India Certification

Product Certification for the Indian market

Similar to the Chinese CCC certification, the Indian government established its own certification system for different product groups.

The AIS Certification

The Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) describes the certification scheme for automobiles and automotive components for the Indian market. It was established in 1989 in course with the enactment of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) which covers the regulations. Rule No. 126 of this law defines the process of the Type Approval. This process of the certification has similar steps as the CCC Certification for the Chinese market. The testing and certification can be conducted by different authorities, such as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT).

The AIS Certification is based on mainly safety requirements and mandatory for many automotive components. The certification scheme was implemented in three phases and might be further extended and/or adjusted in the future:

The AIS certification process includes the following steps:

• Preparation of Application documents
• Document Review
• Pre-test Inspection
• Tests for Type Approval
• Factory Inspection
• Issuance of the Certificate
• Marking and Labeling

After the successful completion of product testing and factory audit, the component can be marked with the label accordingly. The information on the label must include a trade mark or manufacturers name, a unique ID code, the type approval number and the marking as mandated by the relevant standard. The location of the label on the part is on discretion by the manufacturer. The type approval reference number has six digits consisting of a test agency code, the calendar year and the Certificate number.

For the factory inspection an auditor will be sent for up to two days to each factory and check the company’s quality system. In order to maintain the validity of the certificate, a follow-up factory inspection takes place every two years. Furthermore, tests have to be conducted periodically on randomly selected samples according to the frequency named in the Conformity of Production (COP) lists.

The AIS Certification process can be challenging and complex. The efficient communication with the Indian authorized bodies and thorough preparation of all documents and test samples are essential for the successful application and implementation of the AIS Certification.

Are you interested in the certification of products and automobile components for the Indian market? Then do not hesitate to contact us.

• We will check whether your products require certification
• We offer a non-binding quote for the AIS Certification, in order to provide an idea of costs and expenses
• We accompany you through the entire certification process when using our service. We take over all communications with the Indian authorities, provide advice on how to fill out application documents, handle product tests in India, and provide support when applying for the approval label
• We pay all application and test fees to the Indian authorities
• We prepare you for the factory audit and accompany the audit
• We ensure that the certification process runs as smoothly and quickly as possible, and that effort on your part is minimized

The BIS Certification

Since the beginning of July 2013, the product certification scheme of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for different product groups of electronical equipment. The certification shall provide a Third-Party Guarantee of quality, safety and reliability.

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) lists the three product groups and the corresponding standards which are currently subject to BIS certification, such as laptops, printers, microwave ovens, power adapters or LED lighting products. The CRS was introduced by the BIS and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). There are three basic steps for the BIS certification:

• Documentation and application
• Submission of samples and Testing
• Marking and Labeling of the parts

It is very important that all documents match the information of application form, labels and associated documents to avoid revisions. There are several test labs in India which can perform evaluation and safety testing of the parts. When sending test samples to India, there is usually a customs agent needed who will pick up the shipment and deliver it to the test lab. The generated test report needs to be submitted to the responsible authority within 90 days by an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). Up to now, there is no factory inspection needed, but this might change soon. The registration is valid for two years and can then be renewed, in case there were no changes of the product or standard. The BIS certificate does not apply to a certain product model or family, but covers all products/models produced by a particular factory.

After the certificate is issued, MeitY can ask for random sample tests and randomly assign a test lab to carry out the BIS surveillance. Normally, the factory/local representative has then 15 business days to comply with this order and coordinate the sample testing. The testing facility will then provide a report to MeitY.

Please contact us if you are interested in the BIS Certification.

The WPC Certification

The Wireless Planning & Coordination of India (WPC) is a national radio regulatory authority, established in 1952 and forms part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It exercises the statutory functions of the Central Government and issues licenses to establish, maintain and operate wireless stations in India. Therefore, the WPC certification is required for all wireless devices in India. Products utilizing a WPC approved wireless module do not need additional testing of the final product, although it has to be still registered with the WPC.

The certification process includes the application, evaluation and testing of the product, before the WPC certificate and ETA certification number are issued. There is no factory inspection needed and the tests can also be conducted by an accredited testing facility outside of India. As long as there are no hardware changes the WPC certificate does not expire.

Please contact us if you are interested in the WPC Certification.

The TEC Certification

The certification by the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) is up to now a voluntary process. However, the authority published in its announcement No. 10-1/2017-IT/TEC/ER that from April 1^st, 2019 on the TEC certification will become mandatory. At present, the list of affected products has not been published yet, but may very likely include servers, LAN switches, routers and network security systems. All wireless products, e.g. cell phones fall under the WPC certification scheme. While the products that do fall under the TEC certification scheme will be required to meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC/EMI), safety testing is still under consideration. The TEC certification is expected to be valid for five years. Similar as for the BIS certification an Authorized Indian Representative needs to be deployed in India for the registration process. In difference to other certifications the TEC registration allows only up to 10 models per certificate.

Please contact us if you are interested in the TEC Certification.

Obtaining the different certifications for the Indian market in a fast and expedient manner can be very challenging and hindered by different obstacles. If you have any questions or need to determine whether your products require a certification, please do not hesitate to contact us. Of course, we are able to answer any general questions you may have regarding the certifications for the Indian market. Send us an email or call us and we will be pleased to assist you.
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