BIS Standards for EV Chargers



  • In India, to manufacture, import, or sell EV charger equipment, a BIS certification under IS 17017 is mandatory, and compliance to the standards ensures safety and performance standards are fulfilled. 


  • The IS 17017 standards encompass all varieties of EV chargers, such as Bharat AC-001, Bharat DC-001, and high-power chargers (includes CCS2 or CHAdeMO protocols under IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 standards). 


  • Certification permits products by law to enter the Indian Market, participate in Government tenders/public procurement, and is expected to enhance customer confidence with the BIS Standard Mark. 


Introduction 

India is electrifying its roads faster than ever while ensuring safety and quality remains a priority. EV chargers are now subject to strict Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements under IS 17017, with regards to all aspects including connectors, communication protocols, safety requirements, and more.

If you are manufacturing, importing, or installing EV chargers in India - whether they are AC or DC, for bikes or high-powered vehicles - then you must comply with BIS certification requirements. Otherwise, your products could be excluded from the market, have penalties, or tarnish your reputation.

This comprehensive blog demystifies BIS standards for EV chargers in India:

  • Explores IS 17017 and its alignment with international norms like IEC 61851 and IEC 62196;

  • Details who must obtain certification—from domestic manufacturers to infrastructure deployers;

  • Breaks down the certification process, documents required, timelines, and renewal;

  • Highlights the benefits of certification;

  • And explains how expert agencies like Diligence Certifications streamline every step.

Let’s dive into the evolving ecosystem of EV charging compliance and power your operations with confidence.

What Are BIS Standards for EV Chargers?

In India the standards for EV chargers are based on the Indian Standard IS 17017 based on with world standards such as IEC 61851 conductive charging systems and IEC 62196 connectors and interfaces.

  • IS 17017 Part 1 – Specifies general requirements for EV chargers.

  • IS 17017 Part 2 – Covers connector standards, adapted from IEC 62196‑1, ‑2, and ‑3 for India.

  • IS 17017 Part 3 – Addresses light EVs (based on IEC 61851‑3).

  • IS 17017 Parts 21, 23, 24 – Handle EMC, DC charger requirements, and communication protocols (aligned with IEC 61851‑21, ‑23, ‑24 respectively)

India also has localized connector standards:

  • Bharat AC‑001 – For low-power AC charging (e.g., 230 V, 15 A, ~3 kW).

  • Bharat DC‑001 – For low-voltage DC charging (e.g., 48–72 V, ~15 kW)

EV charging infrastructure in India is categorized based on power and connector types, spanning distributed systems for light EVs to high-power dual-gun DC stations using CCS2 connectors.

Who Needs BIS Certification for EV Chargers?

Under IS 17017 and BIS policy:

  • All local EV charger manufactures need to be registered as a responsible manufacturer under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), if their item is notified. 

  • Foreign manufacturers must make an application under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and appoint an Authorized Indian Representativa ( AIR ), not an ISO 9001 certificate.

  • Importers, distributors, EV infrastructure providers (charging network operators), OEMs and fleet owners must ensure all EV chargers supplied or distributed are certified valid.

  • BIS certification. Essentially any person or entity manufacturing, supplying, importing, distributing, or deploying EV chargers in India would have to be compliant.

BIS Certification Process for EV Chargers

Product Testing:- Submit sample chargers to a BIS-recognized laboratory for compliance testing against IS 17017 and related sections.

B. Document Preparation & Submission

Required documents include:

  1. Product manual with technical specs;

  2. Circuit diagrams and PCB layouts;

  3. Type test reports from BIS-approved labs;

  4. Trademark registration or authorization;

  5. Factory license or OEM/importer details;

  6. Power of Attorney (if applicable);

  7. ISO 9001 certificate (for FMCS route);

  8. Manufacturer/importer details.

C. BIS Review Process

  • Submit application via BIS online portal.

  • BIS reviews test reports and documentation; may conduct audits/surveillance.

D. Grant of Certificate

On approval, BIS issues a registration number; certified chargers must carry the BIS Standard Mark.

E. Validity & Renewal

  • Initial validity: 2 years.

  • Extension: Up to 5 years, subject to submission of updated test reports and consistent manufacturing standards.

4. Why Certify? The Benefits of BIS Compliance

Benefit

What It Means

Legal Market Access

Enables legal sale, import, and deployment of EV chargers in India.

Customs Clearance

Certification facilitates smoother customs clearance.

Consumer & Partner Trust

BIS mark signals safety and quality—critical for reputation and contracts.

Tender Eligibility

Required for public infrastructure and network deployment contracts.

Risk Reduction

Meets safety standards, minimizing liability, warranty issues, and operational risk.

5. Challenges & Practical Considerations

While delivering compliance, applicants often encounter:

  • Understanding technical standards: Navigating parts of IS 17017 or related IEC norms can be technical and nuanced.

  • Lab delays: BIS-recognized labs may experience high backlogs.

  • Documentation gaps: Missing or incomplete paperwork often stalls approvals.

  • Renewal coordination: Ensuring timely renewal avoids certification lapses.

Leveraging a specialized consultancy—such as Diligence Certifications—can significantly reduce these hurdles via proactive coordination and expert guidance.

6. How Diligence Certifications Simplify the Journey

Diligence Certifications offers full-spectrum compliance assistance:

  • Identifying applicable standards and test protocols.

  • Coordinating sample testing with BIS labs.

  • Preparing technical documentation and certification applications.

  • Supporting audit readiness and surveillance compliance.

  • Managing renewals efficiently to ensure continuity.

Their expertise accelerates time-to-market, reduces errors, and helps companies maintain uninterrupted legal compliance in India’s dynamic EV charging landscape.

7. Current Trends & Future Outlook

  • Global alignment: IS standards continue adapting international norms like IEC 62196 and IEC 61851 for Indian contexts.

  • Connector standardization: National standards like Bharat AC‑001 and DC‑001 facilitate affordability and compatibility for light EVs.

  • Rising regulatory rigor: As EV penetration grows, BIS may increasingly involve infrastructure operators and require stricter audit regimes.

  • Green infrastructure: Certified chargers contribute to broader sustainability goals and ecosystem trust.

Staying on top of evolving revisions of IS 17017 is vital for compliance and competitive edge.

Conclusion 

BIS certification is essential in a fast-moving market for EV chargers. IS 17017 establishes safety, interoperability and confidence for charging infrastructure in India. No matter how you are making AC or DC chargers, setting up charging stations, or importing equipment, complying with BIS standards is an essential first step. 

While going through the BIS certification process could be overwhelming - from technical standards to lab testing, compliance documents, renewal and audits - Diligence Certifications has experienced end-to-end services that allow you to manage regulatory obligations effectively and efficiently.

Please let me know if you would like any additional portions such as, timelines of the process, quotes, or compliance tips based on connectors.

🌐https://www.diligencecertification.com/ 

📞+919471642921



 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Complete Guide to BIS ISI, CRS, and FMCS Certifications in India

Image
  For business firms looking to manufacture, import, or export products in India, it is crucial to comply with the relevant laws. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification is arguably one of the most important certifications. Whether you are handling electrical appliances, electronic goods, or industrial equipment, BIS certification guarantees that the products are safe, of good quality, and marketable. In this in-depth guide by Diligence Certification, we discuss the three main types of BIS certifications—BIS ISI Certification, BIS CRS Certification , and BIS FMCS Certification—and how they work across various product categories. We will take you through the procedures, requirements, advantages, and why engaging professional services can be a game-changer. What is BIS Certification? The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards authority, which establishes and maintains standards for products and systems. Certification by BIS is a stamp of safety, qua...
Read more

A Complete Guide to BIS Certification: ISI, CRS, and FMCS Define

Image
In the modern market, where quality and rules matter to people, ensuring products are standard is of great significance. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) assists in implementing rules on product safety, quality, and performance in India. If you are a manufacturer, importer, or brand owner, selecting the right BIS certification scheme—ISI, CRS, or FMCS—can be of great significance in entering the market, winning customers' trust, and remaining within the law. We assist companies with the entire BIS certification process at Diligence Certification. Whether you produce products in India or import them from abroad, our experienced team makes it easy for you to focus on expanding your business. In this detailed blog, we talk about the three broad categories of BIS certification—BIS ISI Certification, BIS CRS Certification , and BIS FMCS Certification—to assist you in making the right decision for the product category. What is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)? Bureau of Indian St...
Read more

Home Appliance BIS Certification: Your 2025 Compliance a guide

Image
Introduction to BIS for Home Appliances in 2025 In 2025 , the compliance landscape for home appliance manufacturers and importers in India continues to evolve under the strict purview of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) . The mandatory certification under IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 ensures the safety, quality, and reliability of home appliances sold in the Indian market. This guide provides in-depth insights on BIS Certification requirements, Certification for H ome Appliances , compliance procedures, costs involved, and its significance for both businesses and consumers. What is BIS Certification for Home Appliances? The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standard body responsible for formulating and implementing quality and safety standards. For H ome appliances , BIS Certification ensures that the product complies with IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 , the updated safety standard for electrical appliances. Certification under this scheme is mandatory for manufacturers...
Read more