How to Get BIS ISI Certification for Domestic LPG Water Heaters in India?

Although an LPG water heater can provide hot water in just a few seconds, there is an important responsibility involved – that of making certain it operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. The fact that these appliances use liquefied petroleum gas means that even a small fault in combustion performance, in the gas connections, or in the safety devices can lead to serious hazards.

In India, the requirement of BIS ISI Certification for domestic LPG water heaters is specified in the relevant Quality Control Order. In order to sell their products in the Indian market, manufacturers have to show that they comply with the appropriate Indian Standard. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has designated IS 15558:2024, Instantaneous Domestic Water Heater for Use with LPG, as the standard that applies to such appliances.

Then, what steps should Indian and foreign manufacturers take to get the licence?  This blog covers all the important aspects involved in obtaining BIS ISI Certification in India for domestic LPG water heaters, including an understanding of the legal framework, setting up the factory infrastructure, product testing, preparing the documentation, dealing with the costs, and renewing the licence.

Which Indian Standard Do Domestic LPG Water Heaters Fall Under?

The relevant standard is IS 15558:2024, which concerns instantaneous domestic water heaters to be used with LPG – which is the version that has replaced the previous 2005 edition. BIS published implementation guidelines for the updated standard and then issued amendments that manufacturers have to take into account when determining conformity. It is essential to check the most updated version of the standard along with any amendments before commencing testing and application submission.

This standard applies to home water heaters that operate on LPG and have a nominal power output of below 25kW; it specifies the requirements with regard to design, performance, testing and safety.

Why is BIS ISI certification required for LPG water heaters?

The 2018 Order on the Domestic Water Heater to be Used with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Quality Control) makes it compulsory for covered products to comply with the relevant Indian Standard, and BIS includes this product within its Scheme-I compulsory certification scheme.

Obtaining a valid BIS licence helps manufacturers:

• Comply with the relevant safety and performance requirements.
• You must meet the certification requirements for covered products.
• Build confidence among customers and distributors.
• Reduce the likelihood of non-compliance, enforcement actions, and market restrictions.
• Ensure the processes involved in manufacturing and quality control procedures are in accordance with the requirements.

Manufacturers need to familiarize themselves with the present Quality Control Order, the pertinent exemptions, as well as the conditions of application before introducing the products into the market tomorrow.

Basic Requirements for BIS ISI Certification

Before applying for BIS ISI Certification for Indian manufacturers, companies should consider if their manufacturing plants and products are ready for inspection and testing.

The main requirements include:

• Applicable Indian Standard
• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Quality-control system
• Testing facilities
• Product conformity
• BIS inspection
• Marking compliance

How to Get BIS ISI Certification for Domestic LPG Water Heaters

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

Look at the IS 15558:2024 standard, which relates to instantaneous domestic water heaters used with LPG, and examine any amendments that apply.

Manufacturers must:

• Make sure that you understand the product’s safety and performance requirements.
• Make sure the product conforms to the standard.
• Where appropriate, improve the manufacturing processes.

Step 2: Product Testing and Documentation

• Get the product ready for testing and put together the technical documents.
• Arrange the testing with an appropriate laboratory that is recognized by the BIS.
• Put together the product specifications, the drawings, and the factory details.
• Put together the records relating to manufacturing and quality control.

Step 3: Application Submission

Make the application via the BIS Mana online portal together with the necessary documents and the relevant government fees.

Key requirements include:

• The application forms and information about the factory.
• The product specifications and test reports, where relevant.
• Prescribed application fees.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

The officials from the BIS visit the manufacturing plant to check that it is in compliance.

The inspection covers:

• Manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Quality-control procedures.
• The facilities used for testing and the technical records.

Step 5: Product Testing and Report Submission

The product samples are tested in accordance with the requirements of IS 15558:2024, and the laboratory then sends the results to BIS for evaluation.

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities

If problems are found, manufacturers must fix them, send updated documents, or do more testing as needed.

Step 7: Payment of Licence and Marking Fees

Once the manufacturer has met the certification requirements, they have to pay the relevant licence, marking, and other prescribed fees.

Step 8: Grant of BIS ISI Licence

Once the inspection, testing, documentation, and the payment procedures have been satisfactorily completed, BIS may grant a licence for the use of the ISI Standard Mark on approved products, on the basis of the licence conditions.

Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification

The documentation can differ depending on the manufacturer, the factory, the product range, and the application. Typical requirements are:

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
• Evidence of the manufacturing unit’s address (for example, a deed showing ownership or a utility bill, etc.)
• Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)
• Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution
• control and industry-specific approvals)
• Product drawings/design schematics
• Installed manufacturing capacity
• List of materials used, and specification
• Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
• The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
• A detailed manufacturing process flow is given
• In-house test equipment and calibration information
• Information about the quality control personnel
• Factory organizational chart

BIS might ask for more details or certain formats, as stated in its product-specific rules.

BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers

If foreign manufacturers wish to sell their LPG water heaters in India, then they must adhere to the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), and it is not sufficient for them to rely on the domestic licence application made by an Indian importer.

The main requirements include:

• Submit an application through the relevant BIS foreign manufacturer certification procedure.
• Designating an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who satisfies the BIS conditions.
• Ensuring that appropriate manufacturing and testing facilities are in place.
• Providing the technical and legal documentation.
• To assist with factory inspections and sample testing.
• Adhere to the relevant inspection, marking fee, and licence conditions.

The BIS says that the usual duration for an FMCS processing period is about six months from the date on which a complete application is received, even though delays can happen because of inspection arrangements, testing, queries, and other outstanding requirements. 

Foreign manufacturers should also provide for the travel and visa costs concerned, together with the marking fees and the prescribed performance bank guarantee.

BIS ISI Certification Fees for Domestic LPG Water Heaters

The price for BIS ISI Certification of domestic LPG water heaters is determined by the cost of testing, that of the documentation, the fee for the factory inspection, and the relevant BIS fees.

BIS Estimated Timeline and Licence Validity for Domestic LPG Water Heaters

• The processing time will be about 30 to 40 working days in simple cases, though the actual time taken might differ.
• The certification by foreign manufacturers may take as long as six months.
• The licence is usually valid for two years at first and can be renewed for a further five years provided that the relevant BIS conditions are met.

Manufacturers must renew their licence on time and keep to compliance if they are to continue using the ISI Mark.

Common Challenges Manufacturers Should Anticipate for Domestic LPG Water Heaters

• Outdated standard
• Insufficient testing infrastructure
• Product test failures
• Documentation gaps
• Inspection deficiencies
• Foreign manufacturer coordination

If you prepare the factory and technical file before applying, this will help to cut down on delays that could have been avoided.

What makes UMSPCS the Choice BIS ISI Certification for Domestic LPG Water Heaters?

At UMSPCS, we provide support to manufacturers by adopting an approach to regulatory compliance that is focused on documentation and specific to each product.

With 6+ years of compliance experience and support across 600+ product compliance requirements, our services can include:

• Standard identification
• Documentation assistance
• Factory-readiness support
• Testing coordination
• Application assistance
• Foreign manufacturer support
• Ongoing compliance guidance

We offer advisory and coordinating assistance; Making the final call on issuing a BIS license rests with the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Conclusion

The whole process of acquiring a BIS ISI Certification for LPG water heaters in India consists of much more than just sending in an application. Companies are required to adhere to Indian standards, introduce testing and quality control processes, and acquire proper documentation before proceeding with the BIS certification.

If you are an Indian manufacturer or an overseas company looking to enter the Indian market, it would be wise to prepare well beforehand in order to make the process easier.

Need a BIS ISI Certification in India?

Connect with UMSPCS now if you need guidance specific to the product, support with the documentation, and help along your certification journey.

Read more also: Do Cash Registers Require BIS CRS Certification Under IS 13252

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have BIS ISI Certification for domestic LPG water heaters?

Certainly, domestic LPG water heaters that are covered by the relevant Quality Control Order are required to comply with the prescribed BIS certification requirements.

2. What Indian Standard do domestic LPG water heaters have to comply with?

The relevant standard is IS 15558:2024, which applies to instantaneous domestic water heaters to be used with LPG, provided that it falls within the scope of the standard and the applicable amendments are taken into account.

3. Is it possible for manufacturers in India to apply directly for BIS certification?

Eligible Indian manufacturers may apply via the BIS Manakonline portal according to the procedure under Scheme-I.

4. Is it possible for foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS ISI Certification?

Foreign manufacturers can apply via the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and have to satisfy the relevant requirements, including those relating to AIR.

5. What would occur if a water heater failed the BIS test?

The manufacturer will have to look into the non-conformity, make any necessary corrections, and carry out the relevant retesting or assessment requirements before the application can go ahead.