Safe deposit locker cabinets are special lockers for protecting valuable and important items, money, jewellery and confidential documents at banks, financial institutions and hotels. These cabinets are made up of durable materials and a highly secure locking system so as to protect from theft and tampering of any sort. Safe deposit locker cabinets have become very popular due to their high level of security and long-lasting performance.
Safety standards for such cabinets are specified according to IS 5244:2020 guidelines established by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Safe Deposit Cabinets are tested on parameters such as structure, strength of locks, resistance to tampering and durability. Testing is done at BIS-approved labs so that they meet the minimum security and performance parameters. The locker manufacturers must get a product license to sell the product to the Indian customers.
What is IS 5244: 2020?
This is the Indian Standard for safe deposit locker cabinets used for secure storage applications. It mentions the safety requirements necessary to ensure product reliability and security. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), Locker Cabinets are:
- Tested for structural strength
- Evaluated for locking mechanism performance
- Checked for dimensional accuracy
- Assessed for durability
BIS Approval Eligibility Criteria for Safe Lockers
BIS authorisation under IS 5244: 2020 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Safe Vault Lockers in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the product is covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the Industrial Locker Cabinet to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Locker Cabinets.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the durability of safe deposit locker cabinets, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 5244: 2020. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet minimum quality requirements for secure storage. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Safe Storage Cabinets are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Size and Dimension Test | External dimensions, locker sizes, and cabinet configuration | Ensures compliance with standard dimensions and design requirements |
| Design and Manufacturing Inspection | Structural design, assembly quality, hinges, doors, and locking arrangement | Verifies proper construction and operational safety |
| Workmanship Test | Surface finish, alignment, welding, and overall cabinet finish | Ensures quality workmanship and defect-free construction |
| Burglar Resistance Test | Resistance against forced entry and burglarious attacks | Ensures security and protection of stored valuables |
| Locker Operation Test | Smooth functioning of locker doors and locking mechanisms | Ensures reliable operation and user safety |
| Cross Hatch Adhesion Test | Adhesion strength of paint or coating on cabinet surfaces | Ensures coating durability and resistance to peeling |
| Coating Thickness Test | Thickness of protective surface coating | Ensures corrosion resistance and long-term durability |
Marking and Labelling Check | ISI marking, CM/L number, and manufacturer details | Ensures traceability and BIS compliance |
| Quality Control Verification | In-house inspection records and testing procedures | Ensures consistent product quality and compliance with BIS standards |
BIS Approval Process for Security Storage Locker
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the safe deposit locker cabinets meet the prescribed quality and safety standards for safe storage. 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 construction quality, locking performance, dimensional accuracy, durability, and overall product performance.
- 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: Upon successful verification of all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can use the ISI Mark on the product along with the CM/L number, indicating compliance with BIS standards.
List of Documents for IS 5244: 2020 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 takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once a manufacturer obtains BIS approval, the ISI Mark for Safe Deposit Cabinets must be clearly and permanently marked on its 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. This ensures the product complies with all safety standards. Further details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 5244: 2020 |
| 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 Safe Lockers 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 | 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 |
Security Locker Cabinet BIS Approval Fee Details
The cost of BIS Approval for a Safe Vault Locker 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 fees are calculated based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are payable directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees may differ depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
The security equipment should be reliable during normal operations and also in emergencies. A certified Safe deposit locker cabinet provides better security features as compared to other products in terms of tampering and mechanical defects. Moreover, following the guidelines of IS 5244: 2020 increases trust regarding the efficiency of the product. In order to obtain certification from BIS, several procedures have to be followed. Some of these include technical documentation and arranging for testing of the product. EVTL India can help in handling all the requirements related to the certification process.
