The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) has directed that the rated capacity of portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries must be measured and verified using the test method specified in Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3):2018 / IEC 61960-3:2017.
The measured value must be reported for compliance under: IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 / IEC 62133-2:2017.
This clarification has been issued to ensure accurate declaration of rated capacity and to safeguard consumer interests under India’s Compulsory Registration framework.
What Clause 7.3.1 Requires
Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3):2018 specifies the test method for determining discharge performance at 20°C, which directly verifies the declared rated capacity of lithium cells and batteries.
Going forward, compliance under IS 16046 (Part 2) must include verification of rated capacity through this prescribed method.
BIS Implementation Guidelines
Following MEITY’s direction, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued formal guidelines for implementation.
All existing licensees must submit updated test reports incorporating the Clause 7.3.1 requirement for all lead models covered under their licence scope.
In addition, applicants must submit an undertaking confirming that the models/series comply with Clause 7.3.1 (Discharge performance at 20°C – rated capacity).
Implementation Timeline
| Category of Licence | Compliance Deadline |
|---|---|
| Licences valid up to 30 April 2027 | Submit updated test reports by 30 April 2027. |
| Licences valid beyond 30 April 2027 | Submit updated test reports by the last date of licence validity. |
| New licence applications after 30 April 2027 | Rated capacity test under Clause 7.3.1 must be included in the test report. |
Cases Where Additional Testing Was Not Previously Conducted
For cases where:
Samples have already been submitted to laboratories, or
Test reports were issued without performing the additional Clause 7.3.1 test,
Applicants must submit a declaration confirming that Clause 7.3.1 will be implemented before licence expiry.
Post 30 April 2027 Requirement
After 30 April 2027, no licence under IS 16046 (Part 2) will be granted unless the additional rated capacity test (Clause 7.3.1) is included in the submitted test report.
This means that rated capacity verification becomes a mandatory element of conformity assessment moving forward.
Why This Update Matters
IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 aligns with IEC 62133-2:2017, which governs safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries.
By mandating rated capacity verification through IS 16047 (Part 3), the authorities are ensuring that:
Declared capacity values are technically validated
Consumers receive accurate product information
Market surveillance remains consistent and enforceable
At C-PRAV India, we monitor MEITY and BIS notifications closely and support manufacturers in aligning their lithium battery compliance documentation and testing requirements with updated regulatory expectations. Feel free to contact us with any questions at 📩 certifications@c-prav.com.