Air filters used in general ventilation systems help control airborne particles in enclosed spaces such as offices, hospitals, etc. The air filters are designed to purify the air from dust, fine particles, allergens, and any other impurities. There are various types of air filters available depending upon the level of air purification. Air filters play an important role in ensuring that HVAC systems operate efficiently by removing particles from the ventilation system.
BIS certification is an assurance that the ventilation air filter complies with the technical and performance specifications. IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021 covers the evaluation of air filters for efficiency regarding particulate matter, constructional features and performance criteria. The BIS license is a must for companies to be able to sell air filters in the Indian market.
What is IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021
This is the Indian Standard for air filters used in general ventilation systems, focusing on technical specifications and performance requirements. It outlines the performance standard required to ensure cleaner, healthier indoor air. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), air filters for general ventilation are:
- Evaluated for pressure drop
- Checked for construction quality
- Tested for particulate matter filtration efficiency
- Assessed for classification accuracy
BIS Approval Eligibility for General Ventilation Air Filters
BIS authorisation under IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying ePM-rated air filters in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the product is covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the air purification filter to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified air filters.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure consistent indoor air quality, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the technical requirements for air filters under IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet minimum performance levels for particulate matter filtration and overall filter efficiency used in general ventilation systems.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Air Filters are listed below:
BIS Approval Process for ePM Rated Air Filters
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the industrial air filter meets the prescribed quality and safety standards. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for particulate matter filtration efficiency (ePM), air flow resistance, fractional efficiency performance, construction quality and dimensional accuracy.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing facility to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon successful verification, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can mention the ISI Mark on the product along with the CM/L number, indicating compliance with BIS standards.
List of Documents for IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021 Approval
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
The Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and handles all rules and compliance matters in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the manufacturer obtains a BIS license, the ISI Mark for air filters used in ventilation
systems must be clearly and permanently marked on their packaging or on the product. Along
with the ISI Mark, key details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number
(CM/L) must be written. Further marking details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
Validity Details for air filters BIS License
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Non-Compliance Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
ventilation air filter BIS Approval fee details
The cost of BIS Approval for micro silica includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Well-designed air filters help create better indoor environments by minimizing the spread of
airborne particles in the air via the ventilation system. Filters that meet IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021
standards will provide better filtration efficiency. Certified air filters will help in controlling the dust
build-up effectively and thus will help in reducing maintenance problems in HVAC systems. This
will be especially useful in places where indoor air quality is important for health, productivity,
and the proper functioning of equipment.
EVTL India helps companies with the certification process of air filters. This includes assistance
with documentation, testing and analysing requirements for the compliance process. With the
right help, the process therefore becomes easy for manufacturers and importers.
