New MeitY Order on Measurement of Rated Capacity of Lithium Cells & Batteries: What Manufacturers Must Know

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued an important order dated 3 February 2026 clarifying and strengthening the regulatory framework for measurement and declaration of rated capacity of lithium cells and batteries covered under IS 16046 (Part 2).

This order addresses long-standing concerns regarding misdeclaration of battery capacity, and introduces a uniform, test-based methodology to protect consumer interest and ensure market integrity.

Regulatory Background

Lithium-ion cells and batteries are already covered under mandatory registration as per the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, administered through Bureau of Indian Standards.

Under IS 16046 (Part 2): 2018, manufacturers are required to declare the rated capacity of lithium cells and batteries. However, MeitY has noted multiple instances where:

• Declared capacities did not match actual performance
• Consumers were misled due to overstated specifications
• Surveillance testing revealed inconsistencies

The present order seeks to close this gap through mandatory verification of rated capacity using a prescribed test method.

What the New Order Mandates

1. Mandatory Test Method for Rated Capacity

Going forward, the rated capacity of sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries must be:

• Measured strictly in accordance with Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3)
• Reported for compliance under IS 16046 (Part 2)

This effectively harmonizes capacity declaration with a standardized laboratory test procedure, eliminating subjective or manufacturer-defined claims.

2. BIS to Revise Test Report Format

The order further states that Bureau of Indian Standards will:

• Publish a revised Test Report Format (TRF)
• Issue implementation guidelines to operationalize the new requirement

This is significant for manufacturers and labs, as it will directly impact CRS testing documentation, renewals, and surveillance assessments.

3. Implementation Timeline

The revised requirements will come into force from 1 May 2027, and will apply to:

• New CRS registrations
• Inclusion of additional models
• Renewal of existing registrations

Existing registrations will remain valid until their expiry, subject to an important caveat.

4. Impact on Surveillance & Market Enforcement

For products picked up during market surveillance, compliance will now be assessed on whether:

• The measured rated capacity of lithium cells and batteries
• Falls within the specified limits as per the standard

Any deviation may expose manufacturers to non-compliance actions, including suspension or cancellation of registration.

Why This Order Matters

This clarification has far-reaching implications for the electronics, EV, energy storage, power tools, and consumer device sectors:

• Ends ambiguity around capacity declaration
• Increases accountability for overseas manufacturers exporting to India
• Aligns lab testing with real-world performance claims
• Strengthens consumer trust and product transparency

For foreign manufacturers, especially those using global test data or internal capacity ratings, this marks a clear shift toward India-specific compliance evidence.

Key Take aways for Industry

• Rated capacity can no longer be a marketing figure it must be test-verified
• Testing strategy and documentation must be realigned well before May 2027
• CRS renewals and model inclusions will require closer scrutiny
• Surveillance risk for misdeclared batteries has materially increased

Conclusion

MeitY’s order is a decisive step toward regulatory maturity in battery governance. While the compliance burden will increase, the long lead time until 2027 gives manufacturers an opportunity to realign testing protocols, documentation, and declarations.

Early preparedness will be critical especially for brands with large model portfolios, multiple cell suppliers, or high-capacity battery systems.