BIS Certification
CDSCO
CPCB
LMPC
WPC Approval
Global Approvals
TEC
ARAI
BEE
ISO Certification
Drone Registration
NOC For Steel
Business Registration
Legal Services
BIS Certification for Battery
- BIS Certification for Battery is a regulatory requirement for lithium-ion, nickel and primary battery products under India’s Compulsory Registration Scheme (BIS CRS).
- It verifies batteries are built to Indian safety standards such as IS 16046 (which parallel IEC 62133) to avoid failure leading to explosion, leakage and overheating issues.
- The certification is important for Indian manufacturers, foreign Exporters, OEM’s and Importers, to be able to legally sell or distribute battery products in India.
- Batteries must be tested in Indian laboratories certified for this testing (not accepted are tests conducted by foreign testing laboratories).
- The BIS CRS process involves sampling and testing, documents and paperwork submission, and then online registration and review by BIS (final grant of License), typically all this can be done in 20-30 working days.
- Required documents to be submitted include business licenses, ISO 9001, test reports, technical data sheets, brand authorizations and where applicable, documents from Indian representatives (for foreign applicants).
- A BIS certificate is valid for 2 years with an option for renewal by retesting and resubmission.
- Being a BIS Certified Battery Product means you are able to carry the official Standard Mark, which provides market trust, safety, and regulatory approval.
- Without BIS Certificate, a battery product cannot legally be sold, imported or used in India – the highest compliance risk for global exporters.
Introduction
In 2023, a global EV battery manufacturer faced a costly delay when their imported lithium-ion battery pack shipment was rejected at the Indian port. The reason? Lack of a valid BIS Certificate.
This isn’t an isolated case. As battery technology proliferates across applications– from mobiles to solar to electric vehicles– the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has increased the pressure to comply with their quality and safety standards. Whether you are a brand international or Indian start up launching the product battery in India, compliance to BIS Certificate is not something you can choose to ignore.
In this document, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Battery IS Standards, types of certifications, and how Diligence Certifications can make compliance easier for you.
What is BIS Certification for Battery?
BIS Certification for Battery is the regulatory approval from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that indicates the battery product complies with Indian standards for safety and performance. Most batteries need to be tested as a product in a BIS approved lab and then registered to the appropriate IS Standard under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (BIS CRS).
It applies to:
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Primary batteries (AA/AAA cells)
- Secondary batteries
- Battery packs for consumer and industrial use
Why BIS Certification is Mandatory in India for Battery?
Rejected EV Battery Shipment at Chennai Port
In early 2024, a Chinese EV battery company was stuck in Chennai Port waiting to clear their 10,000 unit shipment with customs placarded their shipments and holding for clearance. The battery shipment was compliant with the UN38.3 regulations for transport of dangerous goods, however, the goods arrived without being in possession of a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certificate compliant with IS 16046, thus resulting in delays, demurrage and eventual return of shipment. This was enough to prompt the brand to immediately engage with a local compliance firm and modify their exporting procedures to India.
Batteries are dangerous – flammability, explosion, leakage of chemicals – especially batteries that don’t have proper design and quality control from the producer. That’s why it is important for BIS CRS, the National standards body of India, to govern battery certification.
Key Objectives:
- Protect consumer safety
- Promote quality manufacturing
- Align with global trade compliance
- Reduce import of substandard goods
This is crucial, especially in sectors like EVs, solar energy, electronics, and wearables—where battery safety is paramount.
Battery Products Covered under BIS Certification
Below are battery-related products that currently fall under mandatory BIS registration:
| Product Category | Covered under CRS? | IS Standard |
| Lithium-ion Cells (Secondary) | Yes | IS 16046 (Part 2) |
| Nickel Systems | Yes | IS 16046-1 |
| Alkaline/Primary Batteries | Yes | IS 8144 |
| Battery Packs (for mobiles, EVs) | Yes | IS 16046-2 |
| Portable Lead Acid Batteries | In discussion | Upcoming standards |
A Bengaluru-based IoT startup developing smart logistics trackers planned to use custom rechargeable lithium polymer batteries from a Korean vendor. However, they learned that BIS certificate was mandatory for the embedded battery units—even if not sold separately. With Diligence Certifications, they coordinated model-level testing in an Indian lab and achieved BIS clearance, enabling their product launch on schedule.
Key Features For IS Standards in India
Here are some important Indian Standards (IS) applicable to batteries:
| IS Code | Title/Description |
| IS 16046 (Part 2): 2018 | Lithium-ion cells & batteries for portable applications |
| IS 16046-1: 2018 | Nickel systems – safety testing |
| IS 8144: 2018 | Primary batteries – general specifications |
| IEC 62133-2: 2017 | Harmonized version of international battery testing standard |
| IS/IEC 60086 | Primary batteries (non-rechargeable types) |
IS 16046 is harmonized with IEC 62133, one of the world’s strictest battery safety standards.
Types of Batteries Requiring BIS Certification
Here’s a breakdown of the battery types requiring BIS Certificate approval:
- Lithium-ion Batteries (Li-ion)
- Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) & Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
- Alkaline Primary Cells
- Rechargeable Battery Packs
- Mobile Device Battery Packs
- EV Battery Modules (if sold as components)
An Indian OEM producing power banks for Amazon sellers sourced 5 different battery models. One variant was 18650 Li-ion cells that didn’t carry BIS certificate. After receiving multiple warnings from marketplace compliance teams, they had to recall inventory from warehouses and pause listings until BIS registration was completed. This delayed sales for over 45 days, highlighting the need for certification even in bulk B2B settings.
BIS Certification Process for Batteries (Step-by-Step)
The BIS certificate process typically follows these steps:
1. Product Testing
Test your battery samples in a BIS CRS-recognized lab for the applicable IS standard.
2. Document Submission
Submit technical and business documents (see below).
3. Online Registration (CRS Portal)
Register on the CRS portal under BIS and upload test reports.
4. Review & Approval
BIS authorities review your file and issue the BIS certificate.
5. Marking
Mark your product with the Standard Mark + Registration Number.
Documents Required for Battery BIS Certification Registration
Prepare the following documents:
- Business License (GST/Udyam/MSME)
- ISO 9001 Certificate (mandatory for manufacturers)
- Test Report (from BIS Certificate-accredited lab)
- Technical Specifications (Battery datasheet)
- Authorization Letter (for Indian representative if foreign brand)
- Undertaking & Affidavit
- Trademark certificate (if applicable)
Timeline and Validity of BIS Certification
- Timeline: 20–30 working days (if all documents and test results are in order)
- Validity: 2 years (renewable upon retesting and reapplication)
Cost of BIS Certification for Battery
The cost varies depending on:
- Number of models
- Testing fees
- Consultant/agency service charges
Benefits of BIS Certification for Battery Manufacturers
- Legal clearance for sale/import in India
- Boosts product credibility and trust
- Aligns with global safety norms
- Access to tenders and government contracts
- Easier market entry and distribution
- Protects your brand from regulatory fines
Why Global Battery Brands Need BIS
If you’re an international battery brand shipping to India, here’s what you must understand:
“No BIS = No Entry into Indian Market.”
Several global brands (Panasonic, Samsung SDI, BYD) already comply with IS 16046. However, new or unaware brands often face delays due to:
- Incomplete documentation
- Non-harmonized testing procedures
- Lack of Indian Authorized Representative (AIR)
A global client once lost a ₹2.5 crore deal because their Li-ion packs lacked a BIS Certificate number. That’s a mistake you can’t afford.
A Tokyo-based solar battery giant planned to expand into the Indian rooftop segment. They assumed their IEC 62133 certification covered Indian requirements. However, their distribution partner in Hyderabad was denied BIS Certificate registration due to lack of IS 16046-compliant lab test reports from India. The brand quickly engaged Diligence Certifications to coordinate sample testing in Mumbai and completed BIS Certificate registration within a month.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Battery Certification
- Submitting outdated test reports
- Applying without an Indian AIR
- Incorrect IS code mapping
- Missing trademark documents
- Delay in renewal (results in cancellation)
Work with a certification partner to avoid these.
A US-based battery brand selling DIY battery kits online faced rejection of their BIS Certificate application due to the absence of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). Despite excellent quality documentation, BIS Certificate requires foreign applicants to appoint a local legal contact. After onboarding Diligence Certifications as their AIR, the process was swiftly re-submitted and approved.
Why Choose Diligence Certifications?
At Diligence Certifications, we’ve helped 500+ Indian and global brands navigate the complex maze of battery BIS certificate.
Why clients choose us:
- End-to-end support (testing, documentation, submission)
- Fast-track processing (get certified in 20–25 days)
- 100% documentation compliance
- Dedicated BIS consultant for battery projects
- Affordable and transparent pricing
Partner with Diligence and never worry about compliance delays again.
Conclusion
Receiving your BIS Certificate for your battery products is not only a regulatory requirement, where it is ultimately insignificant in comparison to literally being your ticket into one of the fastest growing energy markets in the world. It doesn’t matter if you are a startup launching a new battery powered wearable technology or a multinational corporation importing EV battery modules into India, making sure you get your BIS Certification for Battery products correct is critical.
Don’t take chances with compliance. Partner with Diligence Certifications—your trusted expert in BIS Certificate and global product approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS Certificate required for lithium-ion batteries?
Yes, lithium-ion batteries must be Accredited according to IS 16046 Part 2 code: 2018 before selling/importing to India.
What is the validity of the BIS certificate?
BIS certificate are valid for two years and must be applied for and received before expiry of the existing certificate.
Can overseas battery manufacturers apply for BIS?
Yes, overseas battery manufacturers can apply for BIS CRS but they must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and clearly abide by IS codes/standards of India.
How much is the price feasibility of BIS Certification of batteries?
It typically will cost ₹1.2-1.8 lakh per model, which includes tests and application.
What are the consequences if I sell untested batteries in India?
Selling untested batteries can cause seizure, penalties, and prosecution.
How do I figure out what IS code I need for my battery product?
Consult BIS CRS or an expert agency like Diligence Certifications to map your product to the correct IS standard.
Can I apply for multiple battery models in one application?
Yes, if they fall under the same series/specifications. Otherwise, separate applications are needed.
What is CRS under BIS?
BIS CRS or Compulsory Registration Scheme mandates that specific electronic and battery products be registered before sale.
Does BIS accept international test reports?
No. Testing must be done in BIS CRS-approved Indian laboratories only.
Is there a fast-track option for urgent BIS approval?
Yes. Diligence Certifications offers priority processing services for urgent compliance needs.
