- IS 3315:2019 defines Indian standards for evaporative air coolers, ensuring performance, durability, and safety.
- BIS certification and ISI mark guarantee compliance, energy efficiency, and customer trust.
- Manufacturers must follow testing, documentation, and inspection processes for legal and market access.
Introduction
A Pune-based home appliances manufacturer recently lost a bulk supply tender with a leading residential builder. The reason? Their desert coolers were not BIS-certified under IS 3315:2019, now mandated for commercial and domestic evaporative air coolers.
Across India, several small and medium-scale manufacturers of domestic and industrial air coolers face the same challenge: most are unaware that BIS certification for Desert Coolers is now essential for legal sale, industrial supply, and government projects.
BIS Certification ensures that every evaporative air cooler, from small domestic units to large industrial desert coolers, meets strict performance, energy efficiency, and safety standards. Compliance is no longer optional — it is a benchmark for brand credibility, tender eligibility, and market trust.
What is IS 3315:2019?
IS 3315:2019 is the Indian Standard for evaporative air coolers (desert coolers). Published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), it specifies requirements for design, performance, electrical and mechanical safety, and energy efficiency of air coolers.
The standard ensures that both domestic evaporative air coolers and industrial desert coolers provide reliable cooling while adhering to safety norms, water-based cooling efficiency, and electrical standards.
Key Provisions of IS 3315:2019
1. Design and Construction
- Frames, fan blades, and housing must be durable, corrosion-resistant, and capable of withstanding environmental conditions.
- Design must ensure proper airflow, uniform cooling, and safe access to water tanks.
2. Cooling Performance Standards
- Specifies cooling efficiency (evaporative efficiency) for domestic and industrial units.
- Defines airflow rates, water circulation rates, and temperature drop benchmarks.
3. Electrical Safety Requirements
- Air coolers must comply with IS 302-2-80 and IS 3854 for motor safety, insulation, and protection against electric shock.
- Mandatory provision for earthing, thermal overload protection, and insulated wiring.
4. Water-Based Cooling Systems
- Standards for water pads, pump operation, and anti-leakage measures.
- Ensures hygienic operation and reduces water stagnation risks.
5. Marking and Labelling
- ISI mark, manufacturer details, model number, voltage, and capacity must be displayed prominently.
- Indicates compliance with IS 3315:2019 and BIS-approved testing.
In short, IS 3315:2019 ensures that evaporative air coolers meet uniform performance, safety, and durability standards for Indian climatic and electrical conditions.
Why BIS Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers Matters
1. Ensures Product Safety and Reliability
Evaporative air coolers involve electricity and water. Poorly manufactured units risk electrical hazards, water leakage, or structural failure. BIS certification guarantees testing for motor insulation, fan stability, and water circulation, minimizing safety risks.
2. Legal Compliance in India
Under the BIS Act, 2016 and relevant Quality Control Orders, all air coolers supplied domestically or industrially must be BIS-certified. Selling non-compliant units may result in penalties, confiscation, or loss of business opportunities.
3. Enhances Market and Brand Credibility
The ISI mark is a trusted symbol recognized nationwide. Builders, retailers, and homeowners prefer BIS-certified desert coolers, confident in their energy efficiency, durability, and warranty support.
4. Eligibility for Tenders and Exports
Government and commercial tenders often mandate BIS-certified evaporative air coolers. Certification expands access to industrial contracts and export markets.
5. Standardized Quality Control
BIS-certified manufacturers implement in-house QC systems aligned with IS 3315:2019, ensuring consistent cooling performance, low energy consumption, and long-term reliability.
Understanding the ISI Mark
The ISI mark on a desert cooler indicates:
- Full compliance with IS 3315:2019 standards.
- Tested by a BIS-recognized laboratory for performance, safety, and efficiency.
- Manufacturer’s production processes audited and approved by BIS inspectors.
- A trusted proof of reliability for domestic and industrial buyers.
For consumers, the ISI mark ensures energy-efficient, safe, and durable cooling — a vital reassurance during India’s hot summer months.
Importance and Benefits of BIS Certification
| Benefit | Description |
| Safety Assurance | Minimizes risk of electrical shocks, leakage, and structural failure. |
| Legal Compliance | Mandatory under BIS Act and QCO for air coolers. |
| Customer Trust | ISI mark assures verified quality and performance. |
| Market Advantage | Enables participation in government, industrial, and tender projects. |
| Brand Credibility | Builds long-term trust with retailers and customers. |
| Avoids Penalties | Protects against confiscation, fines, and legal action. |
| Supports Make in India | Aligns with national manufacturing quality goals. |
| Export Recognition | Facilitates global market acceptance for Indian-made coolers. |
Eligibility Criteria for BIS Certification
Manufacturers seeking BIS certification for evaporative air coolers must:
- Be a registered legal entity (Company, LLP, or Proprietorship).
- Maintain a functional manufacturing unit with assembly and testing facilities.
- Have internal quality labs for performance and electrical safety testing.
- Employ qualified technical staff for process supervision.
- Allow BIS inspection teams to audit facilities and test reports.
- Only Indian manufacturers or authorized Indian representatives of foreign brands can obtain an ISI licence.
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process
1. Identify Applicable Standard
Confirm your cooler models comply with IS 3315:2019 specifications.
2. Online Application
Register on the Manak Online Portal with factory, product, and GST details.
3. Product Testing
Submit cooler samples to a BIS-approved lab for performance, electrical, and water efficiency tests.
4. Factory Inspection
BIS officials inspect production facilities, assembly lines, and QC systems.
5. Evaluation of Results
BIS reviews lab and inspection reports to ensure full compliance.
6. Grant of Licence
Approved manufacturers receive a BIS licence, allowing ISI mark use.
7. Renewal
Licence is valid for two years, renewable with updated test reports.
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| Category | Required Documents |
| Company Proof | Incorporation Certificate, GST, MSME/Udyam Registration |
| Factory Details | Layout, Machinery List, Process Flow Chart |
| Quality System | Internal QC records, calibration certificates |
| Product Testing | BIS Lab Test Reports for IS 3315:2019 |
| Technical Details | Drawings, electrical & water system specs, energy efficiency data |
Accurate documentation ensures smoother processing and faster approval.
Validity and Renewal of BIS Licence
| Aspect | Details |
| Initial Validity | 2 years from issue date |
| Renewal Period | Up to 5 years per renewal |
| Renewal Timing | Apply 3 months before expiry |
| Renewal Requirements | Fresh test reports, production proof, fees |
| Inspection During Renewal | BIS may re-inspect the factory |
| After Renewal | Continuous ISI mark usage permitted |
Timely renewal ensures compliance and tender eligibility.
Common Challenges During BIS Certification
- Incomplete Paperwork: Missing test reports or QC records delays approval.
- Test Failures: Non-compliance in airflow, energy, or electrical safety may require retesting.
- Inspection Issues: Poor documentation of assembly or maintenance processes can cause rejection.
- Lab Backlogs: BIS-recognized labs may have delayed reports due to workload.
- Renewal Oversight: Missing deadlines may suspend licence validity.
- Technical Misunderstanding: Misinterpretation of IS 3315:2019 clauses may cause errors.
- Cost Management: Small manufacturers may find testing and inspection fees challenging.
Engaging a professional BIS consultant can mitigate these risks.
Cost of BIS Certification
| S.No | Cost Component | Details |
| 1 | Application Fee | Paid during online submission |
| 2 | Product Testing Fee | Varies by cooler type and test scope |
| 3 | Factory Inspection Fee | Covers BIS inspection costs |
| 4 | Licence Fee | Based on production capacity and validity |
| 5 | Renewal Fee | Payable every 2 years for continuation |
Costs vary depending on unit size, model variants, and testing requirements.
Why Choose Diligence Certification
- Expert Guidance: Specialists in appliance certification simplify BIS approval.
- Faster Processing: Coordinated testing and documentation reduce delays.
- Complete Documentation Support: Factory layouts, QC charts, and testing protocols prepared professionally.
- Compliance Audit: Pre-submission checks to prevent rejection.
- Trusted by Manufacturers: Many domestic and export brands rely on Diligence Certification.
- Post-Certification Support: Assistance with renewals, inspections, and BIS updates.
Conclusion
Obtaining BIS Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers (IS 3315:2019) is essential for legal compliance, customer trust, and business growth. Whether for domestic evaporative air coolers or industrial desert coolers, certification ensures safety, performance, and energy efficiency.
Partnering with a trusted BIS consultant ensures smooth testing, documentation, licensing, and renewal. Position your brand as reliable, BIS-certified, and ISI-mark trusted in the Indian market.
Contact a BIS Consultant today to secure your licence and gain a competitive edge
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IS 3315:2019?
IS 3315:2019 is the Indian standard for evaporative air coolers to ensure safety, performance, and efficiency.
Why is BIS certification necessary for desert coolers?
BIS certification is legally obligatory to sell the product in India or participate in any tender and also to ensure safety.
Which organization in India gives BIS certification?
BIS certification can only be given through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
What does ISI mark on the desert coolers indicate?
ISI mark indicates that product is compliant to IS 3315:2019, and is approved by BIS.
What is the validity of BIS licence?
BIS licence is valid for two years and can be renewed for up to five years.
What documents are needed for BIS certification?
Company registration documents, testing report, quality control records and factory details etc.
Can the coolers imported from abroad get BIS certification?
Yes, if the manufacturer appoints an authorized representative of the foreign brand in India.
What will happen if a manufacturer sells non-BIS desert coolers?
Major penalties could include fines, confiscation of the products and cancellation of BIS license.
How many days does it take to get BIS certification?
Normally it takes around 30 to 60 days, depending on the testing of the products and inspection.
How would Diligence Certification help?
Diligence Certification supports in testing, documentation process and getting BIS approval quickly.
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