Electric immersion water heaters are portable heating devices used to heat water quickly by placing the rod directly into a bucket, mug, or container. They are commonly used in homes, hostels and travel needs because they are easy to use and convenient for instant hot water.
Since these heaters work with electricity and come in direct contact with water, product safety is very important. BIS Certification for Electric Immersion Water Heaters under IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201) helps confirm that the product meets required Indian safety and quality standards. Manufacturers and importers need BIS certification before selling these products in the Indian market. After approval, the product can carry the ISI Mark, which builds customer trust and supports legal sale in India.
Why BIS Certification is Mandatory for Electric Immersion Water Heaters
- Mandatory by Law: BIS certification is required for electric water heaters under the BIS Act, 2016 before selling in India.
- Avoid Heavy Penalties: Selling non-certified products can attract fines up to ₹5 lakh, product seizure, and legal action.
- Required for Online Selling: E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart often ask for BIS certification to list electrical products.
- Build Customer Trust: The ISI Mark shows that the immersion heater meets Indian safety and quality standards.
- Smooth Market Entry: BIS certification helps manufacturers and importers sell products smoothly across India without compliance issues.
What is IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201)
This is an Indian Standard issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for immersion water heaters. It sets safety and performance requirements that these products must meet before sale in India. This standard helps ensure that these water heaters:
- Heat water safely during regular use
- Have proper insulation and electrical protection
- Reduce risk of shock, overheating, and short circuit
- Are durable and suitable for daily use
- Meet required quality and safety tests
Products complying with this standard can apply for BIS certification and use the ISI Mark after approval.
Who Needs BIS Certification for Electric Water Heaters
BIS certification is required for anyone who manufactures, imports, or sells water heaters in India. It is needed for:
- Indian Manufacturers making immersion water heaters for the Indian market
- Foreign Manufacturers exporting immersion heaters to India
- Importers and Brand Owners selling products under their own brand name
- Sellers and Distributors supplying these heaters in India
BIS Testing & Quality Standards for Water Heaters
To ensure product safety and reliable performance, BIS testing is required for water heaters under IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201). These tests focus on electrical safety, heating performance, insulation strength, and safe use during daily operation.
Key Tests Include:
How to Get BIS License for electric immersion rod

To obtain a BIS license for immersion water heaters, manufacturers must follow the certification process prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The process includes following key steps:
- Online Registration: Apply through the BIS Manak Online Portal by submitting company details, factory information, and product specifications. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Product Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories to assess electrical safety, insulation strength, heating performance, mechanical durability, and reliable operation of the product.
- Application Submission: Submit the BIS application along with test reports, technical documents, manufacturing details, and quality control information. Foreign applicants must also submit AIR documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing unit to verify production capability, testing facilities, quality systems, and compliance with applicable standards.
- Grant of BIS License: If the product and factory meet all BIS requirements, the license is issued under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI Mark with the CM/L number, confirming compliance with BIS standards.
BIS Documents Checklist for immersion rod heater
| 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 |
ISI Marking Requirements for water heating appliances
After obtaining the BIS license, the ISI mark for the immersion water heaters must be clearly and permanently applied on the product or its packaging along with the following details mentioned in the table below :
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 302(part 1) |
| 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 should be done using stamping, tags, or permanent printing so the product can be easily identified during handling, storage, and transport, as per BIS requirements.
BIS License Validity for Electric water heaters
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Up to 5 years. Apply at least 3 months before expiry. |
| Annual Fees | Pay the annual license fee in advance each year. |
| Surveillane | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
BIS Approval Cost for heating appliances
The cost of BIS certification 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.
- Marking fee depends on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-approved laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Electric Immersion Water Heaters under IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201) helps ensure that the product meets important performance and quality requirements for safe and reliable daily use. It is an important requirement for manufacturers and importers who want to sell immersion heaters legally in India. Getting BIS approval also helps build customer trust and allows the product to carry the ISI Mark, showing compliance with Indian standards.
EVTL India provides complete support for BIS certification, including documentation, product testing coordination, application filing, and approval assistance for a smooth and hassle-free process.