Tungsten filament miscellaneous electric lamps are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial lighting where effective light emission and electrical efficiency are essential. They function under certain conditions of electrical and thermal performance, and hence variations in filament quality, wattage control, and glass structure can affect safety aspects, electrical efficiency, and lifespan of lamps. Considering the extent of application, it becomes essential to ensure uniform quality of manufacture and compliance with safety expectations in such lamps. BIS Certification of tungsten filament miscellaneous electric lamps to IS 6701:1985 means compliance with standards related to electrical efficiency, filament longevity, luminous efficacy, and safety considerations. It also implies testing of the products as per the standard specifications to ensure compliance and quality of such lamps. Such standards help set quality benchmarks for manufacturers and consumers.
What is IS 6701:1985?
IS 6701:1985 is the Indian Standard for tungsten filament miscellaneous electric lamps intended for specialized lighting applications. The standard outlines the performance, safety, and construction requirements needed to ensure dependable operation and service life. According to BIS guidelines, these lamps are -
- Assessed for electrical performance
- Tested for lamp life characteristics
- Evaluated for construction quality
- Verified for safety compliance
Businesses required to obtain BIS Approval under IS 6701:1985
BIS authorisation under IS 6701:1985 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying tungsten filament lamps in India. Applicable to -
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the miscellaneous electric lighting products to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified electric lamps.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
The specifications for tungsten filament miscellaneous electric lamps are as per IS 6701:1985 by the Bureau of Indian Standards. These ensure that the lamp meets the required standards with respect to its electrical properties, manufacturing standards, lifespan, and safety aspects, ensuring its dependability in use. The test parameters of BIS for Tungsten Filament Miscellaneous Electric Lamps are as follows -
BIS Registration Procedure for Electrical Lamp Manufacturers
The process of BIS Authorisation ensures that tungsten filament electric lamps meet the specified standards for their efficient performance. The process is determined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which 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 electrical performance, wattage accuracy, luminous output, insulation resistance and lamp life characteristics.
- 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 - The inspection team from BIS visits the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License - Once all the compliance procedures are completed successfully, the BIS will issue the certification license as per Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark - Subsequently, the manufacturer will be allowed to affix ISI mark on the product along with an appropriate CM/L number.

Documents Required for BIS Certification under IS 6701:1985
| 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 must designate 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 in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When the manufacturer gets the license from BIS, the ISI Mark for Cattle Feed Wheat Bran must be written clearly and permanently on the product. Additional details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 6701:1985 |
| 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.
Renewal Process for IS 6701:1985 Certification
| 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 | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
Testing and Application Charges for Electric Lamps
The cost of BIS Approval for tungsten bulb 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
BIS certificate for tungsten filament miscellaneous electric lamps according to IS 6701:1985 is necessary to ensure that these lamps comply with all necessary criteria regarding electrical safety and performance. The certificate ensures that a particular product has passed all necessary tests regarding its heat resistance and other important criteria related to its safety and operational efficiency. This means there will be no electrical malfunction. The process of obtaining a BIS certificate can be streamlined if the manufacturer obtains appropriate assistance. In this case, a BIS consultant specializing in lighting manufacturers is able to provide necessary help. EVTL India offers such kind of services, including documentation management, proper coordination with laboratories conducting necessary testing and other regulatory requirements.