Overview of BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) with Output Voltage 48V (Max)

BIS’s Compulsory Registration Scheme makes standalone switch mode power supplies (SMPS) with output voltage 48V(Max) go through a BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies process before they can legally be manufactured, exported, or retailed in India. Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) are electronic power units that convert electrical power efficiently using switching regulators. Unlike linear power supplies, they regulate output voltage by rapidly switching on and off and using components like inductors, capacitors, and transformers to provide stable DC output. The term standalone means these power supplies operate independently (not built into another device) and are typically enclosed units used to power external equipment such as industrial machines, telecom devices, LED lighting, and consumer electronics. 

One of the products listed under compulsory products is a standalone Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) having an upper limit output voltage of 48V. What this means is that before the manufacture or import of a product of such nature to Indian markets, the manufacturer or importer of the product shall first obtain a valid registration from BIS. The idea behind this is to protect consumers from the potential risks that can be occasioned by non-conforming electric products, while making all the products conform to strict national standards of safety and quality. 

Applicable Standard: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010/IEC 60950-1:2005 for BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies

IS 13252 Part 1:2010/IEC 60950-1:2005 is the appropriate Indian Standard that the standalone SMPS with output up to 48V has to comply with. It is a safety guideline about the product in which all the technical requirements and standards of the SMPS are specified. Its basic antecedent lies in the international IEC 60950-1 standard, which is adopted all over the world to make IT hardware safe. The standard addresses a broad spectrum of issues on safety, such as, but not limited to: 

• Electrical Safety: This protects the SMPS from electric shock by proper design and insulation. It involves insulation resistance, dielectric strength, and creepage distance testing.
• Thermal Safety: The product should never be permitted to overheat during its normal operational conditions. The standard provides precise temperature limits for various components to avoid fire risks.
• Mechanical Safety: The body, along with the inside components, should be robust. The product should not be able to be a source of damage or injury due to sharp corners or a loose part.
• Fire Hazards: Materials used in production must be flame-retardant tested.
• Marking and Labeling: All the mandatory information, like the BIS Standard Mark along with the Registration Number, must be marked correctly.

Compliance with this standard is certified through rigorous testing in a BIS-approved laboratory.

Key Requisite of BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies 

Some of the key requisites of BIS certification for standalone switch mode power supplies are given below: 

• Manufacturer – BIS licence is granted only to the manufacturer, not to importers or sellers. Importers can act as AIR for foreign manufacturers, but the licence is issued to the manufacturer.
• Manufacturing Address – Exact factory address must be mentioned. Separate licence is required for each factory location of the same product.
• Product – Each product requires its own licence. Multiple models of the same product category can be covered under one licence.
• Brand/Trademark – Each brand or trademark requires a separate BIS licence.

Procedure for Obtaining BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies 

BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies is a well-thought-out procedure that requires careful attention and adherence to a high-level set of procedures. It varies a little for domestic and foreign manufacturers as given below: 

Procedure for Domestic Manufacturers

• Product Testing: The company must dispatch samples of the SMPS to a laboratory certified by BIS for testing. The product needs to be thoroughly tested so that it conforms to all the requirements of the IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 standard.
• Validity of Test Report: The test report, as published by the laboratory, is an important document for utilization in the application. It is to be noted that the report is valid for only 90 days from the date on which it was released. The online application must be submitted to BIS within this time frame.
• Online Submission of Application: The firm should register on the BIS official online portal. It entails completing a detailed application form with details of the company, product model, as well as technical details.
• Submission of documents: The whole set of documents is needed to prepare and submit to the portal. In such cases, these documents help authenticate the credentials of the manufacturer, product information, and compliance with standards.
• Application Review: After receiving the application, officials at BIS will examine all documents and information with extreme care. They may call for extra documents or questions. It is advisable to answer the questions right away in order to prevent any delay.
• Grant of Registration: BIS issues the registration after successful verification and approval. A unique Registration Number (an R-number) is issued for the product, which is legally required to market the product in India.

Process for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers need to go through a comparable process with the added step of appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

• Appoint an AIR: The foreign manufacturer is required to formally appoint an AIR. The AIR should be a legal firm or an individual who has been registered in India. The AIR becomes the official representative of the foreign manufacturer and BIS.
• Product Testing: Samples of the products should be dispatched to an Indian BIS-approved lab for testing. Tests in foreign laboratories are not valid for BIS CRS registration.
• Online Application and Document Filing: The AIR is required to file the online application along with all the required documents. These are those of the foreign manufacturer (e.g., business license, ISO certificate) as well as those of the AIR (e.g., company registration).
• Verification and Grant of Registration: BIS officers communicate with the AIR to verify the application. Once the application is accepted, the registration is granted in favor of the foreign manufacturer and not the AIR, and the single "R-number" is allotted for the product.

Documents Required to Get BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies 

The following documents are usually required for BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies . It is essential that all documents be complete, correct, and either in English or attached with an English translation.

• Completed the BIS application form.
• Business License of the manufacturing unit.
• Test Certificate of a BIS-accredited test laboratory.
• Document of proof of address of the manufacturing unit.
• Product manual or technical specification sheet.
• An authorization letter of the company head (where the applicant is not the company head).
• Overseas manufacturers:
• Nomination letter or letter of power of attorney for Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• AIR documents, such as company registration and proof of identity.
• Foreign documents attested and notarized.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies 

Non-compliance with the BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies rule has serious legal and financial implications. The penalty for the sale of non-certified SMPS is outlined in the BIS Act, 2016.

• Monetary Penalty: Offenders may be fined which can reach up to five times the value of products sold.
• Confiscation and Seizure: Non-compliant products can be compulsorily confiscated from the market by the state.
• Banning of Sales: The sales and distribution of the product can be completely banned.
• Imprisonment: A Jail term may also be given to offenders in serious cases of non-compliance.

These punishments not only lead to financial losses but also damage the reputation of the brand as well as the confidence of the customers.

Benefits of BIS Registration for Standalone Switch 

Some of the key benefits of BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies are given below: 

• Ensures product safety and quality compliance.
• Builds customer trust and confidence.
• Mandatory for selling in the Indian market.
• Protects consumers from substandard or unsafe products.
• Enhances brand reputation and reliability.
• Helps avoid legal penalties and regulatory issues.
• Increases competitiveness in the market.
• Facilitates smoother import and sales processes.
• Encourages wider acceptance by distributors and retailers.
• Assures consistent performance and durability.
• Acts as a mark against counterfeit products.
• Supports listing on e-commerce and retail platforms.
• Improves eligibility for government tenders and bulk orders.
• Promotes long-term business growth and compliance.
• Demonstrates commitment to quality standards and safety.

BIS Registration for Standalone Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) of up to an output voltage of 48V is a mandatory and regulatory process to enter the market in India. By conforming to the standard of IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and going through the registration process, manufacturers and importers not only obtain the right under law to sell the product but also establish consumer trust and confidence in the brand. It is an assurance of a good quality seal that insulates consumers from poor quality goods and provides businesses with cover against expensive judicial and financial redress, hence ensuring a secure and fair market for all.