BIS Quality Control Order, 2024 for Solar Thermal Systems, Devices, and Components

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Solar Thermal Systems, Devices, and Components

The Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024 has been notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in the public interest, after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

This Order has been introduced to ensure the quality, safety, performance, as well as complete reliability of solar thermal products that are used in solar water heating and allied applications across India.

Under this QCO, notified solar thermal systems, devices, and components that are mainly intended for the domestic market must conform to the applicable Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence, in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Key changes you should know

1. BIS certification has been made mandatory for notified solar thermal products.
2. Products must comply with the specific Indian Standards that are listed in the Schedule, including:
   1. Solar Flat Plate Collectors
   2. All Glass Evacuated Tubes Solar Water Heating Systems
   3. Storage Water Tanks for Evacuated Tube Systems
3. Use of the ISI Mark is compulsory before sale in the domestic market.
4. BIS is the designated certifying as well as the enforcing authority.
5. BIS, in coordination with MNRE, will conduct market surveillance in order to ensure compliance.
6. Products that are manufactured only for export purposes are exempted from this QCO.

What is the date of implementation?

The Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024 shall come into force after 180 days from the date of its publication, i.e., from 6th April 2025.

All affected manufacturers and suppliers must obtain BIS certification before this date in order to continue operations in the domestic market.

Benefits of this Order for Businesses

• Ensures uniform quality as well as performance standards across solar thermal systems and components.
• Enhances market credibility through mandatory BIS (ISI Mark) certification.
• Builds greater consumer confidence in certified solar thermal products.
• Reduces the risk of substandard or non-compliant imports in the domestic market.
• Creates a level playing field for compliant manufacturers as well as suppliers.
• Supports long-term industry growth and trust in renewable energy products.

Now, what to do?

Businesses involved in the manufacture or supply of solar thermal systems, as well as components, should:

1. Identify whether their products fall under the notified product categories.
2. Map products to the applicable Indian Standards.
3. Initiate BIS ISI certification under Scheme-I well in advance.
4. Prepare for testing, factory inspection, as well as documentation.
5. Align internal quality systems with BIS compliance requirements.

Brand Liaison provides comprehensive assistance for compliance under the Solar Thermal Systems QCO, majorly covering scope assessment, standard interpretation, BIS testing coordination, certification, as well as comprehensive enforcement readiness, ensuring a smooth and timely transition to mandatory certification in the Indian market.