BIS Certification for Lead-acid Storage Batteries for Motor Vehicles IS 7372

Lead-acid storage batteries for motor vehicles are widely used to provide power for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) functions in cars, bikes, and other automobiles. These batteries are designed to deliver high cranking power, ensuring smooth engine start even under demanding conditions. To regulate their performance and standardization in the Indian market, these batteries are covered under IS 7372:1995, the Indian Standard specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS certification under this standard ensures that the batteries meet the required specifications for manufacturing, testing, and market supply in India.

Who Needs BIS Certification for Lead-Acid Storage Batteries?

BIS certification under IS 7372:1995 is required for businesses involved in the manufacturing, import, or sale of these automotive batteries in India.

Applicable to:

Manufacturers – Producing batteries in India
Importers – Bringing batteries from other countries into India
Brand Owners—Selling product under their own brand name in the Indian market

What is IS 7372:1995?

This is the Indian Standard that defines the requirements for lead-acid storage batteries used in motor vehicles. It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to regulate how these batteries should be manufactured and supplied in the Indian market.

This standard ensures that these batteries:

Deliver sufficient cranking power for engine starting
Meet specified electrical performance parameters
Are suitable for use in different types of motor vehicles
Follow defined guidelines for design and construction

Testing and Inspection Requirements for Lead-Acid Storage Batteries

To ensure proper performance in vehicles, the standard specifies testing and inspection requirements for these batteries during manufacturing and quality checks.

What are R and S?

R (Required): Test must be conducted in the manufacturer’s in-house laboratory
S (Subcontracting Allowed): Test can be conducted in a BIS-approved or NABL-accredited laboratory

Electrical Performance Tests

Capacity Test (R) – Measures the battery’s ability to deliver the required current over time
Cold Cranking Performance Test (R)—Checks starting power under low-temperature conditions
High Rate Discharge Test (S)—Verifies performance under heavy load conditions

Charge & Efficiency Tests

Charge Acceptance Test (R) – Ensures the battery can accept charge efficiently
Charge Retention Test (S) – Checks how well the battery retains charge over time

Construction & Design Checks

Container Leak Test (R) – Ensures no leakage from the battery container
Terminal Strength Test (R) – Verifies terminals can withstand mechanical stress
Separator & Plate Inspection (S) – Confirms internal components meet specified design requirements

Durability & Life Tests

Cycle Life Test (S) – Checks performance over repeated charge and discharge cycles
Vibration Resistance Test (S) – Ensures the battery can handle vehicle movement and vibrations

Safety & Reliability Tests

Overcharge Test (S) – Verifies behavior under overcharging conditions
Short Circuit Test (S) – Checks safety under accidental short circuit situations

BIS Certification Process for Lead-Acid Batteries

The BIS certification process ensures that these vehicle batteries meet the required standards for proper and efficient operation. This process is defined 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 labs to check durability and efficiency.
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 unit to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
Grant of BIS License: If all requirements are met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on products with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.

Documents Required for IS 7372 Certification

The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS certification:

Basic Details	GST Certificate Email ID & Contact Number Factory & Office Address Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable)
Legal Documents	Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
Manufacturing Details	List of machinery Process flow chart Layout Plan of Factory
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 Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
Management Details	Top Management Details Concerned Person for BIS Communication
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 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 & License Validity

Marking Requirements

When a manufacturer obtains the BIS license, the ISI mark for lead acid storage batteries 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.

Requirement	Details
ISI Mark	Confirms BIS certification and standard compliance
Standard Number	IS 7372
CML Number	Certification marks license number issued by BIS
Manufacturer Details	Name of manufacturer or registered trademark
Batch / Date	Manufacturing date or batch number for traceability

Note: Marking should be applied using durable methods such as stamping, tagging, or permanent printing for long-term visibility.

Validity of BIS License for Vehicle Batteries

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
Surveillance	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 Certification Cost for lead-acid batteries

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.

Cost Breakdown

Indian Manufacturers

No.	Major Charges	Particulars	Amount	Remark
1	BIS Fees	Application Fee	INR 1,000	—
		Audit / Inspection Fee	INR 7,000	—
		License Fee	INR 1,000	—
		Marking Fee	Depends on product	Discount as per MSME
2.	Testing Charges	Sample Testing Fee	As Applicable	Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory.
3.	EVTL India Service Fee	Consultancy & Support	As per actual	Depends on product type and factory location.

Foreign Manufacturers

No.	Major Charges	Particulars	Amount	Remark
1.	BIS Fees	Application Fee	USD 15	Payable via SWIFT to BIS. SAARC countries can pay INR with 18% GST.
		Audit Charges	USD 3,200 – 5,900	Depend on Country
		License Fee	USD 15	—
		Marking Fee	Depends on product	—
2.	Testing Charges	Sample Testing Fee	As Applicable	Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory.
3.	EVTL India Service Fee	Consultancy & Support	As per actual	Based on product and manufacturing location.

Note: Additional costs such as pre-testing or factory pre-inspection may apply. The total cost may vary depending on product type, testing requirements, and current BIS

Conclusion

BIS certification for lead-acid storage batteries for motor vehicles as per IS 7372:1995 ensures that the product meets the required Indian Standard for automotive applications. It confirms that the batteries are properly tested for electrical performance, cranking ability, charge efficiency, and operational stability, making them suitable for use in vehicles under different conditions.

With the support of an experienced BIS consultant like EVTL India, businesses can complete the certification process in a structured way, reduce the chances of rejection, and get approval without unnecessary delays.