Openwell Submersible Pumpsets are pumps used for drawing water from open wells, tanks, and reservoirs. They are commonly used in small-scale irrigation, agriculture, and domestic water supply. As these water lifting pumps operate underwater and have electrical parts, material quality, and product design must meet the minimum standards as set by BIS.
The quality and safety of water pumps are governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS 14220: 2018. This standard outlines the performance criteria and testing procedures to ensure the safety of the pumpsets. It also ensures that the water pumping system meets the standards set for quality and efficiency. Manufacturers must obtain a BIS certificate before selling the product in the Indian Market.
What is IS 14220: 2018?
This is the Indian Standard for Openwell Pump, which is designed to operate efficiently for agricultural, domestic, and industrial water applications. This standard is set by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) to ensure that product quality and safety are met, and the pumps are
- Tested for electrical safety, hydraulic performance
- Made from high-quality corrosion-resistant materials
- Designed for continuous water pumping operations
- Build for long-term usage
Who Needs BIS Certification for Openwell Pumpsets
BIS certification under IS 14220: 2018 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying openwell pumps in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India): Must get BIS certification if pumps are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS certified before selling.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified submersible pumps.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the premium quality, safety needs, and adequate performance of water pumps, the standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) defines proper testing and inspection requirements during manufacturing.
What is 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 Bureau of Indian Standards-recognized or NABL-accredited external laboratory
Material & Raw Material Tests
- Material of Construction Test - Ensures compliance of materials as per IS 14220 Clause 7.1 (S)
- Gaskets, Seals & Packing Test - Verifies compliance as per IS 5120 (S)
Manufacturing & Construction Tests
- General Construction Check - Ensures overall compliance with design and construction requirements (R)
- Pump Casing Inspection - Verifies casing quality and structural integrity (R)
- Shaft Inspection Test - Ensures shaft strength and dimensional accuracy (S)
- Rotor/Impeller Balancing Test - Ensures proper dynamic balancing (S)
- Earthing Provision Test - Verifies proper earthing in motor (R)
- Terminal Marking & Direction of Rotation Test - Ensures correct marking and rotation direction (R)
Dimensional & Physical Tests
- Dimension Verification Test - Ensures compliance with specified dimensions (R)
- Surface Finish Inspection - Ensures smooth and defect-free surfaces (R)
- Alignment & Run-out Test - Ensures proper alignment of rotating parts (R)
Electrical Performance Tests (Routine Tests)
- Insulation Resistance Test (Before HV Test) - Ensures insulation integrity (R)
- High Voltage Test - Verifies dielectric strength of motor (R)
- No Load Running Test - Measures voltage, current, power, and speed (R)
- Locked Rotor Test - Evaluates electrical performance under locked condition (R)
- Reduced Voltage Running Test - Ensures smooth motor starting at reduced voltage (R)
Electrical Type & Performance Tests
- Insulation Resistance Test (Before & After HV Test) - Confirms insulation stability (S)
- Stator Resistance Measurement Test - Verifies winding resistance (S)
- Breakaway Torque Test - Measures starting torque of motor (S)
- Leakage Current Test - Ensures electrical safety during operation (S)
- Temperature Rise Test (Rated Voltage) - Evaluates heating under normal load (S)
- Temperature Rise Test (Reduced Voltage) - Evaluates thermal performance under reduced voltage (S)
Hydraulic Performance Tests
- Pump Hydraulic Performance Test - Measures head, discharge, and efficiency (S)
- Openwell Pump Performance Test - Ensures compliance with IS 14220 performance requirements (S)
- Minimum Submergence Test - Ensures proper operation under specified water level conditions (S)
Mechanical Strength & Durability Tests
- Balancing Test (Rotor/Impeller) - Ensures vibration-free operation (S)
- Bearing Performance Test - Ensures smooth and durable operation (R)
- Pump Assembly Strength Test - Ensures structural integrity under working conditions (R) Design & Functional Tests
- Design Features Verification - Ensures compliance with IS 14220 design requirements (S)
- Pump Operation Test - Checks working performance under field conditions (R)
- Earthing & Safety Verification Test - Ensures operational safety (R)
Quality Control & Compliance Tests
- Batch Inspection Test - Ensures consistency across production batches (R)
- Quality Assurance Plan Implementation - Ensures defined testing frequency and control (R)
- Test Record Maintenance - Ensures proper documentation of results (R)
- Control Unit Verification - Ensures compliance per defined batch/control unit (R)
Marking & Certification Tests
- ISI Marking Verification - Ensures correct use of Standard Mark on pump and packaging (R)
- Labelling & Marking Check - Ensures compliance with IS 14220 marking requirements (R) Performance & Type Tests
- Hydraulic Performance Type Test - Conducted for each model/design (S)
- Temperature Rise & Load Test - Ensures compliance under operating conditions (S)
- Periodic Type Test - Ensures continued compliance of certified models (S)
BIS Certification Process for Electric Openwell Pump
The BIS certification process ensures that the agricultural pumps meet the required standards for proper and 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 material safety and structural durability.
- 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 the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.

Documents Required for IS 14220: 2018 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 openwell pumpsets 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 follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 14220: 2018 |
| 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 of BIS Licence for an Openwell Motor Pump
Openwell Pump Certification Cost
The cost of BIS Certification for a water lifting pump includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
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
The BIS certification process for the Openwell Submersible Pumpsets follows the requirements specified in IS 14220: 2018. It ensures that the product meets the safety and efficiency standards during its operation. BIS certification reduces risks such as electrical hazards, poor performance, and product failure during pumping water. This ensures dependable water pumping solutions for regular use.
Manufacturers can obtain the BIS certification more easily and more efficiently with the assistance of EVTL India. It provides all necessary help, right from documentation, application filing, testing, compliance advice, and even inspections. Getting help from the experts ensures a hassle free certification process.