BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion batteries is important for the safety of the users. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable power sources that store and release energy through the movement of lithium ions and electrons between electrodes. Renowned for their high energy density, long lifespan, and repeated rechargeability, they are commonly used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and large-scale energy storage systems. As the Indian market continues to experience increasing demand for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the BIS Certification for Lithium-ion batteries under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). It is to ensure that the Li-ion batteries' quality is good and safe for sale. 

BIS operates different schemes of product certification to ensure that products being manufactured or exported to India possess the desired quality and safety features. Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for IT and electrical items is one of them. According to the scheme, BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion batteries becomes mandatory before selling, distributing, and importing products falling within the scope of the Indian market. The producers should see to it that their product reaches the level of the Indian Standard to which they are declining and fall under the BIS standard mark and a unique registration number. The sale or supply is prohibited in the absence of such registration under the BIS Act.

What is a BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion Batteries? 

Lithium-ion batteries fall under BIS CRS and are referenced in IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 / IEC 62133-2:2017. It enacts regulations on dangerous automatic portable batteries with sealed secondary portable batteries on lithium systems and safety requirements for application in portable products. The reason behind this regulation is to ensure the safety of consumers while utilizing Li-ion batteries in portable consumer electronics. All the importers or manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries must have a BIS Certification for Lithium-ion batteries before selling them in India. This is with the aim of verifying if all the quality and safety requirements are being met according to the concerned Indian standard.

Tests Conducted for BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion Batteries

According to IS 16046 (Part-2):2018 / IEC 62133-2:2017, tests must be carried out to determine the safety of lithium-ion batteries and to get the BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion batteries easily. These tests includes the following:

• Crushing Test: It guarantees the resistance of batteries to mechanical stress.
• Incorrect Installation Test: Protects against improper installation.
• Low-pressure Test: Conducts the test of battery performance at low atmospheric pressure.
• Forced Discharge Test: Tests with forced discharge conditions.
• Over-charging Test: Protects against over-charging.
• Charging / Discharging Test: Ensures charging and discharging efficiency of the battery.
• Continuous Charging Test: Ensures performance under continuous charging conditions.
• Insulation Resistance Test: Ensures insulation resistance of electricity.
• Vibration Test: Simulates vibration faced during transport.
• Temperature Cycling Test: Ensures performance in the event of temperature cycling.

Procedure to Obtain BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion Batteries

To get BIS Certificate , manufacturers are required to adopt a step-by-step process as given below:

• Application Submission: An Online application for BIS Certification for Lithium-ion batteries is to be made by the manufacturer on the BIS portal.
• Test Request Generation: A test request is generated at the time of application for BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion batteries.
• Product Testing: The product or lithium-ion battery is to be tested in a BIS-empanelled test laboratory.
• Submission of Application and Test Report: On completion of the testing process, the test report along with the application for the BIS Certification for Lithium-ion batteries is to be submitted online to BIS.
• Verification of Application: Test report and documents are verified for genuineness by BIS.
• Issue of BIS Certificate: The BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion batteries is issued by the BIS after clearance.

By adopting this process, manufacturers will be in a position to get BIS Certification for Lithium-ion batteries and sell or distribute their lithium-ion batteries legally within India.

Documents Required for BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion Batteries

The following documents are to be submitted for BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion batteries:

• Filled up CDF/CCL Form: Details of product configuration.
• Filled BIS Application Form in an appropriate manner: Description of thorough application form for BIS registration.
• Manufacturer's Business License: Document of business establishment.
• Field of Business License: Refers to the line of product manufacturing business.
• Certificate ISO: Production unit document of ISO 9001.
• Label Marking Details: Description of BIS mark product labeling.
• Authorization Letter: An authorized signatory to the manufacturer.
• Trademark Certificate: A Document of product brand ownership.
• Trademark Authorization Letter: When a brand is licensed or in use by a third party.
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): For foreign manufacturers.
• Picture ID of AIR or Signatory: Proof of identification.
• Technical Specification Sheet/User Manual: Product feature description and usage. 

Since it is evident that the BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion batteries is compulsory under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. None of them should be exported and imported, distributed or retailed in the country without availing this certificate in advance. The major reason is to ensure the security and conformity of these goods with Indian standards. For companies that wish to manufacture or import lithium-ion batteries in India, BIS Certificate for Lithium-ion batteries is compulsion. BIS Certification for Lithium-ion batteries is an administrative exercise involving coordination with different stakeholders and stacking high piles of paper and may discourage manufacturers from undertaking it on their own. To simplify this process, it is advisable to take the help of experts in BIS compliance.