trademark or brand use authorization |
| Factory documentation | QA process, layout, machinery list |
| Test reports | From BIS-approved labs only |
India’s Strategic Position in Global Battery Trade
India is quickly becoming the center of clean energy and electronics manufacturing, and now is the time for foreign brands to get rooted in one of the fastest growing markets for battery-powered devices. India is expected to exceed 60 million electric vehicle units by 2030, and certified lithium-ion batteries will be critical for powering their expansion.
Opportunities in Government Partnerships
Global battery brands holding BIS certification gain preferential entry into government-backed EV, smart city, and renewable energy projects. India’s PLI Scheme (Production Linked Incentive) for battery manufacturers actively encourages foreign collaborations. BIS compliance is a gatekeeper for such partnerships.
Cross-Border Export Advantages
Products certified under IS 16046 can also enhance brand credibility across the SAARC region, Middle East, and Africa, as Indian regulatory benchmarks gain global recognition. BIS acts as a secondary mark of quality in nations that look to India’s regulatory ecosystem as a model.
Digital Trade Enablement
E-commerce platforms such as Amazon India, Flipkart, and Reliance Digital, for example, will require BIS registration numbers before they onboard products, so while they are fully certified, global sellers can then broaden their digital reach in India—this can translate to the potential of B2C and D2C battery sales without local warehousing.
Challenges Global Manufacturers Face
1. Localization of Samples
Shipping battery samples to India is costly and may face customs clearance delays.
2. Standard Adaptation
Even if you’re IEC certified, BIS may still require local testing under IS 16046.
3. Bureaucratic Hurdles
Filing the correct documentation without errors can delay applications by weeks.
Pro Tip: Use consultants like Diligence Certifications to fast-track the process.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Lithium Ion Batteries
1. Legal Compliance
BIS is mandatory for customs clearance and retail sales in India.
2. Global Brand Recognition
Builds trust among Indian OEMs, retailers, and consumers.
3. Avoid Fines and Import Rejection
Non-compliant shipments may be detained or destroyed.
4. Faster Product Launch
Certification opens doors to public tenders and major B2B contracts.
Cost, Validity and Timeline for BIS Certification for Storage Battery
| Phase | Timeline | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR Setup & Form VI Filing | 1–2 weeks | Applicable Cost | Valid till renewal |
| Product Testing | 2–4 weeks | Applicable Cost | One-time per model |
| Certification Grant | 1 week | Applicable Cost | 2 years (renewable) |
Conclusion
If you’re involved in lithium battery manufacturing, export, or distribution, BIS Certification is your ticket to credibility and growth in the Indian market.
Backed by the globally aligned IS 16046-2/IEC 62133-2, this certification helps you:
- Mitigate safety risks
- Build consumer trust
- Comply with government regulations
- Accelerate product launches in India
Whether you’re a EV battery brand in Europe, or a smartphone OEM in Asia, keep in mind that BIS compliance is not only an approval—it’s a stamp of global quality.
Ready to enter the Indian market with confidence? Contact Diligence Certifications today and let the experts manage your BIS journey from start to finish.
Why Choose Diligence Certifications for BIS Compliance?
- Over 800+ BIS Certifications managed globally
- In-house team for documentation and lab coordination
- Assistance with customs, sample logistics, and audits
- Dedicated support for FMCS and CRS routes
“We help brands in Germany, China, and South Korea enter the Indian market with zero compliance stress.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Requires BIS Certification for Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Any enterprise that produces, imports or sells lithium-ion batteries in India, including foreign brands, must achieve a BIS Certification.
Can foreign businesses use BIS when they have no physical presence in India?
Yes, foreign brands may apply on the FMCS route but they would have to appoint an Indian Authorized Representative AIR.
What is the average time it takes for BIS Certification?
It usually takes 4-6 weeks, but actual time can vary due to lab capacity and scheduling audits.
What are the primary standards relating to Lithium battery BIS Certification?
IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 which is aligned to IEC 62133-2:2017 would be the primary standard used for lithium-ion battery safety in India.
If I have IEC or UN certification, is local testing required?
Yes. Regardless of international certification, BIS must be tested in a BIS recognized lab in India.
What if I am selling products that are integrated with batteries such as drones or laptops?
If the product includes a lithium-ion battery, then BIS Certification is required for the battery itself.
Can startups or contract manufacturers apply for BIS Certification?
Yes. You don’t need to own a factory. As long as you control the product specs and quality, you can apply.
Can I certify multiple battery models with one license?
No. Each battery model or variant requires its own testing and BIS approval.
Is BIS Certification helpful for government projects or tenders?
Absolutely. BIS is often a prerequisite for EV tenders, public contracts, and Make in India initiatives.
Can BIS licenses be suspended or revoked?
Yes. Non-compliance, failed audits, or product safety issues can lead to suspension or cancellation.
What’s the FMCS scheme and how does it help global brands?
FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) enables non-Indian manufacturers to obtain BIS by passing a factory audit and appointing an AIR.
What are the documents required for global BIS Certification?
Documents include company registration, test reports, brand authorization, quality manual, and AIR agreement.
Can I apply for BIS Certification from a distance?
Yes. The entire process can be done without you visiting India with professional partners like Diligence Certifications.
Does BIS exist for EV battery packs too?
Yes. BIS exists for all lithium-ion batteries, EVs, energy storage, telecom, e-bikes etc.
How do I know if my product is already BIS certified?
You would check on the BIS CRS portal under the model name or registration number.
