Required Certifications for Split Air Conditioners

Split Air Conditioners for the Indian Market: An Insight

As more Indian homes and offices prefer modern cooling systems, Split Air Conditioners are expanding at around ~13–16% per year, and they account for nearly ~65–70% of the total room air conditioner market, as buyers shift from window units while companies follow Indian energy efficiency as well as regulatory and safety standards. The quality, effectiveness, safety, as well as environmental impact of split air conditioning systems, which are used to cool individual rooms or small spaces, are all heavily regulated by these criteria. In order to guarantee that these systems fulfill established requirements and provide dependable and effective cooling solutions, producers and users must adhere to the necessary compliance-related guidelines.

Key Highlights 

What are the Required Certifications to Sell Split Air Conditioners in India?

Manufacturers of Split Air Conditioners must secure BIS ISI Certification, BEE Certification, and EPR Certification to sell their products in India. Let us break down the process as well as the documentation needed.

1. BIS ISI Certification for Split Air Conditioners

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) grants the BIS ISI certificate to these products after ensuring that they abide by the IS 1391 (Part-2):2023, perform well, and can be trusted for safer use and long-term reliability. A BIS ISI certificate, mandatory for Split Air Conditioners to sell in India, also helps to gain consumer confidence. It guarantees the quality, performance, and safety of the product by conducting tests according to the Indian standards. In the absence of this certification, the sales of split air conditioners in India cannot be done by their manufacturers and importers. 

What happens if you sell or import these in India without an ISI mark registration? Read here.

2. BEE Registration (Star Marking Label) for Split Air Conditioners

Being an essential and one of the most demanded energy-consuming appliances, split ACs require a mandatory BEE registration as it ensures that these products consume less energy and are therefore cost-effective. A BEE certificate, mandatory for Split Air Conditioners to sell in India, not only enhances consumer confidence but also assists the manufacturers to demonstrate their temperature energy efficiency and sustainability. Failure to abide by BEE standards may lead to legal repercussions as well as rejection of a product in the market. 

What happens if you sell or import without a BEE certificate? Read here. 

3. EPR Certification for Electronics for Split Air Conditioners

Split Air Conditioners are classified as electrical and electronic equipment under India’s E-Waste Management rules that require Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certification before being introduced into the Indian market. Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners must ensure that these appliances are properly collected and recycled once they reach the end of their usable life. This framework helps control the growing problem of electronic waste and encourages responsible disposal practices. Therefore, conforming to the specified EEE code and obtaining an EPR registration, mandatory for split air conditioners to sell in India, is an integral requirement for the market. 

What happens if you sell or import in India without an EPR registration? Read here. 

How to Get the Certification for Split Air Conditioners in India?

1. BIS ISI Certificate

Documents for an ISI Mark License for Split Air Conditioners

Here are the key documents required for obtaining an ISI mark license: 

1. Legal address proofs of the factories
2. Product specification
3. Details of raw material, machinery, and testing equipments
4. Details of QC Staff and other basic details of the factory
5. Lab test reports of the product
6. Main Application Form V
7. ISI Application Fee
8. Appointment of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) in case you are a foreign manufacturer

Process for a BIS certificate for Split Air Conditioners

Have a look at the process for obtaining a BIS certificate in the Indian market:

1. Prepare Documents
2. Submit Application
3. Factory Inspections by BIS Officials
4. Product Testing
5. Grant of BIS ISI Certification

2. BEE Registration

Documents Required for a BEE Certificate for Split Air Conditioners

To apply for BEE registration, specific documents must be arranged in advance by manufacturers and importers intending to access the Indian market. Proper documentation ensures a seamless certification journey, avoiding last-minute issues and aligning with official requirements. 

1. Trademark / Brand Registration Certificate
2. Details of the brand owner/manufacturer
3. Details about the products
4. Lab test reports of the product
5. Appointment of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) in case you are a foreign manufacturer

Process for BEE Registration for Split Air Conditioners

Below is a comprehensive guide to obtaining a BEE registration. It's important to understand that the certification process varies slightly for foreign and domestic manufacturers. 

1. Prepare documents
2. Test products
3. Submit an application for brand registration
4. Submit an application for model registration
5. Grant of BEE Certification

3. EPR License

Documents for EPR Certification for Split Air Conditioners

The CPCB-specified documents and details must be carefully addressed by all applicants seeking EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) certification for e-waste management in India:

1. Basic documents related to the Firm / Company
2. Details of the authorised signatory
3. Product details and specifications
4. Plans and flowcharts for the collection and recycling of Electronics
5. CTE/CTO consents, Agreement copies 

Process for EPR License for Split Air Conditioners

Here is a detailed guide to obtaining an EPR certificate for e-waste management. By following the given steps, businesses can streamline their compliance efforts and gain a competitive advantage:

1. Prepare documents
2. Submit application
3. Review and verification
4. Grant of Certification

Certification Guidelines For Indian Manufacturers

1. BIS ISI Certificate

• Must have proper manufacturing and testing capabilities for the product.
• Apply through the BIS Manak portal with all required documents.
• Product samples are tested in a BIS-accredited lab.
• A license is granted if test results and documents meet the Indian standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

2. BEE Registration

• Ensure products meet energy efficiency standards set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
• Have a valid brand/trademark certificate before applying.
• Conduct testing in NABL-accredited labs and follow correct star labelling guidelines.
• Stay updated with BEE requirements and changes.

Certification Guidelines For Foreign Manufacturers

1. BIS ISI Certificate

• Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) as per BIS guidelines.
• Submit application with Factory Test Report (FTR).
• BIS conducts factory inspections and selects samples for testing.
• A license is issued after successful testing and compliance with standards.

2. BEE Registration

• Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• Ensure products comply with Indian energy efficiency standards.
• Prepare test reports and required documents from recognized labs.
• Apply through the BEE portal and obtain certification before sale.

Need complete knowledge about the certification? Click to view the complete guidebook. 

Certification Guidelines For Indian Importers

1. BIS ISI Certificate

• Not eligible to apply directly; only manufacturers can obtain BIS ISI certification.
• Must coordinate with the manufacturer to get the certificate.
• Keep a copy of the license to avoid customs issues.
• Can act as AIR if authorized by the manufacturer.

2. BEE Registration

• Ensure the product falls under mandatory BEE registration.
• Get testing done in NABL-accredited labs.
• Use correct BEE star labelling and complete portal registration.
• Can appoint AIR for coordination if required.

Certification Guidelines For Traders

1. BIS ISI Certificate

• Cannot apply for BIS ISI certification directly.
• Certification must be obtained by the manufacturer.
• Maintain a copy of the license for compliance.
• Can act as AIR if authorized.

2. BEE Registration

• Ensure products meet BEE registration requirements.
• Conduct testing through NABL-accredited labs.
• Follow proper star labelling guidelines and complete registration.
• Can appoint AIR for coordination with authorities.

Certification Guidelines For Online Sellers

1. BIS ISI Certificate

• Not eligible to apply directly; only original manufacturers can apply.
• Must obtain the BIS ISI certificate copy from the manufacturer.
• Required to present certification for e-commerce compliance.

2. BEE Registration

• Not eligible to apply directly; only manufacturers can obtain BEE certification.
• Must obtain the certificate copy from the manufacturer.
• Required for compliance on e-commerce platforms.

Visit here to check your eligibility for Split Air Conditioners for the Indian market now! 

Certification Guidelines for EPR for Split Air Conditioners

For Producers (Importers)

• Must obtain mandatory EPR registration from the Central Pollution Control Board before selling or importing products.
• Fulfill e-waste collection and recycling targets as per CPCB norms.
• Ensure compliance through authorized recyclers and maintain records with annual return filing.

For Recyclers

• Must have authorization from CPCB/SPCB to operate.
• Follow E-Waste Management Rules and CPCB guidelines for recycling.
• Issue recycling certificates and maintain records with annual returns.

For Refurbishers

• Registration and authorization from CPCB/SPCB are mandatory.
• Carry out refurbishing as per E-Waste Management Rules and CPCB guidelines.
• Maintain records and file annual returns on the CPCB portal.

For Manufacturers

• EPR registration on the CPCB portal is mandatory before manufacturing.
• Meet e-waste collection and recycling targets set by CPCB.
• Ensure compliance through authorized recyclers and maintain records with annual filings.

How Brand Liaison Assists Businesses in Obtaining Seamless Compliance?

• Undertakes the role of an advisor to businesses, taking them through the whole process of becoming compliant with the Indian market certification requirements.
• Provides end-to-end consultancy services, including documentation and certification approval.
• Assists in the preparation and filing of correct applications so that they do not get delayed and rejected.
• Communicates with the officials on behalf of the clients to facilitate easier communication and quicker processing.
• Makes certification of manufacturers and importers cost-effective as well as absolutely time-saving.
• Brand Liaison can help in offering expert consultancy regarding all your compliance management solutions, providing a streamlined approach to make your products ready for the market. 

Call us now to ensure hassle-free compliance in the Indian market!