All About BIS Certification for Submersible Pumpsets - IS 8034:2018

Introduction

Submersible pumpsets are widely used to lift water from borewells, wells, agricultural water sources, as well as for a variety of other applications where the pumping unit operates underwater. They are most commonly used in agriculture, domestic water supply and certain industrial applications. Because these products perform an important function in water delivery, their design, construction and performance need to meet the relevant technical requirements.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body. Under the BIS certification system, eligible manufacturers can apply for a licence to use the ISI mark on products that conform to the applicable Indian Standard and certification requirements. For BIS certification for submersible pumpsets, the relevant standard is IS 8034:2018 - Submersible Pumpsets - Specification.

What is BIS Certification for Submersible Pumpsets

BIS certification is a mandatory certificate granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards for notified products. For goods that are not listed in the mandatory product checklist, the ISI Mark license can be obtained voluntarily, in order to comply with future regulatory requirements. This can indeed help a manufacturer demonstrate that its product has been evaluated against the applicable Indian Standard. It can also help when customers, institutional buyers, or tender conditions specify BIS certification.

For manufacturers who are planning to expand their product range, it is useful to understand the standard and certification requirements for different types of BIS certifications in India before beginning production or preparing a market launch.

What Does IS 8034:2018 Cover?

A submersible pumpset generally consists of a pumping unit and a motor designed to operate while submerged in water. Depending on the design, its construction and performance characteristics can differ from those of other pump categories.

IS 8034:2018 is the Indian Standard that has been associated with submersible pumpsets. It provides the basis for evaluating whether a notified product meets the relevant technical requirements.

What should manufacturers review?

Before applying for BIS and ISI mark certification, businesses should gather relevant information about the following:

• Pump type and intended application
• Rated capacity and operating specifications
• Motor details and product configuration
• Product drawings and technical specifications
• Manufacturing and quality-control arrangements
• Applicable testing requirements under the standard

Note: IS 8034:2018 should not automatically be applied to every product that has been described commercially as a submersible pump. 

Is BIS Certification for Submersible Pumpsets Mandatory in India?

At present, ISI certification under IS 8034:2018 can be obtained voluntarily for submersible pumpsets, provided the product is not covered by an applicable mandatory requirement. However, the draft Pumps (Quality Control) Order proposes a different position for the future. 

A product such as a submersible pumpset can have an established Indian Standard without being subject to compulsory certification. For a better understanding, let us review the basic difference between mandatory and voluntary BIS ISI certification:

Voluntary vs mandatory certification

Voluntary certification does not mean that a manufacturer can skip testing or use the BIS ISI mark without permission. The manufacturer must still complete the applicable BIS certification process. 

Draft Pumps QCO: Why is IS 8034:2018 Included?

The draft Pumps (Quality Control) Order, which has been issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, mainly proposes mandatory BIS certification for specified categories of pumps. The draft lists submersible pumpsets under IS 8034:2018. It proposes that covered products conform to their respective Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under Scheme-I of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Which pump categories are included in the draft?

The proposed order basically lists 12 pump categories or product entries, including:

If you don’t know whether your pump product requires a mandatory BIS certificate in the future, check your product eligibility for a BIS ISI license today.

What does the draft mean for your business?

If the proposal is brought into force in its applicable form, manufacturers of covered submersible pumpsets will need to obtain BIS certification within the relevant implementation period. Moreover, the draft proposes different implementation periods for general enterprises, small enterprises, and micro enterprises. Therefore, it is important to understand the draft BIS QCO for pumps before proceeding with the ISI Mark application for the same.

Getting in touch with top BIS consultants in India can help in simplifying the BIS Compliance journey and ensure smooth certification in the Indian market.

How to Get BIS ISI Certification for Submersible Pumpsets?

For manufacturers choosing to obtain ISI Mark certification voluntarily, the process follows the applicable BIS product certification requirements. If the QCO becomes effective for the product, the same certification framework may also be relevant to mandatory compliance.

Step 1: Identify the applicable standard

Confirm that the product falls under IS 8034:2018 and check the relevant BIS product guidelines. Businesses must not rely on the product's marketing name alone.

Step 2: Prepare the technical documents

Prepare all factory details, product specifications, manufacturing information, quality-control arrangements, and the other documents that are required for the BIS certificate application.

Step 3: Arrange product testing

Coordinate testing against the applicable standard through a laboratory that is accepted by BIS for the product and certification process.

Step 4: Prepare for factory inspection

Ensure that manufacturing processes, quality-control staff, testing facilities and production records are ready for the inspection required under the applicable procedure.

Step 5: Submit the application and address observations

File the required application, respond to queries and provide any additional information that is requested by BIS.

Step 6: Obtain the licence before using the BIS ISI mark

Once BIS grants the licence, the manufacturer must follow the licence conditions, CML marking requirements and applicable continuing compliance responsibilities.

BIS Documents Manufacturers Should Prepare

A complete as well as consistent application can help avoid preventable corrections during the ISI certification process. Depending on the applicable BIS checklist, manufacturers may need the following commonly asked documents:

• Factory registration and address documents
• Product drawings and technical specifications
• Manufacturing process details
• Raw-material information
• Machinery and testing-equipment details
• Quality-control staff information
• Test reports and supporting technical records
• Required application forms, declarations and fees

Foreign manufacturers should also check the requirements of the applicable BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), including the appointment of an authorised Indian representative where required.

BIS Certification Cost for Submersible Pumpsets Under IS 8034:2018

The BIS ISI certification cost generally depends on the applicable testing requirements, pump capacity, factory inspection, application fees, as well as ongoing licence-related charges. There is no single fixed BIS certification price for every submersible pumpset. A manufacturer should separate BIS government fees, product testing charges, and consultant fees when preparing a budget. Here is a general estimate cost for a BIS licence in India:

The final amount depends on the certification route and applicable fee schedule. A top BIS ISI certification consultant in India can help you with the exact price estimate for a BIS ISI certification for submersible pumpsets.

How Long Does BIS Certification Take?

The time required to get a BIS certificate generally depends on the completeness of the application, testing arrangements, factory readiness, as well as the time needed to resolve any BIS queries or observations.

However, on average, a BIS certification can be obtained within the following timelines, given the completeness of the application and accuracy of the details and documents submitted:

• For Indian manufacturers: 25-40 working days
• For foreign manufacturers: 5-6 months 

Brand Liaison, the best BIS ISI certification consultant in Delhi, can help businesses prepare the applications accurately, prevent unnecessary delays, and ensure compliance to get the ISI mark registration in a timely manner.

BIS Licence Validity and Renewal

A BIS licence under Scheme-I will initially be granted for a period of 1 year. Businesses must track the licence validity and renew the same subsequently to ensure continued compliance in the Indian market.

Manufacturers should track the licence expiry date and begin the BIS ISI renewal process in advance.

Other Certifications and Approvals to Check for Submersible Pumpsets

Apart from the BIS ISI Mark, manufacturers and importers should check whether any additional approval applies to their specific product, components, or intended market. The submersible pumpstes under IS 8034 also require a mandatory BEE certification to be eligible and compliant for sales and import in the Indian market. They must get a star rating label and ensure conformance with the energy-efficiency regulations through the BEE star rating certificate.

BIS vs BEE Certification for Submersible Pumpsets

BIS and BEE address different aspects of product compliance. BIS certification under IS 8034:2018 focuses on conformity with the applicable Indian Standard, while BEE's Standards & Labelling programme provides energy-performance information to consumers.

Manufacturers must check the latest product-specific notification and any applicable procurement or other legal requirement before deciding which compliance actually applies. A top BEE certification consultant in India can help businesses understand the differing compliance requirements. 

Does a submersible pumpset need both BIS and BEE approval?

The answer generally depends on the exact product and the applicable requirements. Where BEE labelling is voluntary, a manufacturer may choose to participate in the programme if eligible. If a binding notification or another applicable requirement makes specific compliance compulsory, the business must follow that requirement.

BIS certification and BEE labelling serve different purposes, so obtaining one does not automatically satisfy the requirements of the other.

How Brand Liaison Supports BIS Certification for Submersible Pumpsets

Brand Liaison, being the best BIS consultant, supports manufacturers through the practical stages of BIS ISI certification, from comprehensively identifying the applicable standard to coordinating documentation, testing and factory inspection preparation. With 10+ years of experience, 5,000+ certificates, 1,000+ BIS projects, and 500+ FMCS projects, Brand Liaison brings broader product-compliance experience to certification assignments. Its support mainly includes:

• Identifying the appropriate certification route
• Reviewing product and factory documentation
• Coordinating product testing
• Preparing the application
• Supporting factory inspection readiness
• Helping address application queries
• Tracking relevant regulatory updates
• Assisting with applicable post-certification requirements
• AIR services for foreign businesses

For manufacturers who are evaluating certification, such prominent clientele examples from the pump industry highlight the importance of understanding the applicable standard, product scope, as well as licence requirements. Brand Liaison's experience across BIS projects supports businesses that are seeking structured guidance for the Indian market coplaineca nd approvals.

Conclusion

BIS certification for submersible pumpsets under IS 8034:2018 is absolutely relevant to manufacturers who are seeking to demonstrate conformity with the applicable Indian Standard. Although certification can currently be obtained voluntarily where no mandatory requirement applies, the Draft Pumps QCO specifically includes submersible pumpsets under IS 8034:2018 in its proposed scope. Businesses should therefore track the official regulatory position and prepare for any applicable mandatory implementation requirements in order to be compliant and eligible for the Indian market.

Brand Liaison can help manufacturers navigate these steps and plan their BIS certification requirements with greater clarity. Call our team of experts today to initiate BIS compliance in an absolutely hassle-free manner.