- Assures tungsten filament lamps (100 W) conform to IS 418 safety and quality specifications.
- Facilitates the grant of an ISI mark, creating consumer confidence.
- Required as part of a government tender, also required on the shelf of retail.
- Confirms the performance of BIS tested and inspected products.
- Acts as a deterrent to avoid prematurely failed and unreliable use.
Introduction

For manufacturers producing tungsten filament lamps for sale into the Indian market, it is essential to have a good understanding of what it takes to meet its quality and safety standards. BIS Certification of tungsten filament general service electric lamps up to 100 W guarantees that those electrical lamps have been made to a certain quality and safety standard recognized throughout India. Bureau of Indian Standards The certification guarantees both the consumer, retailer, and distributor of the integrity of the lamp’s performance and safety features with electrical use. Additionally, this quality and safety standard allows manufacturers to affix the ISI mark to the lamp’s packaging, which creates acceptance by those utilizing the lamp, as well as distributors and retailers.
What is BIS Certification for tungsten filament Electric lamps (up to 100 W ) IS 418
The BIS Certification process for tungsten filament electric lamps (up to 100 W) under IS 418 confirmed compliance with India’s standards for quality, safety, and performance. Manufacturers that were granted this certification were allowed to use the ISI MARK. This easily established trust with the marketplace while providing regulation compliance.
Key points:
- Confirmed compliance with IS 418 safety, quality, and performance requirements.
- Allowed use of the ISI mark which establishes trust with users.
- Confirms performance through testing by BIS and site inspection of the factory.
- Increased participation in government and institutional project tenders.
- Decreased failures and increased dependability on end user performance.
What is IS 418?

IS 418 is the Indian Standard that outlines the requirements for tungsten filament electric lamps intended for general service purposes up to 100 watts. It was created by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to establish the safety, reliability, and performance of the filament lamp in domestic and business applications.
The standard covers aspects such as:
- Construction and materials of the filament and bulb
- Electrical performance, wattage, and voltage ratings
- Luminous efficiency and output of light
- Thermal and mechanical safety requirements
- Testing methods to ensure a stable quality
IS 418 ensures that tungsten filament lamps are safe, robust, and appropriate for the Indian market, and is the foundation for obtaining a BIS certification and the use of the ISI mark.
Why BIS Certification is Mandatory for Tungsten filament Electric lamps
BIS Certification for tungsten filament electric lamps (100 W and below) is required as it assures compliance to safety, quality and performance requirements defined in IS 418. Without this certification, lamps cannot be sold in the Indian market, particularly in government tenders, institutional projects and large retail chains.
Key reasons why it is mandatory:
- Consumer Safety: Certified lamps undergo tests for electrical, thermal and mechanical safety which reduces the chances of occurrence of unsafe events such as electrical fire or short circuits or bulb breakage.
- Quality Assurance: certification provides assurance that the tungsten filament lamp performs consistently with an accurate wattage and with a determined life expectancy.
- Legal Compliance: The regulations identifying lamps as general service lamps (up to 100 W) for sale in India require the fulfillment of a BIS certification for suitability.
- Market Access: Compliance and purchase is legally required for any large government procurement or for large retailer and mass distribution.
- Consumer Trust: The marker of acceptance by the product safety standard adoption for a lamp product carries the informal trust for product acceptance and reduces complaints or product returns.
Key features of BIS Certification
- Quality Assurance: Products are compliant with IS 418 requirements related to safe, performance, and durability.
- Authorization to Use ISI Mark: Provides manufacturers with the authority to use and ISI Mark which reflects conformity and dependability.
- Testing and Inspection: Product safety is substantiated through lab testing and arm’s-length factory audits, ensuring consistent safe product performance.
- Necessary for Market Acceptance: Required for government tendering, institution based projects, and distribution channels that involve solid volume based retailing.
- Consumer Safety: Assures that lamps are electrically, thermally, and mechanically safe, thereby minimizing risk to consumers and reducing product failure.
- Periodic Surveillance: Continual assurance occurs through some form of varying monitoring to assure product safety compliance and ongoing product consistency.

Step-by-Step Process of BIS Certification for Tungsten filament electric lamps
Step 1: Submit application
To start, the following documents will need to be included with the application submitted to BIS:
- Company registration certificate Factory plan
- infrastructure Product drawings
- specifications Quality control plan & testing capability
Applications can be submitted through the BIS portal online, or in person at the appropriate BIS division.
Step 2: Sending samples to BIS Testing
- The lamp (manufacturer) will find and send, the required sample lamps for testing against each of the testing referred to in the
- application request: Testing based on IS 418 specifications – Wattage & voltage – integrity, Integrity (filament/bulbs), Light output (light efficacy), Thermal performance and safety (under Load)
- The sample lamps must pass all of the test criteria for the lamps in order to move to the next step.
Step 3: Factory Inspection
- The process then moves into a factory inspection process which the BIS have in place, and will come to the plants site to undertake the comprehensive physical, on site
- Inspection process, to verify – Verify the manufacturing process and manufacturing flow, Verify the quality control system process, Verify equipment calibration/maintenance, lamp storage/handling/labeling
- The inspection is trying to do more than just test the lamps being supplied as samples, but to check the quality
Step 4: Grant of License
- After the completion of the laboratory and factory inspections, BIS issues a license to the manufacturer to use the ISI mark on all tungsten filament lamps, complying with the appropriate requirements (up to 100 W).
- Normally, a license to use the ISI mark is issued for a stated period and may be renewed periodically based on the compliance with standards.
Step 5: Surveillance and Renewal
- BIS will conduct surveillance inspection and sample products indiscriminately from production periodically, which is intended to continue assuring that the manufacturer practices on a uniform and consistent basis.
- Once there is compliance with IS 418 or based on the inspection reports maintained use of the ISI mark will be reaffirmed.
Benefits of receiving BIS Certification for Tungsten filament Electric lamps
Regulatory Compliance
- Mandatory for Sale: Adherence to Indian Standard (IS 15111) requires all Tungsten filament electric lamps to have the BIS (ISI mark).
- Legally Binding: Selling a lamp without the BIS certification is prohibited and may result in your arrest and/or the product being confiscated.
Quality Certification
- Consumer Reassurance: Consumers will view the BIS certification as reassurance that the lamp meets quality, performance, safety, and durability standards.
- Quality Consistency: The BIS certification process will provide you with some reassurance of consistency with the product and also promote a reduction in defects and/or product returns.
Safety
- Electrical Safety of the Product: Certification will expose the lamp to a lower probability of short circuit, excessive heating or ignition due to electrical arcing.
- Environmental: the certification process will provide some reassurance that the product meets material and emission criteria.
Market Value
- Consumer Assurance: The ISI mark will provide assurance and help achieve sales.
- Marketability and Tender: The BIS certification to your marketability will have value to the retailer, and for tendering and bidding on government services.
Export & Global Recognition
- Recognized internationally as a mark of quality and can ease foreign compliance.
Legal Protection
- Protects against liability claims and penalties for non-compliance.
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timeline: The complete process generally takes 3-6 months
- Cost: You will be responsible for all costs associated with application, testing, inspection process, and annual fees
- Validity: Generally valid for 1–2 years
- Renew: Yes, you can renew with the surveillance inspections and payment of the fees
Why Choose Diligence Certification
- We provide expert assistance coursing through BIS Certification IS 418 associated with tungsten filament lamps (approved to 100 W)
- We will simplify the application process, testing, and factory inspection to expedite approvals
- We will ensure the right documentation and compliance with all aspected of IS 418
- We will coordinate with BIS recognized laboratories and BIS officials to ensure smooth processing
- We will provide assistance in the surveillance inspections and renewals
- Reduced delays, reduced errors, and compliant to market standards efficiently
Conclusion
BIS Certification for tungsten filament electric lamps (up to 100 W) IS 418 indicates safety, quality assurance, and product reliability. It provides manufacturers with the right to use the ISI mark- promoting credibility among consumers and retailers. Certification generally becomes mandatory when applying for government contracts or mass distribution of products. There are various aspects of the application process, product sample evaluation process, and basic factory inspection that will deliver on the assurance of product compliance. Working through the registration process with qualified professionals like Diligence Certification will ensure the process is more seamless, and timely.
Frequently Ask Questions
What are tungsten filament lamps?
Tungsten filament lamps are common incandescent light bulbs/candles that produce light using a tungsten filament and they are used for home and house lighting.
Why is BIS certification required for tungsten filament lamps?
BIS certification gives the user a guarantee that the lamp being purchased has met the necessary specifications for safety, quality, and performance during the production of tungsten filament lamps in India and protects the user as well as the manufacturer.
What is IS 418?
IS 418 is the Indian Standard that defines requirements for tungsten filament lamps up to 100W, including safety, construction, and performance.
What is the ISI mark for tungsten filament lamps?
The ISI mark indicates that the lamp has passed BIS testing and meets Indian safety and quality standards.
As a manufacturer of tungsten filament lamps in India, what is the benefit of certification "BIS"?
BIS certification provides certain benefits for the manufacturer regarding compliance and the supplementary law of applicable standards in relation to safety and quality of tungsten filament lamps and may provide the manufacturer a market "advantage" in relation to safety and quality and may be indicated "preferred" in public sector statutory tenders.
Are tungsten filament lamps safe for usage?
Yes, there is a definite solution for these lamps to be safe as there is a rigorous testing process for electrical, thermal, and mechanical safety done by test agencies authorized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
What is the process for BIS certification for tungsten filament lamps?
The process includes application submission, sample testing, factory inspection, grant of license, and periodic surveillance.
Can tungsten filament lamps be sold without BIS certification in India?
No, selling uncertified tungsten filament lamps in India is illegal and may result in fines or confiscation.
How long is BIS certification valid for tungsten filament lamps?
Typically, BIS certification is valid for 1–2 years and can be renewed through surveillance inspections and fees.
Has BIS certification improved consumer confidence in the safety and performance of tungsten filament lamps?
Yes, the mark of ISI provides more confidence for the consumer in the safety and reliability of tungsten filament lamps, as well as consistently performs well enough to improve and/or further that confidence.