The BIS Certificate for inverters is really crucial because they are variable frequency devices (VFD), also known as an AC drive. BIS Certificate for inverters ensures quality and reliability of the products which increase customer trust in the market which is full of competition. By obtaining this BIS Certification for inverters you can make your business not only compliant with the law but all credible. 

Inverter is an electric converter that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). It is a backup source of power and can prove to be of immense help during a power failure if it is charged to its capacity. Inverters also provide power to required electronic appliances such as TV, computer, lights, and even some power tools in case of the unavailability of mains power. However, the efficiency of the inverter is based on its capability.

Inverters are also one of the best means of handling power cuts. But as with any other electronic device, its quality, performance, and safety come at the top. This is why the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) made it compulsory, with effect from 1st March 2016, for all inverters to be registered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) as per the IS 16242 (Part 1):2014 standard. All the inverters must undergo BIS registration first before importing into the Indian market. It involves stringent product testing for the identification of the Indian safety and reliability quality standard of the product.

Basic Requisite for the BIS Certificate for Inverters in India 

There are four basic pillars upon which a BIS Certificate for inverters is based. Without them, no one is entitled to apply for a BIS Certificate for inverters in India. The following must be followed for BIS registration:

1) Manufacturer

The license is given only in the name of the product's original manufacturer. Importers or traders cannot be given the license alone. An importer can, however, be a Foreign Manufacturer's Authorized Indian Representative and can help submit support. Even there, the license is given only in the name of the manufacturer.

2) Manufacturing Address

The factory of manufacture should specifically state the correct and full address of the factory of manufacture. If one manufacturer makes the same product in more than one factory, then there has to be an individual BIS certificate for each factory.

3) Product

Each product is given an individual BIS license. But if there are a number of models in a series of a product, multiple can be licensed or registered against one number. That is, multiple can fall under a single license if they are of the same type of product.

4) Brand/Trademark

A different BIS license must be there for each brand or trademark under which the product is to be marketed.

BIS Certificate for Inverters Registration Procedure 

BIS Certificate for inverters registration procedure depends on the geographical location in which the unit is based. They are specific to Indian and overseas manufacturers.

Foreign Manufacturer Procedure

• Register with an authorized representative, Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), who will act as the foreign manufacturer's representative in India.
• Complete the application online through the BIS portal.
• Conduct the product samples using a BIS-approved laboratory.
• File the complete application, online or hard copy with the model test report.
• The application and documents submitted shall be signed and accepted by BIS officials.
• BIS license on approval.

Instructions for Appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

It is required for BIS certification of a foreign company under India that an AIR be appointed in case the firm is not maintaining a branch office in India. The AIR would perform the whole task of certification and act as the liaison officer. Given below are the specifications for the appointment of an AIR:

• Clause 1: If the foreign manufacturer maintains an office or liaison office in India, the aforesaid office shall be treated as the AIR per se.
• Clause 2: In case there is no office in India but there is an Indian resident of the owner of the brand or the trademark, such person or company would be appointed as the AIR.
• Clause 3: As there is no Indian office and no owner of the brand/trademark in India, the foreign manufacturer has to select a suitable Indian entity to be the AIR.

 Indian (Domestic) Manufacturer Process

• Fill and apply online through the BIS portal.
• Carry product samples to be tested to a laboratory acceptable to BIS.
• Send the filled-in application, online or hard copy along with the test report.
• Application details and documents are verified by BIS officials.
• On verification of conformity, the BIS license will be granted.

Documents Required for the BIS Certificate for Inverters

Before applying for BIS Certificate for inverters as per standard IS 16242 (Part 1):2014, the following documents are to be prepared and submitted:

• Filled-in CDF/CCL form in full.
• Filled in the BIS application form in full.
• Business license of the manufacturing unit (local language and its translation in English).
• Field of the business license (local language and its translation in English.
• Original ISO certificate of the manufacturer.
• Label of the product or marking details on the product.
• Authorization letter, if the application is being submitted by a person other than the head of the manufacturing unit.
• Trademark registration certificate.
• Trademark authorisation letter, if the owner of the trademark is not the manufacturer.
• Copy of registration of the company in India by an Authorised Indian Representative (in case of foreign companies).
• Photograph identification of the signatory or Authorised Indian Representative on the application.
• Technical specification sheet or user manual of the product.

Points to be Considered to get a BIS Certificate for Inverters

Some of the key points one must consider while obtaining BIS Certificate for inverters in India: 

1. Choose the Right Test Partner: Unless you have an in-house compliance department or personnel in India, we recommend that you hire a BIS-approved test laboratory and compliance expert to make it all the more convenient for you.
2. Verify Lab Accreditation: Make sure that the test lab you are about to hire is current with its license and not suspended or audited when you book your test.
3. Arrange Cautious Shipment of Samples: Re-verify all your logistics arrangements from your end to the door of the testing lab before shipping the product samples for the test. Transit handling and delay can make the schedule collapse.
4. Right Signing & Notarization of Documents: All such documents to be drafted must be signed by the manufacturer, the Indian Representative, and the brand owner. They must be properly notarized and stamped officially on their behalf by the brand owner and the Indian Representative.
5. Accuracy in CDF and CCL Forms: Provide product details with maximum possible accuracy in the Construction Data Form (CDF). Critical Component List (CCL) may also be provided with concise but correct details of all major components.
6. Correct arrangement of the Test Report: BIS test reports are 90 days old. Keep reporting the test within this period. On late reporting, a fresh sample shall have to be sent for re-testing.
7. Prepare All Documents in Advance: Care to prepare all documents in advance before beginning the testing process? It saves unnecessary delays at the time of submission.
8. Timeline for BIS Approval: After submitting the test report and supporting documents to the BIS along with the certificate, it is usually issued within 15 days. In actual practice, the procedure will be completed within 30-60 days, so plan accordingly.

Importance of BIS Certificate for Inverters 

Some of the benefits of the BIS Certificate for inverters are given below: 

1. Ensures product conformity to Indian standards: Certification ensures conformance with Indian standards as required by law for legal entry and sale in the Indian marketplace.
2. Ensures Product Quality and Safety practices: It is a quality mark and safety mark that develops confidence and trust in buyers.
3. Reduces Risk and Liability: The certified products are less likely to malfunction or experience accidents, reducing the risk of lawsuits or monetary penalties.
4. Enhance the Credibility: Certifications enhance the credibility of a firm and ensure its quality compliance, which in turn maintains its brand image.

BIS Certificate for inverters is essential to ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with Indian standards. It not only allows legal sale in the Indian market but also boosts consumer trust and business credibility. Following the correct procedure and documentation ensures a smooth certification process. Investing in BIS compliance ultimately reduces risks and enhances brand value.