Electric geysers are widely used in homes, hotels, offices and other establishments, particularly during the winter season. Since these appliances involve electricity, heating elements and water, safety and performance compliance are important before they are placed in the Indian market.

For covered electric water heaters/geysers, BIS certification is mandatory under the applicable Quality Control Order (QCO). The applicable requirements depend on the type of water heater. The Government’s Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order covers stationary storage-type electric water heaters, instantaneous water heaters and electric immersion water heaters under specified Indian Standards.

Important: BIS certification for electric geysers is generally BIS Scheme-I (ISI Mark certification), not BIS CRS (Scheme-II). Therefore, an article targeting “BIS CRS for electric geysers” should not describe the geyser as a CRS product. The applicable BIS route should be determined according to the exact product and QCO.

What Is BIS Certification for an Electric Geyser?

BIS certification confirms that a covered electric water-heating product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard and applicable certification requirements. For stationary storage-type electric water heaters, BIS currently references IS 2082:2018 for product specification. BIS’s product manual also states that manufacturers of stationary storage-type electric water heaters are required to obtain BIS certification as per IS 2082:2018.

The safety requirements are also addressed through IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2024, which covers safety requirements for storage water heaters. BIS revised the standard from the earlier 2018 version, with concurrent operation of the old and revised standards ending on 18 February 2025.

Which Electric Water Heaters Require BIS Certification?

The applicable QCO covers several categories of domestic water-heating appliances, including:

• Stationary storage-type electric water heaters
• Electric instantaneous water heaters
• Electric immersion water heaters

The relevant standards include IS 2082:2018, IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21), IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 35) and IS 368:2014, depending on the product category.

Who Needs BIS Certification?

Manufacturers of products covered by the applicable QCO need to comply with the mandatory BIS requirements before selling the products in India.

This can be particularly relevant for:

• Indian electric geyser manufacturers
• Manufacturers establishing a new production facility
• Businesses adding new models or product varieties
• Foreign manufacturers supplying covered products to India
• Businesses importing covered electric water heaters

The exact obligation should be checked against the applicable QCO, product category, manufacturing location and Indian Standard.

BIS Certification Process for Electric Geysers

The general certification process involves several stages:

1. Identify the Applicable Standard
 First, determine whether the geyser is a storage-type, instantaneous or immersion water heater and identify the corresponding Indian Standard.

2. Review Product Requirements
 The manufacturer should evaluate the product design, construction, components, safety features and specifications against the applicable standard.

3. Product Testing
 Samples are tested through a BIS-recognized laboratory according to the applicable requirements. BIS laboratory information currently lists testing facilities for standards including IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 21):2024 and IS 2082:2018.

4. Prepare the Application
 The manufacturer prepares the required technical and manufacturing information and submits the BIS application under the applicable certification scheme.

5. Factory Assessment
 BIS may assess the manufacturing premises, production facilities, quality-control arrangements and testing capabilities as required under the certification procedure.

6. Grant of BIS Licence
 After successful evaluation of the application, testing and applicable assessment requirements, BIS may grant the licence to use the Standard Mark according to the approved scope.

Documents Generally Required

Depending on the product and application, manufacturers may need documents such as:

• Manufacturing unit details
• Factory address and contact information
• Product specifications
• Technical drawings
• Product literature
• Manufacturing process details
• Details of raw materials and components
• Quality-control information
• Test reports
• In-house testing facility details, where applicable
• Details of manufacturing and testing personnel
• Applicable declarations and undertakings

The exact documentation can vary according to the product standard and BIS certification requirements.

Why BIS Certification Matters for Geyser Manufacturers

BIS compliance is important because electric geysers combine electrical systems, heating elements and water, making product safety a significant consideration.

Certification can help manufacturers:

• Demonstrate conformity with Indian Standards
• Meet applicable mandatory regulatory requirements
• Build customer confidence
• Support lawful market access
• Establish consistent product-quality controls
• Strengthen credibility with distributors and business buyers

BIS CRS vs BIS Certification for Electric Geysers

This distinction is important for manufacturers searching online. BIS CRS (Scheme-II) applies to products specifically notified under the Compulsory Registration Scheme. Electric geysers should not automatically be treated as BIS CRS products simply because they are electronic or electrical appliances.

For covered domestic water-heating appliances, the applicable regulatory route is BIS certification under Scheme-I/ISI Mark requirements pursuant to the relevant QCO. BIS itself lists specific Scheme-I guidelines for electric water heaters and related electrical appliances. Therefore, businesses searching for “BIS CRS certification for electric geysers” should first verify the correct BIS certification route for their particular model.

Conclusion

BIS certification is an important compliance requirement for covered electric geysers and water-heating appliances in India. However, the applicable standard and certification route depend on whether the product is a storage-type, instantaneous or immersion water heater. For manufacturers and import-oriented businesses, identifying the correct Indian Standard, QCO, testing requirements and BIS certification procedure before launching the product can help avoid compliance issues.

Compliance Calendar LLP assists businesses with BIS certification-related compliance, documentation, application support and regulatory requirements. If you are a manufacturer or importer dealing with electric geysers or other electrical products, professional guidance can help you identify the applicable BIS requirements for your product.