BIS Certification for Electric Immersion Water Heaters (IS 368): Process, Documents, and Compliance

One of the most used household appliances is an electric kettle for fast and cost-effective water heating is the electric immersion water heater. These products are used in the home, hotel, hostel, hospital and industrial environments right from the power switch and are often subjected to water, thus safety and quality assurance are very critical.

To safeguard consumers and provide a certain level of reliability of products, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) made IS 368, Indian Standard on Electric Immersion Water Heaters. All manufacturers planning for manufacturing, selling, distribution or importation in India should first get the required BIS certification.

This complete BIS guide explains everything that manufacturers need to know about BIS Certification for Electric Immersion Water Heaters, such as applicable standards, the BIS Certification process, documents required, testing and compliance requirements.

What does BIS Certification on Electric Immersion Water Heaters mean?

BIS Certification is a conformity assessment process that certifies the product against the Indian Standard issued by BIS.

Electric Immersion Water Heaters need to conform to IS 368:2014 – Electric Immersion Water Heaters – Specification and require a BIS license in ISI Mark Scheme (ISI Scheme-I). 

The ISI Mark is affixed to products of a certified manufacturer who has received permission to do so.

The certification process comprises:

• Product testing
• Factory assessment
• Site inspection of the manufacturing capability
• Quality control evaluation
• Ongoing Monitoring by BIS

Not only is adding BIS certification a regulatory mandate, but it’s a major mark of product quality and safety.

Types of Electric Immersion Water Heaters Covered Under IS 368

IS 368 is a general standard for portable electric immersion water heaters to be used for heating water directly.

Products may include, but are not limited to:

• Domestic immersion rods
• Portable models of electric water heaters
• Single-phase immersion water heaters
• DC-operated immersion heaters
• Elements were supplied in water heaters, which are connected with flexible cords.

These products are utilised in all the residential and commercial applications and need to meet the laid-down standard for marketing them in India.

Why BIS Certification is Important for Electric Immersion Water Heater Manufacturers

There are many additional advantages to be gained from BIS certification.

• Legal Permission to sell in India: The manufacturers can market their products legally and can easily distribute their products productively in India.
• Better product safety: Certification makes products safer, thus minimising risks from electrical appliances.
• Increased Market Credibility: The ISI Mark can give consumers confidence about the product, as the product is of good quality and meets the standards. 
• Better Business Opportunities: Preference for certified products, from many distributors, retailers, government buyers and institutional buyers.
• Less Regulatory Risk: In the event of not conforming, certified manufacturers are less prone to punishment or product recalls, or enforcement action by the regulatory authorities.

BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers Exporting Electric Immersion Water Heaters to India

Water heaters certified by the BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) have to be supplied by the foreign manufacturers.

The FMCS process is tailored to the needs of importing manufacturers from abroad to the Indian markets.

Key requirements include:

• Compliance with IS 368
• Product Testing as per BIS requirement
• The factory must be approved by the BIS team
• Responsible for appointing an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
• The continuous maintenance of BIS regulations

A foreign manufacturer can’t legally sell regulated immersion water heaters to India without having their product certified by FMCS.

ISI Certification vs. CRS Registration in India: Key Differences

Many manufacturers get BIS ISI certification and registration mixed up as BIS CRS registration in India. But they are two different certification schemes.

Electric Immersion Water Heaters don’t fall under the CRS but are covered under the ISI Certification Scheme.

Process of Obtaining BIS Certification for Electric Immersion Water Heaters IS 368

Step 1: Determine Product Eligibility for BIS Certification

The initial step is to ascertain whether the product is one that needs to be certified as per the Indian Standards by the BIS, and what the Indian Standard is for the product.

Activities involved:

• Analyse the feasibility and suitability of the product for a BIS-registered product
• Recognising a suitable Indian standard
• Reviewing technical specifications
• Compliance of the product design is ensured

Step 2: Prepare Documentation and Conduct Product Testing

Manufacturers need to organise product testing and complete the necessary technical and legal paperwork before applying for Certification. 

This stage includes:

• Sending product samples for testing
• Creating Technical Specifications and Product Details
• Compiling manufacturing and quality control records
• Ensuring support for certificate papers

Step 3: Submit the BIS Certification Application

Testing and documentation are finalised, and then the application for certification is submitted with the necessary supporting documents and prescribed fee to BIS.

Typically, the application package contains:

• Test reports
• Manufacturing details
• Company documents
• Quality control information
• Applicable fee receipts

Step 4: BIS Assessment of Manufacturing Facility

An on-site assessment of the manufacturing facility takes place to ensure there are adequate systems in place to ensure that products are manufactured consistently to the required standards.

The assessment aims to focus on:

• Production capabilities
• Manufacturing practices
• Quality assurance procedures
• Equipment and facilities for testing
• Internal control mechanisms

Step 5: Review of Product Compliance

Once the factory assessment is made, BIS reviews the test reports and inspection reports submitted and ensures that the reports fulfil IS 368 requirements.

This review includes:

• Product performance evaluation
• In cases of a positive test, the verification of test results automatically follows.
• Evaluation is used to determine the excellence of the quality systems
• Confirmation of the compliance of the regulations

Step 6: Resolution of Compliance Gaps

Should such comments and/or deficiencies be made in the evaluation process, then it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to solve the issues before certification is achieved.

This may involve:

• Implementing corrective actions
• Updating technical documents
• Providing additional evidence of compliance
• Implementing BIS recommendations

Step 7: Completion of Licensing Formalities

Once it passes the tests, the manufacturer has to deal with all the hurdles in terms of licensing and the payment of respective certification fees.

These may include:

• License fees
• Marking fees
• Additional BIS charges that are available

Step 8: Issuance of BIS License and ISI Mark Authorisation

After fulfilling all the requirements of certification, BIS gives the manufacturer the license.

Once the manufacturer has received the licence, they may:

• Correctly use the ISI Mark on certified products
• Legally produce and distribute the product in India
• Show facility to adhere to Indian quality and safety standards

Documents Required for BIS Certification Under IS 368

Good documentation is essential for successful approval for certification

• The basic information of the manufacturing set and the product segment.
• Proof of address (Ownership/leasing deed, Utility bill, etc.) for the manufacturing unit
• This will require a Trademark Certificate of Registration (if the trademark has been registered)
• They could include manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where applicable – for example, pollution)
• Control and industry-specific approvals
• Product drawings/design schematics
• Installed manufacturing capacity
• Specify all materials used, and their specification
• Specifics of producing machinery and equipment
• The factory’s layout plan, which describes various areas of the factory, such as production areas, testing areas, storage areas, etc.
• A comprehensive flow of the manufacturing process is provided
• Data from in-house test equipment and calibration information
• Product Quality Control Personnel Information
• Factory organisational chart

Other documents can be required depending on the product and production method.

Costing & Timeline of BIS ISI Certification in India

The fee for BIS ISI certification varies according to:

• Product category
• Testing requirements
• Factory size
• Documentation complexity

Approximately, AIF products take around 30 – 40 working days, and for some, it takes 180 days.

Product Testing Requirements for Electric Immersion Water Heaters Under IS 368

In addition to meeting the regulations for certification, products have to meet the prescribed certification requirements to be certified.

Common tests include:

• Construction Verification
• Safety In Electrical Work
• Input Power Test
• Heating Performance Test
• Leakage Current Test
• Electric Strength Test
• Endurance Test
• Moisture Resistance Test
• Abnormal Operation Test

Passing these tests will indicate compliance with IS 368.

Compliance Requirements After Obtaining BIS Certification

The process doesn’t end with certification; it’s the beginning. To get in line with the BIS requirements, manufacturers need to do so via:

• Identical Products: Products should be consistent with the certified product.
• Correct Use of ISI Mark: ISI Mark should be used as per the guidelines issued by the BIS.
• Quality Control Maintenance: Manufacturers must have test facilities and quality control systems.
• Periodic Surveillance: BIS will have the right to make surveillance inspections and sample testing.
• Record Maintenance: Records of production, testing and quality should be recorded and available for review.

If compliance with the continuing requirements is not demonstrated, the BIS license could be suspended or cancelled.

Common Challenges Faced During the BIS Certification Process

There are several hurdles in the Certification process as faced by manufacturers. Some difficulties that are common are:

• The wrong choice of a standard generates a big problem
• Incomplete documentation
• Product testing failures
• Satisfactory progress in obtaining test reports
• Factory audit observations
• Lack of BIS procedural knowledge
• Things that may have to do with AIR, but are issues for foreign manufacturers.
• Failure to comply with the rules of quality control

These problems and workflows can be minimised with the help of experienced certification consultants.

Benefits of Obtaining BIS Certification for Electric Immersion Water Heaters

The various benefits of BIS certification for Indian manufacturers are discussed here. Our customers will see several advantages in the manufacture of their product if it is BIS certified.

• Access to the Indian Market: Certification allows for entry into the Indian market of the required information, for legal sale and distribution within India.
• Increased Consumer Confidence: ISI Marked products have the confidence of the consumers.
• Better Brand Recognition: Certified shows a commitment to safety and quality.
• Certification as an advantage: Better business growth opportunities are given by procurement agencies and distributors to certified products.
• Regulatory Compliance for the Long Term: Manufacturers are kept in sync with the Indian regulatory Arena.

Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS Certification Services?

To obtain the BIS certification, it is necessary to have technical expertise along with knowledge of the requirements of the regulatory bodies. With over 600+ successful compliance projects, UMSPCS is here to support both Indian and foreign manufacturers with industry knowledge and valuable compliance support to guide them to successfully obtain certification.

• End-to-End Certification Assistance
• Professional knowledge about BIS Certification of Indian & Foreign manufacturers
• Dedicated Regulatory and Technical Support
• More prompt approval and compliance management

Conclusion

For the producers to build a reliable and successful business in India, obtaining a BIS Certificate for an Electric Immersion Water Heater with IS 368 is an important criterion. Compliance with BIS Standards brings the assurance of the safety of the product to the domestic manufacturer or overseas exporter and guarantees legal market access and increased customer trust.

Technical evaluation, product testing, documentation review, factory assessment and ongoing compliance management are all an integral part of the certification process. If administrative and technical assistance is provided and planning is conducted correctly, it can be much more streamlined and can also help to avoid unnecessary delays. 

With regulatory knowledge, technical expertise and industry practices to the rescue, we are best positioned, at UMSPCS, to assist manufacturers in the process of efficient certification.

Looking for professional support with BIS Certification or other regulatory approvals in India?

Contact UMSPCS and allow our expertise with compliance to take you through all the certification steps.

Read more also: BIS ISI Certification Consultant in Pune: Complete Guide

FAQs

1. Do Electric Immersion Water Heaters require BIS Certification in India?

Yes, if you have an Electric Immersion Water Heater that falls under the IS 368 (BIS) from which you want to manufacture, sell or import this product into the Indian market, it must be BIS marked first.

2. Which Scheme of BIS can be considered for the electric immersion water heater?

An electric immersion water heater can be considered certified under the BIS ISI Certification Scheme (Scheme-I), and certified to the ISI standard IS 368: 2014, for Electric Immersion Water Heaters.

3. Can BIS Certification for Electric Immersion Water Heater be availed even from foreign manufacturers?

Yes, BIS now offers the Foreign Manufacturer’s Certification Scheme (FMCS) for certification of goods imported from foreign manufacturers to India.

4. What documents are required for BIS Certification?

Generally, the manufacturers would need to submit company registration documents, factory information, product technical details, details about their quality control system in place, information about the testing facility, and other supporting documents as requested by BIS.

5. What is the time frame required to get BIS Certification on an Electric Immersion Water Heater?

Timelines will be dependent on various factors, including the readiness of the documentation, product testing, factory inspection, BIS Review, etc. Approval time may be longer if documents and/or testing are deficient.

6. What are the benefits of having BIS Certification of Electric Immersion Water Heaters?

BIS Certification can enable manufacturers to enter the Indian market legally, boost consumer and market confidence, signal compliance with safety regulation norms, increase brand credibility and mitigate the risk of any regulatory problems or product recalls.