BIS Guidelines 2026 on Verification of Rated Capacity for Portable Sealed Secondary Lithium Cells and Batteries

Introduction to the BIS Guidelines for Verification of Specified Cells and Batteries

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), with regard to its Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), has recently issued implementation guidelines regarding verification of rated capacity for Portable Sealed Secondary Lithium Cells and Batteries. 

• IS 16046 (Part 2):2018/IEC 62133-2:2017 has already been notified by MeitY under the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021.
• Further, as per MeitY’s Office Memorandum dated 03 February 2026, it has been mandated that, in order to protect consumer interests, the rated capacity of sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries must be measured as well as verified. Compliance with this requirement must be reported under IS 16046 (Part 2).

Therefore, in order to implement and clarify this requirement, BIS has now issued detailed implementation guidelines regarding the same.

Key Requirements and Guidelines

All Portable Sealed Secondary Lithium Cells and Batteries that have been covered under IS 16046 (Part 2):2018/IEC 62133-2:2017 must undergo verification of rated capacity as per Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3):2018/IEC 61960-3:2017. Here are detailed guidelines as specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). 

For Existing Licensees

1. Licensees with a licence that has a validity up to 30 April 2027 must ensure compliance with Clause 7.3.1 by 30 April 2027.
2. Licensees having validity beyond 30 April 2027 must ensure compliance by the last date of validity of their licence.
   1. Compliance must be demonstrated through submission of third-party laboratory test reports for all lead models under the licence scope.
   2. Test requests must be generated through LIMS, and applications must be submitted under the Standard Revision/Amendment/Essential Requirement module.
   3. Laboratories must indicate reference safety test report numbers and report measured capacity under Clause 4 in the modified Unified Test Report Format.
3. Licensees must also submit an undertaking in order to confirm their compliance of remaining models with the updated guidelines as well as clauses.
4. If the license holder fails to comply within the prescribed timelines, it may lead to suspension, cancellation, or even deletion of models from the license scope.

For New Applicants

1. Applications where samples have already been tested may be processed without additional testing for Clause 7.3.1.
2. Applications under process must submit an undertaking in order to provide the required rated capacity report by the licence validity date.
3. After 30 April 2027, no licence shall be granted under IS 16046 (Part 2) unless the rated capacity test as per Clause 7.3.1 is included in the test report provided by businesses.

For Change in Scope of Licence

1. The same provisions will be applicable to new applicants and requests for a change in the scope of the licence.

What is the Date of Implementation?

These guidelines come into force with immediate effect from the date of issuance of this BIS Notification, which is 10 February 2026.

However, the critical compliance deadline for rated capacity verification is 30 April 2027, mainly depending on licence validity.

What Should Businesses Do?

Manufacturers as well as applicants who are dealing with Portable Sealed Secondary Lithium Cells and Batteries should:

• Immediately review licence validity timelines for their businesses.
• Coordinate with BIS-recognized laboratories for rated capacity testing.
• Generate test requests through LIMS and apply via the appropriate BIS online modules.
• Submit required undertakings as well as the important documentation within prescribed timelines.
• Ensure all models under the licence scope comply with the updated guidelines and regulations, in order to avoid suspension or cancellation risks.

Early action will help ensure uninterrupted market access as well as regulatory compliance under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) by the BIS.