The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has issued the Guidelines for verification of rated capacity [Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part3):2018/IEC 61960-3: 2017] for portable sealed secondary Lithium Cells and Batteries, under the direction of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

BIS has introduce a significant compliance requirement regarding Latium-ion cells and batteries. This development marks a clear transition from a declaration-based system to a verification-based compliance framework, aimed at enhancing consumer protection and product reliability.

What is the Exact Objective this guideline?

Earlier, at the time of BIS registration for portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries, manufacturers were only required to declare the rated capacity of the battery, which was largely based on self-declaration. However Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology received various complaints and noticed instances of misdeclartion of rated capacity and therefore in order to protect the interest of consumer, it is required to measure and verify the related capacity for sealed secondary Lithium Cells and batteries.

What will be the Measurement Criteria?

The rated capacity of sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries is required to be measured in accordance with the prescribed test method outlined under Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3), and the measured values shall be duly reported for the purpose of compliance under IS 16046 (Part 2).

This test evaluates discharge performance at 20°C, ensuring that the actual capacity aligns with the declared value.

Compliance Requirements for Manufacturers and Importers

The notification places compliance obligations on both existing license holders and new applicants. Manufacturers and importers holding existing BIS licences are required to ensure conformity with the rated capacity verification requirement as follow

1. All existing licensees with validity up to 30 April 2027 shall ensure compliance with Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3) by 30 April 2027
2. All existing licensees with validity beyond 30 April 2027 shall comply with Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3) by the expiry of their licence

Compliance Procedure for Existing Licensees

Existing licensees are required to demonstrate compliance with Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3) relating to discharge performance at 20°C by obtaining test reports from a BIS-recognized third-party laboratory for the lead models covered under their licence. For this purpose, manufacturers must raise a test request through the LIMS portal and submit the application under the Standard Revision, Amendment, or Essential Requirement module. The laboratory test report should clearly reference the earlier safety test report conducted under IS 16046 (Part 2) and must include the measured capacity values in the prescribed modified test report format.

However ,Licensees are not required to test every individual model , instead, testing is to be conducted on lead models, while an undertaking must be submitted confirming that all remaining models covered under the licence also comply with Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3) relating to rated capacity.

Compliance Requirements for New Applicants

Applications for which samples have already been submitted and test reports have been issued by the laboratory may be processed without requiring additional testing under Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3) relating to rated capacity.

Applications currently under process as per IS 16046 (Part 2) may be considered, subject to submission of an undertaking to provide the test report in accordance with Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3) by the expiry of the licence.

After 30 April 2027, no licence shall be granted under IS 16046 (Part 2) unless the test report includes verification of rated capacity.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

case of failure to comply with the prescribed requirements within the stipulated elines, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) may initiate regulatory action, which ay include suspension or cancellation of the licence, or deletion of the non-compliant model(s) from the scope of the licence.

How We Support in Compliance

A structured approach to compliance involves assessing product applicability, coordinating with BIS-recognized laboratories, and managing test documentation and portal submissions. Timely preparation of undertakings and response to regulatory queries are essential. BR & Associates supports manufacturers and importers in ensuring smooth certification and avoiding delays in approval or market access.