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BIS Tightens Compliance: Mandatory Verification of Rated Capacity for Lithium Cells & Batteries under IS 16046 (Part 2)

India’s regulatory framework for electronics continues to evolve in favour of consumer protection, transparency, and product integrity. In a significant development, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), pursuant to directions issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has introduced mandatory verification of rated capacity for portable sealed secondary Lithium cells and batteries under IS 16046 (Part 2).

This move addresses growing concerns around misdeclaration of rated capacity and aims to protect consumer interests in the rapidly expanding lithium-ion ecosystem.

Regulatory Background

IS 16046 (Part 2): 2018 / IEC 62133-2: 2017 is already mandated under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.

However, MeitY observed multiple complaints and instances of incorrect or inflated rated capacity declarations. As a corrective measure, MeitY issued an Order dated 03 February 2026, mandating that:

Rated capacity shall now be measured and verified as per Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3): 2018 / IEC 61960-3: 2017 (Discharge performance at 20°C) and reported for compliance under IS 16046 (Part 2).

This fundamentally shifts compliance from mere declaration to measured verification through accredited laboratory testing.

What Exactly Has Changed?

1. Mandatory Rated Capacity Testing

All portable sealed secondary Lithium cells and batteries must undergo verification of rated capacity as per:

  • Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3): 2018
  • Test method: Discharge performance at 20°C (Rated Capacity)

Labs are required to report the measured capacity in the modified Unified Test Report Format.

2. Impact on Existing Licensees

BIS has provided structured implementation timelines:

For licences valid up to 30 April 2027:- Compliance must be ensured by 30 April 2027.

For licences valid beyond 30 April 2027:- Compliance must be ensured by licence validity date.

Manufacturers must:

  • Submit third-party test reports for all lead models
  • Generate test requests via LIMS
  • Apply through the Standard Revision/Amendment/Essential Requirement Module
  • Provide undertaking for remaining models

Failure to comply may result in:

  • Suspension of licence
  • Cancellation
  • Deletion of models from scope

3. Impact on New Applicants

  • Applications where testing is already completed may proceed
  • Pending applications must give undertaking to submit rated capacity test report
  • Post 30 April 2027, no licence will be granted without rated capacity testing included in the test report

Effective Date

The requirement becomes mandatory for:

  • New registrations
  • Inclusion of models
  • Renewal of registration

From 1 May 2027 onwards

Why This Matters for Industry

Consumer Protection

Prevents overstatement of battery capacity critical for devices such as:

  • Mobile phones
  • Laptops
  • Power banks
  • Wearables
  • EV components (where applicable)

Market Discipline

Ensures fair competition by preventing misleading capacity claims.

Strengthened Surveillance

Samples picked up during surveillance must meet rated capacity limits within specified tolerance.

Practical Challenges Industry May Face

  • Increased testing costs
  • Lab capacity constraints closer to deadline
  • Administrative coordination for multiple lead models
  • Alignment between safety testing and performance testing

Early planning is strongly advisable.

Strategic Advisory for Manufacturers

  • Conduct internal gap analysis immediately
  • Map all active licences and validity timelines
  • Prioritize high-volume and surveillance-sensitive models
  • Coordinate with BIS-recognised labs early
  • Ensure correct reporting format alignment

Delaying action until 2027 may create bottlenecks, especially considering testing volumes across the electronics sector.

The Larger Policy Signal

This move reinforces India’s regulatory direction:

  • Shift from declaration-based compliance
  • Increased technical verification
  • Stronger consumer protection
  • Alignment with international performance testing norms

It also signals that performance parameters will increasingly be scrutinized, not just safety aspects.

Conclusion

The rated capacity verification mandate under IS 16046 (Part 2) is not merely an additional test it represents a structural tightening of compliance discipline in the lithium battery ecosystem.

Manufacturers who act early will avoid last-minute disruptions, while those delaying may face regulatory and commercial risks.

If your organization requires assistance with:

  • Compliance strategy
  • Application structuring
  • Lab coordination
  • Timeline planning
  • Risk mitigation

Professional regulatory guidance can ensure smooth transition without operational disruption.

Guidelines for Mandatory Verification [Download]

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