Is BIS Registration Essential for Lithium-ion Batteries Manufacturers?

 

In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have gained widespread popularity as the preferred choice for secondary batteries owing to their lightweight design, superior energy density, and extended lifespan.

Harnessing the power of lithium ions within their electrochemical makeup, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have revolutionized various industries, from consumer electronics to automotive.

With the burgeoning demand for these advanced energy storage solutions sweeping across India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has enacted regulations covering lithium-ion batteries under its Compulsory Registration Scheme.

This move aims to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of lithium-ion batteries circulating in the Indian market, reflecting the BIS's commitment to consumer protection and product standardization.

Let's discuss about the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme for Electronics and IT Goods to understand its implications for manufacturers and consumers.

 

What is BIS CRS Registration for Lithium-ion Batteries? 

The Bureau of Indian Standards operates several certification schemes aimed at regulating goods manufactured, distributed, or sold within India. The bureau's overarching goal is to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of products available to the public.

One such scheme is the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), commonly referred to as BIS registration, which specifically targets Electronics and IT goods, including lithium-ion batteries. Under the CRS mandate, no entity is permitted to manufacture, sell, or distribute electronics and IT goods in India without first obtaining a BIS registration certificate.

This registration process is essential for ensuring that products adhere to specified Indian standards and carry the standard mark along with a unique registration number. Products failing to meet these standards are prohibited from being circulated in the country's market.

Non-compliance with the CRS order incurs penalties under the BIS Act, reflecting the stringent enforcement mechanisms in place to uphold product quality and consumer safety standards. Therefore, BIS CRS registration for lithium-ion batteries, falling under the Electronics and IT goods, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of both manufacturers and consumers, fostering trust and confidence in the marketplace.

 

Do Manufacturers of Lithium-ion Batteries Require BIS Registration in India? 

Manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries operating in India are subject to the mandatory requirement of obtaining BIS Registration. This stipulation arises from the inclusion of lithium-ion batteries within the ambit of the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme.

IS 16046:2018 delineates the standards governing Secondary Cells and Batteries Containing Alkaline or other Non-Acid Electrolytes, lithium system batteries. Under this standard, BIS Registration is mandated for Sealed Secondary Portable Lithium System Batteries.

The requirement behind these regulations is to ensure that lithium-ion batteries adhere to stringent safety requirements, particularly concerning their use in portable applications. Thus, each primary or secondary battery/cell encompassed within the CRS scheme, such as lithium-ion batteries, must undergo BIS registration and display the standard mark alongside a unique registration number.

BIS facilitates this process by issuing a registration certificate subsequent to verifying the product's compliance with pertinent Indian standards. Compliance with IS 16046:2018 entails undergoing various testing requirements, necessitating manufacturers to conduct tests in BIS-approved laboratories.

This stringent protocol underscores BIS's commitment to upholding product safety and quality standards, ensuring that lithium-ion batteries available in the Indian market meet the specified criteria. Therefore, manufacturers and importers of electronics and IT goods, including lithium-ion batteries, are required to acquire BIS registration certificate to demonstrate compliance with Indian standards and utilize the standard mark on their products.

 

What Tests Should be Conducted for Lithium-ion Batteries Under BIS Registration? 

Lithium-ion batteries undergoing BIS Registration must undergo a series of rigorous tests outlined in 16046:2018 to ensure compliance with safety and performance requirements, including:

• Crushing Test: Evaluates the battery's resistance to crushing forces, ensuring it can withstand mechanical stress without compromising safety.
• Incorrect Installation Test: Assesses the battery's ability to maintain integrity and functionality when subjected to incorrect installation conditions, preventing potential hazards.
• Low-pressure Test: Determines the battery's response to low-pressure environments, ensuring it remains stable and operational under such conditions.
• Forced Discharge Test: Examines the battery's behavior during forced discharge scenarios, assessing its safety and performance under extreme conditions.
• Overcharging Test: Validates the battery's resistance to overcharging, safeguarding against potential risks associated with excessive charging voltages.
• Charging/Discharging Test: Evaluates the battery's charging and discharging capabilities, ensuring efficiency and reliability in real-world usage scenarios.
• Continuous Charging Test: Tests the battery's endurance during continuous charging cycles, assessing its long-term performance and durability.
• Insulation Resistance Test: Measures the battery's insulation resistance to prevent electrical leakage and ensure electrical safety.
• Vibration Test: Assesses the battery's resilience to vibration-induced stresses, ensuring it remains intact and functional in vibrating environments.
• Temperature Cycling Test: Subjects the battery to temperature fluctuations to evaluate its thermal stability and performance across varying environmental conditions.

 

What Documents are Important to Get BIS Registration for Lithium-ion Batteries? 

To obtain BIS Registration for lithium-ion batteries, manufacturers must furnish a set of essential documents, including:

• Completed CDF/CCL form
• BIS Application Form
• Business License of Manufacturing Unit
• ISO Certificate of the Manufacturer
• Scope of Business License
• Marking Label/Details of Marking on the Product
• Authorization Letter
• Trademark Certificate
• Trademark Authorization Letter
• Authorized Indian Representative (In case of the foreign manufacturer)
• Photo ID of Authorized Indian Representative/Authorized Signatory
• Technical Specification Sheet of Product/User Manual

 

How can Manufacturers Obtain BIS CRS Registration for Lithium-ion Batteries? 

Manufacturers seeking BIS Registration for lithium-ion batteries can follow the following step-by-step process:

Step 1: Initiate the registration process by submitting online applications via the BIS portal, providing comprehensive details about the lithium-ion battery product.

Step 2: Upon application submission, a test request will be generated to conduct product testing and ensure compliance with BIS standards.

Step 3: The lithium-ion battery product will undergo testing in a BIS-approved laboratory, where it will be subjected to various tests to assess its safety, performance, and compliance with relevant standards.

Step 4: After the completion of testing, manufacturers must submit an online application along with all relevant documents and test reports to BIS for further processing.

Step 5: BIS officials will meticulously scrutinize the submitted application and test reports to ensure adherence to specified standards and regulatory requirements.

Step 6: Upon successful scrutiny and verification of the application and test reports, BIS will grant a BIS CRS registration certificate to the manufacturer of the lithium-ion battery product, indicating compliance with the prescribed standards.

 

Conclusion 

At Brand Liaison, we recognize the complexities and challenges associated with BIS registration and are committed to providing streamlined and efficient solutions for manufacturers.

Our expertise in navigating the BIS registration process, coupled with our extensive network of resources and accredited laboratories, enables us to facilitate the swift and seamless acquisition of BIS certification.

With Brand Liaison by your side, lithium-ion battery manufacturers can confidently navigate the regulatory landscape, accelerate market entry, and forge a path toward success in the dynamic Indian market.