Mandatory BIS certification for lithium-ion batteries under IS 16046 Part 2 is required for Indian market access. Complete guide to compliance, testing, process, and costs for manufacturers & importers.

BIS Certification for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Mandatory IS 16046 (Part 2) Compliance Guide

The Government of India has made BIS certification compulsory for lithium-ion batteries under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), mandating compliance with IS 16046 (Part 2): 2018/IEC 62133-2:2017 standards. This critical regulatory move addresses the significant safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries—including fire hazards, explosions, and environmental concerns—while supporting India's rapid transition to electric mobility and renewable energy storage.

For manufacturers, importers, OEMs, and EV startups targeting the Indian market, BIS certification is no longer optional—it's the legal gateway to market access. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about obtaining BIS certification for lithium-ion batteries and how Standphill India ensures your seamless compliance.

Why Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Lithium-Ion Batteries in India?

The explosive growth in electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems has dramatically increased lithium-ion battery usage across India. However, this growth comes with substantial safety risks when uncertified, substandard batteries enter the market. The Bureau of Indian Standards has therefore mandated certification under its Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) to ensure all lithium-ion batteries meet rigorous safety benchmarks before they can be sold, distributed, or imported into India.

Key Drivers for Mandatory Certification:
• Prevention of fire and explosion incidents from faulty batteries
• Protection of consumer safety and property
• Alignment with India's electric mobility and renewable energy goals
• Elimination of substandard imports flooding the market
• Creation of uniform quality benchmarks for domestic manufacturing

Which Products Require BIS Certification Under IS 16046 (Part 2)?

The mandate covers a comprehensive range of lithium-ion battery applications. If your product falls into any of these categories, BIS certification is legally required:

Product Category	Specific Applications	BIS Standard Applicable
Portable Electronics	Smartphones, laptops, tablets, power banks	IS 16046 (Part 2): 2018 IEC 62133-2:2017
Electric Vehicles	2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, buses
Energy Storage	Solar storage systems, UPS, telecom backup
Consumer Devices	Drones, medical equipment, power tools
Battery Cells & Packs	All secondary lithium-ion cells and battery packs

Who Needs BIS Certification for Lithium-Ion Batteries?

The certification requirement applies to all entities involved in the lithium-ion battery supply chain for the Indian market:

• Domestic Manufacturers: Indian companies producing lithium-ion cells or battery packs
• International Manufacturers: Foreign companies exporting batteries to India
• Importers & Traders: Entities importing lithium-ion batteries for resale
• OEMs & EV Startups: Companies incorporating batteries into finished products
• Contract Manufacturers: Facilities producing battery components for other brands

Critical Exemption Note: The requirement does not apply to batteries manufactured solely for export from India. However, all batteries sold in the Indian market must be certified.

Understanding IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 / IEC 62133-2:2017 Standard

This harmonized standard specifies safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries used in portable applications. The certification ensures batteries undergo comprehensive testing to prevent hazards during normal use, foreseeable misuse, and during transportation.

Key Safety Tests Required:

Test Category	Specific Tests	Purpose
Electrical Safety	Overcharge, Over-discharge, Short Circuit	Prevents thermal runaway and fire
Mechanical Safety	Crush, Drop, Vibration, Mechanical Shock	Ensures structural integrity
Environmental Safety	Temperature Cycling, Thermal Abuse	Verifies performance under extreme conditions
Chemical Safety	Electrolyte Leakage, Pressure Relief	Prevents chemical hazards

Complete BIS Certification Process for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Step 1: Application Preparation & Documentation

Essential Documents Required:
• Business registration (GST, IEC code, Company incorporation)
• Technical specifications and datasheets
• Brand authorization documents (if applicable)
• Factory details and quality control processes
• Previous test reports (UN 38.3, IEC, if available)

Step 2: Sample Testing in BIS-Approved Laboratory

Critical Requirement: Testing must be conducted ONLY in BIS-recognized Indian laboratories. International test reports are not accepted for BIS certification.

Step 3: Online Application Submission

Submit Form VI through the BIS CRS portal with complete documentation and test reports.

Step 4: BIS Evaluation & Grant of Certificate

BIS officials review the application. Upon satisfaction, they issue the Registration Certificate with a unique R-number valid for two years.

Step 5: Marking & Labelling Compliance

Certified batteries must display the BIS Standard Mark and R-number as specified in BIS guidelines.

Timeline & Cost for BIS Certification

Phase	Estimated Timeline	Key Activities
Documentation & Sample Preparation	1-2 Weeks	Gather documents, prepare samples for testing
Laboratory Testing	3-4 Weeks	Comprehensive safety testing in BIS-approved lab
Application Processing	2-3 Weeks	BIS evaluation and verification
Total Estimated Duration	6-8 Weeks	From initiation to certificate grant

Cost Components:
• BIS application fees
• Laboratory testing charges
• Consultancy and documentation support
• Sample transportation and handling
• Renewal fees every two years

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling, importing, or distributing uncertified lithium-ion batteries in India carries severe consequences:

• Customs Detention: Shipments held at Indian ports
• Financial Penalties: Heavy fines under BIS Act, 2016
• Product Seizure: Confiscation of non-compliant inventory
• Market Ban: Prohibition from selling in India
• Legal Prosecution: Potential imprisonment in severe cases
• E-commerce Delisting: Removal from Amazon, Flipkart, etc.

Strategic Importance of BIS Certification in India's Growth Story

India's ambitious goals in electric mobility and renewable energy make BIS certification strategically vital:

• EV Revolution: With 60+ million electric vehicles targeted by 2030, certified batteries are fundamental to this transformation.
• Production-Linked Incentives: BIS certification is often prerequisite for PLI scheme benefits for battery manufacturers.
• Government Tenders: All public sector purchases require BIS-certified batteries.
• Export Hub Potential: India-certified batteries gain credibility across South Asian and African markets.

Why Choose Standphill India for Your Lithium-Ion Battery BIS Certification?

Navigating India's BIS certification process requires specialized expertise, particularly for complex products like lithium-ion batteries. Standphill India offers comprehensive, end-to-end certification support:

Expert Guidance: Deep understanding of IS 16046 (Part 2) requirements and testing protocols.
Laboratory Network: Established relationships with BIS-approved testing facilities across India.
Documentation Excellence: Precise preparation of all required documents to avoid rejection.
Timely Processing: Streamlined processes that reduce certification timelines by 30-40%.
Post-Certification Support: Assistance with labelling, renewals, and surveillance audits.

"A European EV battery manufacturer faced repeated BIS application rejections due to documentation errors. With Standphill India's expertise, they obtained certification within 7 weeks and secured a major Indian automotive contract."

Conclusion: Your Gateway to India's Battery Revolution

BIS certification for lithium-ion batteries under IS 16046 (Part 2) is more than a regulatory requirement—it's your passport to participating in India's transformative journey toward electric mobility and sustainable energy. With stringent safety standards aligned with global benchmarks, this certification ensures product quality while opening doors to one of the world's fastest-growing battery markets.

As India accelerates toward its 2030 EV and renewable energy targets, the window for establishing compliant market presence is now. Delayed certification means missed opportunities in a market projected to exceed $30 billion in battery demand within this decade.

Don't let certification complexities delay your market entry. Partner with Standphill India to navigate the BIS certification process efficiently, ensuring compliance while accelerating your access to India's booming battery market.

[ Begin Your BIS Certification Journey Today – Contact Standphill India ]