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- BIS Certificate for Storage Battery under IS 16270:2023 is mandatory for legal sale or import in India.
- Mandatory for legal sale/import under Solar Systems, Devices & Components Goods Order, 2025.
- Covers lead-acid, VRLA, lithium and other chemistries used in solar, UPS, telecom, and railway.
- Requires testing, documentation, and compliance with revised standard.
- Applies to Indian manufacturers and foreign exporters supplying to India.
- Non-compliance may lead to license cancellation, shipment delays, re-export, or penalties.
Introduction
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requires certification of storage batteries for solar photovoltaic (PV) purposes. The standard will likely change to IS 16270:2023 after the enactment of the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025 (which states that storage batteries for solar applications comply with the applicable standard).
The proposed update adds new testing specifications, an extended scope in terms of battery chemistries, and more stringent compliance criteria.
A German EV backup power solutions company invested over ₹15 crore to build a new manufacturing line for lead-acid batteries focused on telecom towers in rural India. Their batteries had already undergone and passed IEC 60896 performance tests done in Europe and they had the CE mark for Europe as well. They believed that they had established quality credentials and expected customs clearance to be a routine step.
They were mistaken.
Upon arrival at Nhava Sheva Port, the shipment was held up by Indian customs. The reason?
The batteries did not have mandatory BIS registration. The relevant Indian standard is IS 16270:2023 — “Secondary Cells and Batteries for Solar Photovoltaic Applications — General Requirements and Methods of Test” — and it is now being enforced under the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025.
Without this BIS registration:
- The goods were not legally entitled to enter the Indian market
- The importer was paying daily port storage charges and would have to re-export
- Brand credibility had suffered, especially with Indian partners
This is the current Indian regulatory landscape — No registration with BIS means no access to the market — irrespective of any international test reports or certifications obtained internationally.
What is BIS Certificate for Storage Battery?
BIS Certification is the certification scheme operated by the Bureau of Indian Standards which will ensure that products meet the compulsory Indian safety and performance standards.
For storage batteries, the relevant standard is IS 16270:2023, which includes tests for:
- Electrical capacity
- Charge retention
- Fire safety
- Short-circuit resistance
- Construction and design integrity
The battery has to be marked with the BIS Standard Mark before it can be manufactured, imported, distributed or sold in India.
You can think of BIS Certification as a digital passport with a visa extension.
Think of BIS Certification as a digital passport with a visa stamp. No stamp, no entry.
Why is IS 16270:2023 so critical?
IS 16270:2023 was introduced after India saw a rise in substandard batteries failing in hot, dusty, and humid local conditions. Foreign test regimes alone could not address Indian-specific use-cases — from deep solar discharges in Rajasthan to telecom tower blackouts in Assam.
The standard protects Indian consumers and industries by verifying that:
- The battery meets rated capacity
- Terminals resist corrosion
- Venting systems are safe
- There is no acid leakage
- Life-cycle performance matches declared claims
It is not just a checkbox — IS 16270:2023 is a holistic risk safeguard.
IS 16270:2023 – Key Points
- New Order: MNRE issued Solar Systems, Devices & Components Goods Order, 2025 (replaces 2017 order).
- Revised Standard: IS 16270:2014 → now IS 16270:2023 (for solar storage batteries).
- Major Changes:
- Defined max charge current.
- Added Lithium batteries & new chemistries.
- Standards for Lithium cells/batteries included.
- Long-duration capacity (C120) & rated capacity requirements added.
- For Existing Licensees: Must shift to IS 16270:2023, submit fresh test reports & undertakings, else license may be cancelled.
- For New Applicants: Old standard valid only till 27 July 2025, after that only IS 16270:2023 accepted.
- For Scope Change: Same as new applicants; transition required by 27 July 2025.
- Effective Date: Guidelines apply immediately (26 March 2025).
Scope of IS 16270:2023
The revised standard covers:
- Lead-acid batteries
- VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead Acid) batteries
- Lithium-based batteries
- Nickel-based batteries
Used across: - Solar photovoltaic systems
- UPS and inverters
- Railways
- Telecom and industrial applications
Regulatory Framework
The revised standard is specified in the Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025, published by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) after consulting BIS.
It has repealed the Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2017.
BIS certification is compulsory for all storage batteries covered under this order for the purpose of sale, distribution, or installation in India (except for the purpose of export).
Important Things For Manufactures
- No certification of compliance to IS 16270:2014 will remain valid following the effective date of the new order.
- Batteries compliance tested under old standard need to be compliance tested under IS 16270:2023.
- Manufacturers will need to consider testing and application timelines well in advance of the orders effective date to mitigate the risk of supply interruptions.
- With lithium and other new chemistries included, there are many more manufacturers under the BIS certification requirement.
Which Batteries are Covered Under IS 16270:2023?
This standard applies to secondary, rechargeable batteries used for:
- Solar power storage
- Telecom base stations
- Emergency backup
- UPS installations
- Railway traction
- EV auxiliary loads (non-lithium)
Battery types commonly in scope include:
- Flooded lead-acid
- Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA)
- Nickel-Cadmium batteries
Lithium-ion storage batteries, note carefully, follow a different standard: IS 16046. If you deal in those, separate testing applies.
Who Must Obtain the BIS Certification for Storage Battery?
- Indian manufacturers
- Foreign manufacturers exporting to India
- Importers as Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR)
The onus is on the manufacturer to demonstrate compliance. If you are an importer, you can coordinate BIS licensing as an AIR, but the manufacturing facility must pass BIS lab protocols.
No entity is exempt if the battery is sold or supplied in the Indian market.
BIS Certification Process for Storage Battery (Step-by-Step)
Obtaining BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification for storage batteries is location-dependent for the manufacturing unit. The process differs for domestic (Indian) and foreign manufacturers. Here is a step-by-step guide for both:
For Domestic Manufacturers (India)
- Submission of Online Application
Submit the BIS certification application form after filling it out via the official BIS portal. - Product Testing
Have the storage battery samples tested at a BIS-approved laboratory. - Submission of Documents
Submit the test report and the filled-in application form online or as a hard copy. - Verification of Documents
BIS officials check and verify the application and supporting documents. - Grant of Certification
After successful verification, BIS grants the certification.
For Foreign Manufacturers
- Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
Nominate an AIR who will represent the foreign manufacturer in India. - Online Application Submission
Fill in the BIS application form with all supporting documents and submit them through the BIS online platform. - Product Testing
Submit product samples for testing in a laboratory that is BIS-approved in India. - Submission of Documents
File the test report together with the application form online or as a hardcopy physical document. - Verification by BIS
BIS officials check and verify the documents and application submitted. - Grant of Certification
After approval of the application, BIS grants the certification.
Required Documents for BIS Certification of Storage Batteries
From recent projects, a typical file pack includes:
- Factory Registration Certificate
- Manufacturing layout and QA procedures
- Technical specification sheets
- Sample product labels and markings
- ISO 9001:2015 certificate
- Test results from BIS-approved labs
- Power of Attorney from brand owner (if AIR is involved)
- Legal declaration of conformity
We once saved a Malaysian battery supplier two months of delays just by helping them fill out correct labels on the test samples. The smallest mismatch — model code, capacity range, polarity label — can kill your BIS application.
How Long Does BIS Certification Take?
- If you have a complete dossier with no gaps, plan for 6–8 weeks from sample submission to license grant.
- However, if there are issues in testing, or the BIS inspection needs clarifications, add 2–4 more weeks.
- A safe estimate: 2 to 3 months for complex battery packs with high Ah ratings.
Validity and Renewal of BIS License
- Your BIS license will stay valid for two years after issuance. You must apply for renewal before expiry, with updated conformity declarations and possibly a fresh round of tests.
- Think of renewal as your “fitness certificate” — without it, customs can block imports even if you once had a BIS mark.
Why BIS Certification is a Business Asset
One solar EPC client in Rajasthan told us:
- Once we showed BIS certification, we closed three government tenders in 10 days. Our batteries got immediate trust.
A BIS mark is a powerful competitive advantage. It signals:
- Proven safety and performance
- Regulatory compliance
- Access to public-sector buyers
- Fewer customs hassles
- Stronger brand reputation
For India’s ambitious green energy and telecom rollouts, BIS is a strategic lever — not a bureaucratic nuisance.
BIS Certificate for Storage Batterys
Overseas makers often assume CE or UL marks are enough. Here’s the truth: India does not accept foreign certifications alone.
Some common mistakes global players make:
- Assuming one global test covers India
- Forgetting to appoint an Indian Authorized Representative
- Skipping local lab testing
- Missing language translations in paperwork
If you are a German, Korean, or US-based battery brand, you must plan:
- India-specific testing under IS 16270:2023
- BIS registration
- Local representation (AIR)
One German client we supported avoided ₹20 lakh in port storage penalties by appointing a local BIS advisor before their shipment sailed. That is the smart way to plan India entry.
Costs for BIS Certification of Storage Batteries (CRS Scheme)
When applying for BIS Certification of Storage Batteries under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), manufacturers are required to pay certain statutory charges directly to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
| Application Fee | One-time fee payable at the time of submitting the application. |
| Processing Fee | Charged by BIS for processing each application. |
| Registration Fee | Payable at the time of grant of license; valid for two years. |
| Annual License Fee | Required annually to maintain the license. |
| Renewal / Surveillance Fee | Applicable during renewal of the BIS license under CRS. |
Requirements & Eligibility for BIS Certification of Storage Batteries
The Bureau of Indian Standards sets out strict eligibility rules for who can apply and what they must have in place. Let’s break it down clearly for Indian manufacturers and foreign brands:
For Indian Manufacturers
- Must have a registered manufacturing facility in India
- Should hold an ISO 9001 quality management certification (recommended but not always mandatory)
- Must be producing secondary (rechargeable) storage batteries as per IS 16270:2023 scope
- Must be able to submit product samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory in India
- Must comply with all relevant marking, labeling, and technical requirements
- Should be ready for a BIS factory audit to validate processes and production quality
- Must pay prescribed fees and submit correct legal documents, including proof of ownership and production records
Essentially, any Indian battery maker with a functional plant, valid legal documents, and a quality assurance system is eligible to apply for BIS registration.
For Foreign Manufacturers
- Must hold valid legal ownership of the product brand
- Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to interface with BIS
- Should have a factory or production unit compliant with the standard’s technical requirements
- Must be willing to submit samples for testing at BIS-approved labs in India
- Should ensure the product labeling and markings match Indian regulatory language and norms
- Must allow the BIS or nominated agency to audit their overseas factory if required
- Should submit notarized and legalised documents showing brand ownership and manufacturing capacity
Foreign applicants cannot directly apply alone; they must route their application through an Indian AIR, who acts as a local compliance anchor.
BIS for Storage Batteries and Green Energy
India’s renewable push — including PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar — is scaling battery demand at record pace. Without a robust BIS filter, thousands of untested, unsafe batteries could flood the market, leading to:
- Fires
- Acid leaks
- Warranty fraud
This is why BIS insists on local testing, to protect end-users. If you want to be part of India’s clean-tech revolution, BIS is your green pass.
Renewal of BIS Registration
- Some makers get BIS once, then forget about it. Result? After two years, customs seizes their new lot for expired BIS registration.
- Always mark your calendar to renew at least 2 months before expiry. Renewal usually only needs partial re-testing, if you did not change the model design.
Why Choose Diligence Certifications for BIS Certification for Storage Battery
- Specialized Expertise – We have deep knowledge of BIS standards like IS 16046 and related storage battery compliance requirements.
- End-to-End Support – From application filing to factory audits, product testing, and licence grant, we manage the entire BIS certification process.
- Error-Free Applications – Our consultants ensure correct IS codes, proper documentation, and testing alignment to avoid costly rejections.
- Faster Approvals – With our structured process, clients experience quicker certification and reduced delays.
- Compliance Assurance – We help manufacturers and importers meet all regulatory requirements to avoid penalties and blacklisting.
- Trusted Partner – Leading battery brands and importers rely on us for hassle-free BIS certification and renewals.
- Transparent Process – No shortcuts or fake reports — we deliver 100% genuine, compliant certification services.
Conclusion
The transition from IS 16270:2014 to IS 16270:2023 represents a significant shift towards improved safety, reliability, and performance in solar PV storage systems. India’s energy ecosystem is evolving faster than ever. Without BIS Certification for Storage Batteries under IS 16270:2023, your products cannot legally join this growth story. Whether you’re a domestic startup or a global brand, compliance is no longer optional.
Treat BIS as your brand’s trust shield and market entry gateway. Get the documentation right, partner with a reliable BIS advisor, and protect your investment.
Don’t risk your market entry — let Diligence Certifications handle the complete BIS process for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS Certificate for Storage Battery mandatory in India?
Yes. Under CRS, all secondary storage batteries listed under IS 16270:2023 must be BIS-certified to enter or be sold in India.
Does BIS apply to imported storage batteries?
Absolutely. Whether Indian-made or imported, storage batteries cannot be sold without BIS registration.
How long does BIS Certificate for Storage Battery take?
Roughly 2–3 months, depending on test complexities, paperwork accuracy, and audit findings.
Does BIS accept UL or CE marks?
No. India requires IS 16270:2023 local testing, even if you have other international certifications.
How is the BIS license renewed?
Renew every 2 years by submitting updated declarations and partial re-tests if needed.
Can one BIS license cover multiple battery models?
Only if the models have the same construction and performance. Otherwise, you must register each separately.
What happens if you skip BIS?
Your shipment could be confiscated, you could pay penalties, and your market access is blocked.
Are lithium-ion storage batteries included?
No, lithium-ion follows IS 16046; this blog focuses on lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries under IS 16270:2023.
Can I get BIS through an Indian agent?
Yes, foreign brands must appoint an Indian Authorized Representative to file and coordinate with BIS.
Does BIS do surprise inspections?
BIS reserves the right to do surprise factory checks even after granting the license, to maintain compliance integrity.
