BIS certification under IS 16544:2016 ensures quality, safety, and performance of All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems. Standphill India provides complete BIS certification and ISI mark consultancy for solar thermal manufacturers.

BIS Certification for All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating System (IS 16544:2016): Mandatory ISI Mark Certification

All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems represent a crucial renewable energy technology in India, providing sustainable and efficient hot water solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Given their significant role in reducing fossil fuel dependency and ensuring energy security, maintaining stringent quality standards is paramount.

To eliminate sub-standard products from the market and ensure reliable performance, the Government of India has made BIS certification mandatory for these systems under IS 16544:2016 through the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, issued under the BIS Act, 2016.

From the enforcement date specified in the QCO, any All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating System manufactured, imported, stocked, sold, or distributed without the valid ISI Mark is illegal in India.

Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Solar Water Heating Systems?

Yes. BIS Certification is Mandatory and Legally Required.

All manufacturers and importers of All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems must obtain BIS certification and affix the ISI Mark on their products before introducing them to the Indian market. This applies to both domestic production and imports.

Non-compliance with this mandate violates Section 29(3) of the BIS Act, 2016, leading to severe consequences including seizure of goods, substantial monetary penalties, cancellation of license, and potential imprisonment.

BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) – Solar Thermal Systems

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has notified the Quality Control Order for Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components. This QCO specifically mandates BIS certification for products falling under IS 16544:2016.

Key Implications of the QCO:

• Prohibits manufacture, import, sale, or distribution of non-ISI marked systems
• Applies to all business sizes (large, medium, small, and micro enterprises) from the respective enforcement dates
• Requires ongoing compliance through regular BIS surveillance audits
• Empowers BIS officials to inspect premises and test samples from the market

What is IS 16544:2016?

IS 16544:2016 titled "All Glass Evacuated Tube Collector Based Solar Water Heating System — Specification" is the comprehensive Indian Standard that establishes the minimum requirements for the design, materials, construction, performance, and testing of these systems.

The standard ensures that certified systems deliver:

• Optimal thermal performance under Indian climatic conditions
• Structural robustness to withstand environmental stresses
• Long-term durability and minimal maintenance requirements
• Safe operation under varying pressure and temperature conditions
• Energy efficiency contributing to national conservation goals

System Classification Under IS 16544:2016

1. System Type Coverage

The standard specifically covers:

i. Non-concentrating Systems: Systems that do not use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight
ii. Direct Systems: Where potable water circulates directly through the collectors
iii. Vented Systems: Open to atmospheric pressure at some point
iv. Thermosyphon-based Systems: Relying on natural convection for water circulation

While the standard provides specifications applicable to various capacities, typical domestic systems range from 100 liters per day (LPD) to 500 LPD, with commercial systems extending to higher capacities.

Scope and Applicability of IS 16544:2016

This Standard Applies to Complete Systems Including:

1. All-glass evacuated tube collectors
2. Storage tanks and associated insulation
3. Support structures and mounting frames
4. Piping, valves, and fittings
5. Heat transfer fluids (in indirect systems)
6. Control systems and instrumentation
7. Safety devices and pressure relief valves

Key Technical Parameters Defined:

1. Minimum thermal performance requirements
2. Material specifications for durability
3. Structural design loads (wind, snow, seismic)
4. Pressure and temperature ratings
5. Installation and commissioning guidelines
6. Operation and maintenance requirements

Mandatory Tests for BIS Certification (IS 16544:2016)

For obtaining BIS certification, systems must undergo comprehensive testing at BIS-recognized laboratories. The critical test parameters include:

1. Thermal Performance Test: Measures efficiency under standard test conditions
2. Pressure Test: Verifies system integrity under 1.5 times maximum working pressure
3. Heat Retention Test: Evaluates overnight heat loss characteristics
4. Stagnation Temperature Test: Assesses performance under no-load conditions
5. External Thermal Shock Test: Checks resistance to sudden temperature changes
6. Internal Thermal Shock Test: Evaluates system response to cold water entry into hot collector
7. Rain Penetration Test: Ensures water tightness during rainfall
8. High Temperature Resistance Test: Verifies material stability at elevated temperatures
9. Mechanical Load Test: Assesses structural strength under wind and snow loads
10. Impact Test: Evaluates resistance to hail and accidental impacts
11. Exposure Test: Checks durability under prolonged UV and environmental exposure
12. Safety Valve Function Test: Ensures proper operation of pressure relief devices

Only systems successfully passing all applicable tests receive BIS certification approval.

BIS Certification Scheme Applicable

1. Certification Type: Product Certification Scheme
2. Scheme: ISI Mark Scheme – Scheme I (Schedule II)
3. Governing Regulations: BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
4. Marking Requirement: Compulsory ISI logo with unique CM/L license number
5. License Validity: Initially 2 years, renewable thereafter

Complete BIS Certification Process for IS 16544:2016

Step 1: Application Filing
Manufacturer submits Form V on the BIS portal with complete technical documentation, factory details, and prescribed fees.

Step 2: Document Scrutiny and Verification

BIS Technical Committee Reviews:
i. Complete product technical literature and drawings
ii. Detailed Quality Control Plan (QCP) for manufacturing
iii. Raw material specifications and supplier details
iv. In-house test facility capabilities (if any)
v. Process control and inspection procedures

Step 3: Factory Inspection and Assessment

BIS Inspection Team Evaluates:

i. Manufacturing infrastructure and technical capability
ii. Quality management system implementation
iii. Production process control and consistency
iv. Calibration status of testing equipment
v. Technical personnel qualifications and training
vi. Raw material inspection and storage procedures
vii. Finished goods testing and quality assurance
viii. Documentation and record-keeping systems

Step 4: Sample Selection and Testing
BIS officials draw samples from factory production or market for testing at approved laboratories. Testing follows the complete protocol specified in IS 16544:2016.

Step 5: Test Report Evaluation
BIS technical team reviews laboratory test reports to verify compliance with all standard requirements.

Step 6: Grant of BIS License
Upon satisfactory factory inspection and test report compliance, BIS issues the license authorizing ISI Mark usage with unique CM/L number.

Step 7: Surveillance and Renewal
BIS conducts regular surprise audits, sample testing from factory and market, and license renewal every 2 years to ensure ongoing compliance.

Essential Documents Required for BIS Certification

1. Duly filled and signed BIS application Form V
2. Manufacturing process flow chart with quality control points
3. Comprehensive Quality Control Plan (QCP) document
4. Test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories (if preliminary testing done)
5. Factory registration certificates and business licenses
6. Detailed plant layout with machinery list
7. Complete product technical specifications and drawings
8. List of critical components with supplier details
9. Raw material specifications and quality certificates
10. Calibration certificates of testing equipment
11. Organizational chart with technical staff qualifications
12. Declaration of conformity to IS 16544:2016
13. Authorization letter for signatory

Additional Requirements for Foreign Manufacturers:

• Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
• AIR agreement document
• Factory registration proof in country of origin
• Manufacturing license from concerned authority

Detailed Timeline for BIS Certification

Note: Timelines are indicative and depend on factory readiness, document completeness, testing laboratory workload, and BIS processing time.

Cost Structure for BIS Certification

The total cost for BIS certification typically includes:

1. BIS Application Fee: One-time non-refundable fee
2. Factory Inspection Charges: Based on man-days and travel
3. Product Testing Fees: Laboratory charges for complete test suite
4. License Fee: Annual license maintenance charges
5. Marking Fee: Based on production quantity or annual turnover
6. Surveillance Audit Charges: For periodic BIS audits
7. Renewal Fee: Every 2 years for license renewal

Approximate Cost Range: ?2,00,000 to ?5,00,000 for Indian manufacturers, varying with system capacity, variants, and testing scope.

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

Under the BIS Act, 2016 and Solar Thermal Systems QCO, violations carry severe penalties:

1. Seizure of Goods: Immediate confiscation of non-ISI marked stock

2. Monetary Penalties: Fines up to ?5,00,000 or five times value of goods

3. License Cancellation: Revocation of BIS certification

4. Imprisonment: Up to 2 years for repeated offenses

5. Market Ban: Prohibition from selling products in India

6. Legal Prosecution: Criminal proceedings against company directors

Benefits of BIS Certification for Manufacturers

1. Mandatory Legal Compliance
Essential for market access and avoiding legal complications in India.

2. Quality Assurance and Performance Validation
Systematically verifies thermal efficiency, durability, and safety as per national standards.

3. Enhanced Consumer Trust and Confidence

The ISI mark is widely recognized as a symbol of quality and reliability, influencing purchase decisions.

4. Access to Government Tenders and Subsidies
Certification is often mandatory for participating in government projects and qualifying for MNRE subsidies.

5. Competitive Market Advantage
Differentiates certified products from non-compliant competitors in the renewable energy market.

6. Reduced Liability and Risk
Minimizes risks associated with product failures, safety incidents, and regulatory non-compliance.

7. Brand Credibility and Market Expansion
Builds trust with dealers, installers, architects, and institutional buyers across India.

8. Contribution to National Goals
Supports India's renewable energy targets and sustainable development objectives.

Why Choose Standphill India – Best BIS Certification Consultant for Solar Water Heating Systems

Standphill India is a premier BIS certification consultancy with specialized expertise in solar thermal products compliance. We provide end-to-end support for obtaining and maintaining BIS certification for All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems under IS 16544:2016.

Our Comprehensive Services Include:

1. Pre-Assessment and Gap Analysis: Evaluate current compliance status against IS 16544:2016 requirements

2. Documentation Support: Prepare complete technical documentation, QCP, and application forms

3. Test Coordination: Liaise with BIS-recognized laboratories for efficient testing

4. Factory Preparation: Assist in establishing necessary quality systems and process controls

5. Inspection Readiness: Prepare your team and facility for BIS factory audits

6. Application Management: Handle complete BIS portal filing and follow-up

7. Post-Certification Compliance: Support for surveillance audits, renewals, and product modifications

Our Technical Expertise:

• In-depth understanding of IS 16544:2016 technical requirements
• Experience with solar thermal system testing protocols
• Knowledge of BIS procedures and regulatory updates
• Network with accredited testing laboratories
• Track record of successful certifications in renewable energy sector

Client Success Highlight – RAVIRAJ ENGINEERING

Standphill India successfully guided RAVIRAJ ENGINEERING through the complete BIS certification process for their All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems.

Client Details:

• Client Name: RAVIRAJ ENGINEERING
• Product: All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems
• Indian Standard: IS 16544:2016
• BIS License Grant Date: 16 December 2025
• BIS License Number: CM/L 7500322614

Achievements:

• First-time approval with minimal queries
• Timely completion within projected timeline
• Comprehensive documentation preparation
• Successful factory inspection and sample testing
• Ongoing compliance support

This certification enabled RAVIRAJ ENGINEERING to legally market their ISI-marked solar water heating systems across India, significantly enhancing their market credibility and access to government and institutional buyers.

Conclusion

BIS certification under IS 16544:2016 is not merely a regulatory formality but a critical requirement that ensures the quality, safety, and performance of All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems in India. With the enforcement of the Solar Thermal Systems Quality Control Order, compliance has become non-negotiable for market access.

Manufacturers and importers who proactively obtain BIS certification position themselves for success in India's growing renewable energy market. The ISI mark serves as a powerful differentiator, building customer trust and opening doors to government tenders and institutional projects.

Navigating the BIS certification process requires technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and meticulous preparation. Standphill India stands ready as your trusted partner in this journey, offering comprehensive support from initial assessment to ongoing compliance management. Our proven track record, technical proficiency, and client-centric approach ensure a smooth, efficient, and successful certification experience.

For manufacturers committed to quality and compliance, obtaining BIS certification is an investment in market credibility, customer satisfaction, and long-term business growth in India's promising solar thermal industry.