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BIS ISI Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers (Desert Coolers) IS 3315
Indian Standard IS 3315:2019 specifies the quality, safety, construction, and performance requirements for evaporative air coolers, commonly known as desert coolers. These coolers are widely used in India’s hot and dry climate regions and operate by passing hot air through water-soaked cooling pads, providing natural and energy-efficient cooling without using any refrigerant.
Evaporative air coolers are extensively used in homes, offices, shops, warehouses, and commercial spaces due to their low power consumption, cost-effective operation, and eco-friendly cooling process. BIS ISI certification under IS 3315:2019 ensures that the product meets Indian standards for safety, performance, and reliability, thereby increasing consumer confidence.
Foreign manufacturers intending to export or sell desert coolers in India must obtain BIS ISI Mark certification. The online BIS registration process enables manufacturers to secure the ISI license, ensuring smooth customs clearance and compliance with applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
IS 3315:2019 – Key Quality & Performance Requirements for Air Coolers
- (i) Air delivery capacity and cooling efficiency
- (ii) Constructional features and material strength
- (iii) Electrical safety and insulation requirements
- (iv) Fan, motor performance, and power consumption limits
- (v) Water circulation system and pump performance
- (vi) Noise level and operational stability
- (vii) Protection against electric shock and overheating
- (viii) Marking, labeling, and product information requirements
Overview of ISI Mark Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers
IS 3315:2019 covers evaporative air coolers suitable for rated voltage up to and including 250V, 50Hz AC. The standard defines requirements related to air capacity, construction, performance, and methods of testing to ensure product safety and efficiency. As per the standard, air coolers shall not be operated when the difference between dry bulb temperature (DBT) and wet bulb temperature (WBT) is less than 3°C or when relative humidity exceeds 75 percent.
BIS ISI Mark certification for desert coolers is mandatory for manufacturing, importing, and selling these products in India. Compliance with IS 3315:2019 under the Product Certification Scheme (ISI Mark Scheme – Scheme I) assures conformity to Indian quality standards, enhances market acceptance, and builds trust among Indian consumers.
Process Required for BIS ISI Mark Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers (IS 3315:2019)
To obtain the BIS ISI Mark for evaporative air coolers under Indian Standard IS 3315:2019, manufacturers must comply with the BIS Product Certification Scheme (Scheme I). This certification ensures that desert coolers meet Indian requirements related to safety, electrical performance, air delivery, and construction quality before they are sold or imported into the Indian market.
Estimated Timeline: The BIS ISI certification process for evaporative air coolers generally takes around 30 to 45 days, depending on factory readiness, inspection scheduling, and product testing timelines.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
- Application Submission: Submit the BIS application through the Manak Online portal by providing evaporative air cooler details, applicable Indian Standard (IS 3315:2019), factory address, manufacturing process, and machinery information.
- Product Testing Preparation: Ensure availability of necessary testing arrangements as prescribed under IS 3315:2019. Testing includes checks for air delivery, electrical safety, power consumption, and performance efficiency.
- Factory Inspection: A BIS officer conducts an on-site inspection to verify manufacturing facilities, quality control systems, testing capability, and compliance with the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT).
- Sample Drawing and Testing: Product samples are drawn during inspection and sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing as per IS 3315:2019 requirements.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon successful inspection and satisfactory test results, BIS grants the Certification Marks License (CM/L), allowing the manufacturer to affix the ISI Mark on evaporative air coolers.
Requirements to Obtain BIS License for Evaporative Air Coolers (IS 3315)
- Compliance of evaporative air coolers with all technical and safety requirements specified under Indian Standard IS 3315:2019.
- Availability of appropriate testing facilities for performance, electrical safety, and efficiency testing as per BIS norms.
- Appointment of qualified quality control personnel to ensure consistent product quality and compliance.
- Adherence to the Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) and BIS certification guidelines applicable to air coolers.
To obtain BIS ISI certification for evaporative air coolers under Product Certification Scheme-I, manufacturers are required to submit documents broadly classified into the following categories:
- Administrative Details: Business registration documents, factory address proof, GST registration, and other statutory approvals.
- Technical Details: Product specifications, electrical ratings, construction details, and test parameters as per IS 3315:2019.
- Quality Control Personnel Details: Qualification, experience, and responsibilities of personnel responsible for quality assurance.
- Commercial Details: Brand name, trademark details (if applicable), and authorization documents.
Cost of BIS ISI Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers (IS 3315)
The following are indicative government and related charges involved in obtaining BIS ISI certification for evaporative air coolers under Product Certification Scheme-I. All statutory fees are payable directly to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
| S. No. | Particular | Amount (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application Fee | ₹1,000 | Payable to BIS |
| 2 | Inspection / Audit Fee | ₹7,000 | Payable to BIS |
| 3 | Product Testing Fee | As applicable | Depends on product & lab |
| 4 | Marking Fee | As per actual | Based on BIS Fee |
Important Note: Product testing as per IS 3315:2019 is a key stage in the BIS ISI certification process. BIS may conduct a factory pre-assessment to evaluate readiness before formal inspection. The above charges are indicative and may vary depending on product type, testing requirements, and inspection scope.
Benefits of Getting ISI Mark Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers (IS 3315:2019)
Obtaining the ISI Mark for evaporative air coolers under Indian Standard IS 3315:2019 offers significant legal, commercial, and quality advantages. ISI certification confirms that desert coolers comply with Indian requirements related to safety, electrical performance, air delivery, and construction quality, making them legally approved for sale in the Indian market.
1. Mandatory Legal Compliance
Evaporative air coolers are covered under BIS regulations, making ISI Mark certification mandatory for manufacturing, importing, and selling these products in India. Non-certified air coolers may face customs clearance issues, penalties, or restrictions in the Indian market.
2. Wider Market Acceptance
ISI-certified desert coolers are widely accepted by distributors, retailers, e-commerce platforms, and institutional buyers. Certification improves market access and enables manufacturers to expand sales across residential, commercial, and industrial segments.
3. Assured Safety and Performance
ISI certification ensures that evaporative air coolers meet prescribed standards for electrical safety, cooling performance, air delivery, and energy efficiency. Consumers prefer certified products as they reduce the risk of electrical faults and operational failures.
4. Enhanced Brand Credibility and Trust
Displaying the ISI Mark on air coolers strengthens brand credibility and assures customers that the product conforms to Indian quality standards. Certified products gain higher consumer trust and long-term brand recognition in a competitive market.
5. Competitive Advantage and Business Growth
ISI-certified evaporative air coolers stand out from non-certified products. Certification supports premium positioning, improves acceptance in organized retail, and enables participation in bulk, institutional, and government supply opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BIS ISI Certification for Evaporative Air Coolers (IS 3315:2019)
1. Is BIS ISI certification mandatory for evaporative air coolers in India?
Yes. Evaporative air coolers (desert coolers) must comply with Indian Standard IS 3315:2019. As per applicable BIS regulations and Quality Control Orders, ISI Mark certification is mandatory for manufacturers and importers before selling or distributing these products in the Indian market.
2. Which standard applies to desert coolers?
Desert coolers are governed by Indian Standard IS 3315:2019. This standard specifies requirements related to construction, air delivery, electrical safety, performance, and testing methods for air coolers rated up to 250V, 50Hz AC.
3. What is the validity of the BIS ISI license for air coolers?
The BIS license is generally granted for an initial period of one year and can be renewed for subsequent periods subject to compliance and timely payment of marking fees and other applicable charges.
5. How long does the BIS ISI certification process take?
The certification process typically takes 30 to 45 days, depending on product readiness, laboratory testing timelines, and BIS inspection scheduling.
6. What happens if a manufacturer sells non-ISI certified air coolers?
Selling non-certified air coolers in India may lead to penalties, seizure of goods, cancellation of import clearance, and legal action under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
7. What tests are conducted under IS 3315:2019?
Testing includes verification of air delivery capacity, cooling performance, electrical safety, power consumption, constructional features, and operational efficiency as specified under IS 3315:2019.
