Overview of BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters of Rating ≤ 10kVA

BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters of rating equal to or more than 10kVA is mandatory under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme. UPS/Inverters are power backup devices that supply electricity during power cuts or voltage fluctuations. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides instant power backup with no delay, protecting sensitive equipment like computers and servers. An Inverter converts stored battery power (DC) into usable electricity (AC) for running household or office appliances during outages, usually with a few seconds of delay. Both ensure continuous power, but UPS is mainly for sensitive electronics, while inverters are commonly used for general appliances.

BIS certification for UPS/Inverters provides for seamless running of sensitive devices, especially computer systems, and prevents issues like data corruption or loss. Commonly known as Battery Backup or Flywheel Backup, UPS has now become an unyielding part of residential homes, offices, and industries alike. As per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) it is mandatory to register all UPS and Inverters rated ≤ 10kVA under IS 16242 (Part 1):2014. If it is found that UPS or inverters are sold in the market without obtaining this certification then heavy fines and penalties will be levied on the manufacturer who is doing the same. Hence before selling this in the Indian market one must obtain a BIS license for UPS/Inverters of rating equal to or more than 10kVA. 

Benefits of BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters in India 

Some of the key benefits of BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters of rating equal to or more than 10kVA are given below: 

• Safety Assurance – Ensures the product delivers steady backup power in case of a failure.
• Legality in the Market – Sale/import without BIS registration is illegal in India.
• Consumer Confidence – Certified products instill confidence and trust.
• International Acceptance – BIS certification assists in establishing brand reputation overseas.
• Regulatory Compliance – Saves legal penalties and product seizure.
• Compliance with Regulations – Legally authorized to manufacture, sell, or export.
• Constant Performance – Guarantees UPS/Inverters to function safely during power failure
• Improved Brand Reputation – Certification imbues quality in the buyer's mind.
• Consumer Confidence – Buyers prefer certified products.
• Competitiveness in the Marketplace – Certified products are more distinguishable than non-certified products.
• Export Advantage – Facilitates foreign market acceptance. 
• Risk Avoidance – Prevents the risk of penalty, seizure, or prohibition. 
• Long-Term Reputation – Encourages business growth and customer loyalty.

Compulsory Conditions of BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters

For applying for BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters according to IS 16242 (Part 1):2014, manufacturers should satisfy the following four pillars:

• Manufacturer – Licence is granted only to the manufacturer and not importers or traders. Importers may be Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) of foreign manufacturers, but not a licence issued directly to them.
• Factory Address – Factory address has to be mentioned. When more than one factory of a product is involved, separate licences are required for all such factories.
• Product – Various product categories demand various licences. Various models of the same class can be registered within a single registration.
• Brand/Trademark – There needs to be a separate BIS licence for every brand or trademark.

Points to Keep in Mind for BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters

While pursuing BIS certification, only such laboratories so designated by BIS having valid and active licenses, which are unsuspended and un-audited at the time of testing, proper arrangements should be made for the safe transportation of samples, and all documents shall be signed, stamped, and notarized as the case may be. Special care must be taken while completing the CDF (Construction Data Form) and CCL (Critical Component List) since any error will lead to rejection. Test reports are also valid for 90 days and hence must be submitted within the time. All supporting documents are properly prepared well in advance to avoid delay. On average, BIS registration is done between 15–30 days, but in some instances, based on scrutiny, it can go up to 60 days.

BIS Certification for UPS/Inverters Timeline

BIS registration normally follows a routine order of procedure. Laboratory testing accepted by BIS follows the laboratory schedule and may vary from case to case. After preparation of the test report, it has to be submitted to BIS within 90 days from the date of the report, failing which fresh testing has to be carried out. On submission, BIS testing and release would normally take 15–30 days, but may be delayed in a few cases. Hence, the whole registration process should ideally be completed within 45–60 days.

Validity and Renewal of BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters

The BIS registration certificate is valid for two years in the initial phase and thereafter can be renewed for up to five years if there are no changes in the product, process of manufacturing, or major components. Renewal takes the form of submission of documents and charges before their expiry date so as to maintain validity.

Procedure for Obtaining BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters 

The BIS for UPS/Inverters of rating equal to or more than 10kVA process is different for domestic producers and foreign producers as given below: 

Foreign Manufacturers' Process

The following process is to be followed by the foreign manufacturer :

• Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• An online application made through the BIS portal.
• Obtain samples tested from BIS-approved laboratories.
• Deposit hardcopy/softcopy of reports and documents along with test reports.
• Applications and documents are checked by BIS officials.
• Licence is issued upon approval.

Nomination of AIR Guidelines

In case of a foreign manufacturer, an AIR is to be appointed; the instructions are as follows:

• In case the producer has a liaison/branch office in India, it will be designated as the AIR.
• Otherwise, the Indian brand owner will be considered as AIR.
• Unless both registered Indian organizations can be used as AIR.

Domestic Manufacturer Process

The following process is to be followed by the domestic manufacturer:

• Online application to BIS.
• Product samples to be examined by BIS-approved labs.
• Documents and reports to be filed (hardcopy/softcopy).
• Verification by the BIS officials.
• Granting of a licence upon verification.

Documents Required for BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters

The following documents need to be submitted for BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters of rating equal to or more than 10kVA:

• Filled CDF/CCL forms
• BIS application form
• Business license of manufacturing unit (original + English translation)
• Business scope license (original + English translation)
• Manufacturer's ISO certificate
• Label details of the product marking
• Authorization letter (in case of an alternate signatory from the head of manufacturing)
• Trademark certificate (where applicable)
• Trademark authorization letter (where TM is owned by a third party)
• AIR company registration proof in India (for foreign manufacturers)
• AIR/Signatory photo ID
• Technical specification sheet/User manual

To meet increasing demand, the BIS makes BIS Registration for UPS/Inverters of rating equal to or more than 10kVA under IS 16242 (Part 1):2014 compulsory. Both local and foreign manufacturers have to adhere to the registration process, such as product testing, documentation, and verification of the application. While the process may appear to be cumbersome, partner compliance assistance renders the process easy. BIS registration is not merely a compliance matter; it is a safety, reliability, and authenticity of your product in the Indian market.