BIS QCO for Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components

The Government of India issues a Quality Control Order to mandate the use of the ISI Mark under the BIS Certificate of Conformity (CoC). The Government has made the ISI mark compulsory for certain products for several reasons, such as public interest, preservation of human and animal health, protection of the environment, prevention of unfair trade practices, and national security.

Overview: BIS QCO for Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components

There is an important update for all the manufacturers of Solar Thermal Systems, devices, and Components. 

Recently, the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices, and Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024 has been issued by the Government. The Solar Thermal Systems, Devices, and Components BIS QCO 2024 was issued by the Ministry of Renewable Energy.

1. Date of Implementation :

This order shall come into force on the 8th of April 2025.

2. Applicability:

This order applies to  Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components.

Exemptions : 

To the products manufactured in India that are intended for export, this order does not apply

To stand the test of quality requirements, all the Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components must adhere to the corresponding Indian Standards as follows -

 Title of Indian Standard  

• Solar Flat Plate Collector - Specification - IS 12933 (Part 1): 2003                                                        
• Solar Flat Plate Collector- Specification - IS 12933 (Part 2): 2003
•  All Glass Evacuated Tubes of Solar Water - IS 16544: 2016
• Direct Insertion Type Storage Water Tank for All Glass Evacuated Tubes - IS 16542: 2016 Solar Collector-Specification for All Glass Evacuated Tubes IS 16542: 2016 Solar Collector-Specification

Note — For the aforementioned Indian Standards, the most recent version of the standards, including any revisions, as periodically announced by the Bureau of Indian Standards, will be applicable.

3. Standards Compliance:

Goods or articles of Solar Thermal Systems, Devices, and Components must comply to the corresponding Indian Standard. According to Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, the products must bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau.

4. Certification and Enforcement: 

The Bureau of Indian Standards is recognized as responsible for certifying and enforcing the quality standards applicable to  Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components products.

Anyone who violates the conditions of this order shall face the consequences according to the applicable Act. The Bureau of Indian Standards (Government of India) is the QCO implementation authority is the

How BIS Works For  Solar Thermal Systems, Devices and Components  :

BIS certification frequently involves licensing and surveillance procedures. The procedure of licensing have following steps:

● The manufacturer shall apply for BIS certification.

● A BIS officer will conduct a preliminary inspection of the factory.

● After the assessment, product samples will be examined.

● After the examination, the BIS officer will decide the outcome based on the test results and inspection etc.

● The inspecting officer will use the surveillance method after the inspection procedure to perform a thorough examination of the factory.

The surveillance technique involves the following steps:

● The inspection body will go to the factory to confirm the test outcome.

● The samples will be sent to separate labs by the inspection officer.

● A description or comments on the complaint about the inquiry will be included in the test report.

● Following the assessment of the report, the BIS license is issued for  Solar Thermal Systems, Devices, and Components