Deep freezers are essential electrical appliances used in homes, restaurants,
supermarkets, and food storage units for preserving food, medicines, and other
temperature-sensitive items for a longer time. They work by maintaining consistently low
temperatures, which help in keeping products fresh, safe, and usable for extended
periods.
Since freezers run continuously and depend on electrical systems and cooling
components, safety and performance are very important. To ensure reliable operation
and protection against electrical hazards, temperature failure, leakage issues, and
mechanical faults, the Bureau of Indian Standards has defined requirements under IS
7872:2020. BIS certification for freezers confirms that the product meets the required
Indian safety and quality standards for safe use in the Indian market.
Overview of IS 7872:2020 Standard
This is the Indian Standard that defines safety, performance, and construction
requirements for household and commercial freezers. It is issued by the Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure that freezers used for storage and preservation
operate safely, efficiently, and reliably under normal working conditions.
This standard ensures that the product is:
- Safe from electrical shock and insulation failure risks.
- Protected against temperature control failures and cooling system faults.
- Designed with durable materials suitable for continuous operation.
- Tested for proper cooling performance, efficiency, and stability.
- Built to operate safely under varying environmental and load conditions.
- Marked with correct ratings, usage details, and safety instructions
Who Requires BIS Certification for deep freezers?
BIS Certification is required for businesses involved in the manufacturing, importing,
and distribution of freezers in India.
It applies to:
- Manufacturers – Must obtain BIS certification before producing and selling
freezers in the Indian market.
- Importers – Need to ensure that imported freezers comply with BIS
requirements before sale in India.
- Suppliers/Distributors – Should deal only in BIS-certified freezers to ensure
compliance and market acceptance.
This certification is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Benefit: BIS certification ensures product safety, reliable cooling performance, legal
compliance, and builds strong customer trust in the product.
BIS Testing & Quality Standards for Deep Freezers
To ensure safe usage, reliable cooling performance, and long service life, deep freezers
are tested under IS 7872:2020 by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). These testing
and inspection requirements are followed during manufacturing to confirm that every
unit meets essential safety and quality expectations before it is sold in the Indian
market.
Electrical Safety and Protection Checks
- Protection against electric shock (R): Ensures user safety from exposed live
parts.
- Insulation strength test (R): Checks ability to withstand high voltage without
breakdown.
- Earth connection test (R): Confirms proper grounding for safety.
- Leakage current assessment (R): Ensures safe current levels during operation.
- Electrical accessories check (S): Verifies safety and compliance of connected
components.
Cooling Performance and Functional Tests
- Temperature pull-down performance (S): Measures how quickly required
cooling is achieved.
- Energy efficiency check (S): Evaluates power consumption during operation.
- Heat rise monitoring (S): Ensures safe temperature behavior during working
conditions.
- Load condition performance (S): Verifies stable functioning under normal
usage load.
Mechanical Strength and Construction Checks
- Structural durability test (S): Ensures body strength under load conditions.
- Door operation endurance test (S): Checks repeated opening and closing
performance.
- Shelf strength test (S): Confirms load-bearing capacity of internal fittings.
- Component inspection (S): Ensures proper quality of fitted parts and assembly.
- Design and build verification (S): Confirms safe construction standards.
Safety, Stability & Environmental Resistance
- Stability check (S): Ensures appliance does not tip or become unstable.
- Moisture resistance test (S): Checks protection against humidity exposure.
- Heat and fire resistance test (S): Ensures safe performance under thermal
stress.
- Corrosion resistance test (S): Confirms durability against rust and
environmental damage.
- Clearance and insulation spacing check (S): Ensures safe internal electrical
separation.
How to get bis license for frozen storage units
To obtain a BIS license, manufacturers must follow the certification process prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 23). This process confirms that the product meets required safety and quality standards for sale in India.
- 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 check electrical safety, insulation strength, temperature rise, leakage current, mechanical durability, and overall operational safety of skin and hair care appliances.
- 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 cold storage cabinets
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS approval:
Basic Details: - GST Certificate
- Email ID, Contact Number
- Factory, Office Address
- Rent and Lease Agreement(if applicable)
- Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
| Product and Packing Details: - Quantity per Package
- Nature of Packing
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
Testing and Quality Control: - List of testing Equipment
- Calibration Certificates
- QC or Lab In-charge Appointment Letter
- Qualification
| Raw Material Details: - List of Row Materials
- Supplier Details
- Raw Material Invoices
- Raw Material Test Certificates
|
Manufacturing Details: - List of Machinery
- process flow chart
- Layout plan of Factory
| Brand and Certification Documents: - Trademark / Brand Certificate
- Consent Latter From BIS Recognized Laboratory
|
Production Details: - Annual Installed Capacity
- Last Year Production Value
| Additional Documents: - Weekly Off Details
- Hygiene Documents(if applicable)
- Relaxation Latter(if applicable)
- Any Other Relevant Documents
|
Management Details: - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
| Required Documents: - Agreement with AIR
- Aadhaar Card with AIR
- AIR Nomination Form
- Required Undertakings
- Scope of License
|
Foreign manufacturers must additionally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manage compliance requirements in India.
Marking Requirements And ISI labeling
When a manufacturer obtains the BIS license, the ISI mark for steel step bolts must be applied clearly and permanently on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI Mark, other important details must also be provided on the product or packaging, as specified in the table below. This ensures the product meets all quality and safety standards. .
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 7872 |
| 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.
BIS Licence Validity for refrigeration storage systems
After obtaining BIS approval for the nickel battery, the license is valid for a fixed period and must be maintained by following BIS rules and standards.
| 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 | 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 deep freezers
The cost of BIS compliance for the portable batteries 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
Deep freezers certified under IS 7872:2020 are designed to deliver safe cooling
performance, reliable temperature control, and long-lasting durability for both domestic
and commercial use. This standard ensures that every product is properly tested for
electrical safety, energy efficiency, mechanical strength, and overall operational
reliability before reaching the market.
With proper guidance, the certification process becomes more structured and
manageable. Support from an experienced consultant like EVTL India helps streamline
documentation, testing coordination, compliance checks, and approval procedures for
smooth and timely market entry.
