BEE Certification Registration in India: Complete Guide for Manufacturers & Importers
- Need for a new regulatory framework for the sale of regulated products in India
- Official star labelling has contributed to building brand trust
- Improved marketing acceptance and customers' trust
- Lower operating costs and electricity usage
- In the Indian market, to make a difference for yourself
- Meeting energy-efficiency standards that are applicable in India
- Prevention of fines, confiscation of goods or sales prohibition
BEE certification not only allows products to be compliant but also increases the market value of products.
- Air conditioners for rooms
- Refrigerators with no Frosting
- LED Lighting
- Fans for the Ceiling
- Refrigerators with direct cooling
- Tubular Fluorescent Lamp
- Televisions in colour
- Machines for washing
- Geysers with electricity
- Transformers for Distribution
- RAC (Cassette, floor tower, ceiling, corner AC)
Failure to meet the compulsory BEE product certification requirements can lead to a product recall, fine or product sales bans.
- Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Induction Hobs
- Pedestal Fans
- Table fans/Wall-mounted fans
- High Energy Li-Batteries
- Tyres
- Office Automation Products
- Light Commercial AC Fixed Speed
- Deep Freezers
- Solar Water Heaters
- Microwave Ovens
- Air Compressors
- Domestic Gas Stoves
- General Purpose Pumps
- Submersible Pump Sets
- Diesel provides a single source of water pumps
- Frequently used appliances
- Ballasts
- Solid State Inverters
- Chillers
- Diesel Generator Sets
Voluntary labelling helps businesses build up their environmentally friendly image as well as enhance the credibility of their products.
Step 1: Company Registration
Tomorrow it begins with registration of the company together with the necessary documents on the BEE Standards & Labelling (S&L) portal.
This applies to: Indian manufacturers Foreign manufacturers use an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).
UMSPCS assists with: Marketing materials appropriate for a company Portal registration Verification of documents/laboratory-submission for compliance
Upon approval from the company, manufacturers can register a product model.
This applies to:
Step 2: Product Testing
Every product model should be tested in a laboratory that is recognised or accredited by the BEE as per the applicable BEE standard (NBL).
In UMSPCS, there is coordination with the approved laboratory for the following: Product sample testing Scheduling and coordination Properly gathering accurate test reports Evaluation of the product star rating
Normally, test reports should not be older than 6 months.
In UMSPCS, there is coordination with the approved laboratory for the following:
Step 3: Model Registration
Once the product is tested successfully, the product model will be registered on the BEE portal.
UMSPCS is creating and uploading all of the documents required, including:
UMSPCS ensures:
- Company PAN card
- GST registration certificate
- Manufactures or Factory licence
- Incorporation/ Partnership Deed Certificate
- Document to confirm brand ownership (or Trademark Certificate)
- Authorised Signatory Letter
- This will include an ISO 9001 Certificate (if applicable)
- Information about the production centre
- Undertakings as per BEE requirements
- Original Test Report by a BEE-recognised/NABL lab
- Artwork for the product label was designed following BEE guidelines
- Technical specification sheet
- Technical specification sheet
- User manual
- Declaration forms and compliance statements
1. Requirements for Chinese OEMs
In case of a Chinese or foreign manufacturer, the products are supplied to an Indian brand owner, then an 'Authorised Indian' has to be appointed.
The Indian brand owner gives an “Authorisation Letter” to its executive, and the executive is certain that he has to handle everything related to BEE and ensure submission and compliance.
2. Requirements for Foreign OEMs
Every Foreign manufacturer has to have an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) to perform the compliance activities in India.
The AIR manages:Documentation coordination Product testing support Regulatory communication Approval procedures
The AIR manages:
- Error when setting up categories
- Limitations in laboratory testing
- Incomplete documentation
- Technical non-compliance issues
- Errors in the artwork on the label are unacceptable
- Poor comprehension of the regulations/enforcement
- Needless to say, delays in the approval of the portals also contribute
- AIR compliance issues for foreign manufacturers
1. Sample Return Timeline
Manufacturers need to gather the samples that have been tested no later than 15 days after the laboratory test report is issued.
2. No Liability for Sample Damage
Samples of the products can be partially or wholly damaged during the testing processes. Testing laboratories or UMSPCS will not be liable for any damage resulting from testing or evaluation.
A. Affirmation and Renewal of BEE Registration
BEE Registration in India is valid for three years, but can be renewed for a further three-year period. Following the validity period, manufacturers/importers will have to obtain renewal of the certification for the same products by selling them in India under the approved BEE Star label.
Typically, the renewal process will involve: Updating technical documents and compliance documents Renewal applications will be due on July 1st of each year Ensuring government payments, if applicable Certification Service will verify continued product compliance
Timely renewals are important because they help to make sure there are no gaps in product sales or in acquiring rights to label the product.
UMSPCS ensures businesses can smoothly and efficiently manage the whole renewal process.
Typically, the renewal process will involve:
UMSPCS ensures businesses can smoothly and efficiently manage the whole renewal process.
B. Requirements for BEE Labelling Confirmation
1. Requirements for Chinese OEMs
But in case any manufacturer is outsourcing any product to a brand owner/ OEM in India, the executive has to be appointed as an authorised Chinese/ foreign manufacturer.
The Indian brand owner gives them an Authorisation Letter, and the appointed executive takes on these responsibilities: BEE portal activities Application submission Compliance coordination Communication with authorities
This can facilitate legal accountability and facilitate approval processes.
2. Requirements for Foreign OEMs A Foreign Manufacturer has to have an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) in India who will be responsible for carrying out the regulatory compliance activities in India.
The AIR handles: Technical documentation Product testing coordination Regulatory communication Compliance management Approval procedures
The official liaison between the foreign manufacturer and the Indian authorities is the AIR.
But in case any manufacturer is outsourcing any product to a brand owner/ OEM in India, the executive has to be appointed as an authorised Chinese/ foreign manufacturer.
The Indian brand owner gives them an Authorisation Letter, and the appointed executive takes on these responsibilities:
2. Requirements for Foreign OEMs A Foreign Manufacturer has to have an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) in India who will be responsible for carrying out the regulatory compliance activities in India.
The AIR handles:
C. Adding the BEE Logo on Products
What is BEE Labelling Confirmation?
The final stage of BEE labelling confirmation consists of the approval to put the official BEE Star Label on the approved products.
The process includes: Tell the lawmakers how some food items need to be labelled with stars The verification of the design of a label by the BEE authorities Labelling approved products and packages - printing approved labels on products and/or packaging Showing the official star rating will be limited to approved models only
Only after obtaining a confirmation label will the BEE Star Label be permitted for use in the products on the Indian market.
The final stage of BEE labelling confirmation consists of the approval to put the official BEE Star Label on the approved products.
The process includes:
D. BEE Post-Approval Compliance Requirements
Once manufacturers and importers have BEE Registration in hand, they have to continue to adhere to a host of regulatory requirements.
1. Quarterly Sales Reporting
The production or import information by manufacturers/importers is submitted on a quarterly basis to BEE per model. The reports should be issued by an Independent Chartered Accountant to add transparency and accuracy to the reports.
2. Minimum Market Availability Requirement
The Indian market availability of the product model should be for a minimum of 1 year from BEE Registration in India, or till the product model is specifically exempted by the BEE.
3. Providing Product Availability Details
In order to provide information to the manufacturer, companies must submit information related to: Distribution channels Retail availability Dealer networks Online sales platforms
This assists BEE to get an idea of the availability of the product in India.
4. Production Revalidation (If Production Delays Occur)
When manufacturing or production is not started within 6 months from the date of approval, the manufacturer shall: Let BEE know of the delay Re-check the insurance upon commencement of production Ensure reinforcement continues until manufacture is commenced or registration time is up.
1. Quarterly Sales Reporting
The production or import information by manufacturers/importers is submitted on a quarterly basis to BEE per model. The reports should be issued by an Independent Chartered Accountant to add transparency and accuracy to the reports.
2. Minimum Market Availability Requirement
The Indian market availability of the product model should be for a minimum of 1 year from BEE Registration in India, or till the product model is specifically exempted by the BEE.
3. Providing Product Availability Details
In order to provide information to the manufacturer, companies must submit information related to:
4. Production Revalidation (If Production Delays Occur)
When manufacturing or production is not started within 6 months from the date of approval, the manufacturer shall:
E. Implementing a Test Sample Return Policy
1. Sample Return Timeline
The product samples should be collected with the help of the manufacturers within 15 days of the laboratory test report to repeat the test. Samples that are not claimed will be destroyed, and it will be the testing laboratory's policy to perform the destruction.
2. No Liability for Sample Damage
Destroying procedures of the laboratory may cause some or all samples to become compromised. All UMSPCS evaluations and test products are done at UMSPCS's own risk, and UMSPCS accepts no responsibility for any damage during the process of evaluation or testing products.
The product samples should be collected with the help of the manufacturers within 15 days of the laboratory test report to repeat the test. Samples that are not claimed will be destroyed, and it will be the testing laboratory's policy to perform the destruction.
2. No Liability for Sample Damage
Destroying procedures of the laboratory may cause some or all samples to become compromised. All UMSPCS evaluations and test products are done at UMSPCS's own risk, and UMSPCS accepts no responsibility for any damage during the process of evaluation or testing products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, BEE Registration is mandatory on various electrical and electronic products churned out under the mandatory BEE labelling scheme that can be offered in the Indian market.
The registration process for BEE takes about 30 - 60 working days, subject to the duration of product testing, product documentation and product approval.
Yes, foreign manufacturers may apply for BEE Registration in India via an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR), which gets them trained up and communicating with the Indian authorities.
They are typically used in product test reports, technical specifications, applications for business registration, artwork for product labels, authorisation letters, compliance documents, etc.
The BEE Registration is normally valid for three years and needs to be renewed prior to its expiration date.
Penalties, product recall, seizure of goods and restriction of market entry in the Indian market may occur if products are sold that are covered under mandatory BEE labelling but are not registered.
