Diesel Engines for Agricultural Applications (up to 19 kW) are used in agriculture where they are utilized for pumping water, small processing plants, and various other forms of agricultural equipment requiring constant mechanical energy. Such engines produce a stable energy output at constant speed irrespective of the load they bear, thus making them ideal for rural and field conditions. The performance of diesel engines in such conditions largely depends upon parameters such as their fuel efficiency, combustion process, etc.
IS 11170:1985 standards lay down the technological basis for the evaluation of the performance specifications of such diesel engines, which will ensure quality and reliability. BIS certification includes tests of engine power, rate of fuel consumption, governing features, and endurance performance under specified load conditions.
What is IS 11170: 1985?
This is the Indian Standard for Diesel Engines for Agricultural purposes used in farming and irrigation applications. It specifies the performance, construction, safety, and quality requirements to ensure reliable operation and durability under agricultural working conditions. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), these diesel engines are:
- Assessed for operational reliability
- Evaluated for durability under load conditions
- Checked for engine performance
- Tested for safety
Agricultural Diesel Engine BIS License Eligibility Guide
BIS authorisation under IS 11170: 1985 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Diesel Engines in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export agricultural engines to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Diesel Engines up to 19 kW.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To maintain uniform quality of Diesel Engines for Agricultural Purposes, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 11170: 1985. This certification ensures that manufacturers produce diesel engines with reliable performance, durability, fuel efficiency, and operational safety for agricultural applications. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Diesel Engines are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Dimensions Inspection | Engine component dimensions, tolerances, shaft alignment, bore sizes, threads, and critical measurements | Ensures dimensional accuracy and compatibility of engine components |
| In-Process Control Test | Hardness, spring performance, nozzle operation, lubrication pump efficiency, balancing, and alignment checks | Ensures manufacturing consistency and proper assembly quality |
| Initial Performance Test | Engine output, fuel efficiency, operating speed, and running stability | Verifies engine performance under specified operating conditions |
| Power Determination Test | Rated power output in kW | Ensures the engine delivers the declared power performance |
| Fuel Consumption Test | Specific fuel consumption under load conditions | Confirms fuel efficiency and compliance with declared values |
| Governing Test | Speed regulation and governing characteristics | Ensures stable engine speed during varying load conditions |
| Eight Hour Rating Test | Continuous engine operation under load for extended duration | Ensures low metallic contamination and product quality |
| Endurance Test | Long-duration operational reliability and wear resistance | Verifies durability and sustained performance capability |
| Lubricating Oil Consumption Test | Quantity of lubricating oil consumed during operation | Ensures long-term engine durability under agricultural use |
| Mechanical Efficiency Test | Efficiency of power transmission and mechanical operation | Ensures controlled oil consumption and efficient lubrication |
| Critical Components Verification | Inspection of crankshaft, connecting rods, valves, flywheels, and other critical parts | Confirms effective conversion of engine power with minimal losses |
| Flywheel Inspection Test | Flywheel size, balancing, and weight verification | Ensures component reliability, strength, and conformity to approved designs |
| Cooling System Check | Water or air cooling system performance | Ensures effective temperature control during engine operation |
| Fuel Injection System Test | Fuel injection timing and injection performance | Ensures proper combustion and engine efficiency |
How Manufacturers Can Obtain BIS Approval for Agricultural Diesel Engines?
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Farm Equipment Diesel Engine meet the required standards for efficient operation. 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 power output, specific fuel consumption, governing performance, mechanical efficiency, endurance under load, vibration behavior, and overall operational reliability.
- 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 visit the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Following approval, the manufacturer is authorized to use the ISI Mark on the product along with a valid CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
IS 11170: 1985 Approval Documents List
| 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 manufacturing company should appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manages all compliance and regulatory requirements.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Following the issue of the BIS license to the manufacturer, it becomes mandatory that the ISI Mark for Constant Speed Diesel Engine must be affixed clearly and permanently on its packaging and/or the product itself. The marking should also include key information, such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L). More information is given below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 11170: 1985 |
| 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 for Rural Application Diesel Engine 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 |
BIS License Charges for Agricultural Diesel Engine
The cost of BIS Approval for an Ignition Engine 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
Diesel Engines For Agricultural Purposes under IS 11170:1985 are designed to provide constant power generation and reliability in a wide range of agricultural applications. Standardization of these diesel engines helps ensure that these diesel engines meet the standards of power generation efficiency, fuel consumption efficiency and dependability under several field conditions. Certification increases the acceptability of such engines in the market and makes them more reliable. EVTL India helps its clients during this process of getting certified by providing assistance in documentation, conducting laboratory tests and ensuring compliance with all the requirements.
