THIN-FILM TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULES (a-Si, CiGs AND CdTe): IS 16077: 2013/ IEC 61646 : 2008, IS/IEC 61730 (Part 1) : 2004 & IS/IEC 61730 (Part 2) : 2004

BIS REGISTRATION FOR THIN-FILM TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES : IS 16077 : 2013

INTRODUCTION

A thin-film solar cell is a type of second-generation solar cell that involves applying one or more thin layers, known as thin films (TF), of photovoltaic material onto a substrate such as glass, plastic, or metal. Commercially utilized thin-film solar cells include cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), and amorphous thin-film silicon. These cells have layer thicknesses ranging from a few nanometers (nm) to tens of micrometers (μm), which is significantly thinner than traditional crystalline silicon solar cells (c-Si) that use wafers up to 200 μm thick. Due to their thinner profile, thin-film cells can offer greater flexibility and lighter weight. Thin-film solar technology finds application in various technologies, including building-integrated photovoltaics and semi-transparent photovoltaic glass that can be laminated onto windows. To ensure compliance with quality standards, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have mandated the registration of Thin-Film Terrestrial Photovoltaic (PV) Modules under the Compulsory Registration Scheme as per IS 16077: 2013.

BASIC REQUISTE

For Indian BIS Certification, adherence to four essential pillars is imperative. Without meeting these criteria, applicants cannot proceed with the certification process. To obtain BIS Registration, applicants must satisfy the following prerequisites:

Manufacturer: Indian BIS Licenses are exclusively granted to manufacturers, not importers or sellers. While importers can represent foreign manufacturers and submit applications to BIS, the final license is issued only to the manufacturer.

Manufacturing Address: Accurate manufacturing address details must be provided in the documentation. If a manufacturer has multiple factory locations for a single product, separate BIS Licenses are necessary for each location.

Product: Each distinct product necessitates its own license. However, if multiple models fall under the same product category, a single license/registration number will cover all models within that category. In essence, one license suffices for one product category with various models.

Brand/ trademark: Every brand or trademark associated with the product requires its own BIS license.

Adhering to these requirements ensures compliance with BIS regulations, facilitating the certification process and enabling manufacturers to access the Indian market seamlessly.

BIS REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT

The BIS registration procedure for THIN-FILM TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC : IS 16077 is subject to variation depending on the geographic location of the manufacturing unit. Notably, the BIS registration process differs between domestic (Indian) manufacturers and foreign manufacturers.

A)PROCESS FOR FOREIGN MANUFACTURER

STEP:1	Appoint an Indian Representative to represent the foreign manufacturer.
STEP:2	Complete the online submission process.
STEP:3	Arrange for sample testing at a BIS-approved laboratory.
STEP:4	Submit the application online or offline along with the sample test report.
STEP:5	BIS Officials review and verify the application.
STEP:6	Grant of Licence

Guidelines for Nominating an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

For those seeking BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification from abroad, it's imperative to designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in the absence of a local branch office in India. The AIR plays a crucial role as the on-ground liaison overseeing the certification process and handling queries. Below are the guidelines for foreign manufacturers in appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Clause 1	If the foreign manufacturer maintains a liaison office or branch office in India, it will serve as the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
Clause 2	In the event that the foreign manufacturer lacks a liaison office or branch office in India but the proprietor or registered user of the brand/trademark featured on the product is situated in India, said owner will assume the role of AIR.
Clause 3	Should the manufacturer not possess a liaison office in India and there is no proprietor or registered user of the brand/trademark on the product located in India, another entity will be designated as the AIR.

B) PROCESS FOR DOMESTIC MANUFACTURER

STEP:1	Initiate the online submission process.
STEP:2	Conduct sample testing at a BIS-approved laboratory.
STEP:3	Submit the application, along with the sample test report, either online or offline.
STEP:4	The application is reviewed and verified by BIS Officials.
STEP:5	Grant of License

HOW THE BUREAU WORK

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BIS REGISTRATION OF THIN-FILM TERRESTRIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC : IS 16077: 2013

Fully completed CDF/CCL form
BIS application form duly filled out
Manufacturing unit's business license (with English translation and local language)
Business license scope documentation (with English translation and local language)
Manufacturer's ISO certificate
Product marking label or marking details
Authorization letter (if signatory is not the manufacturing head)
Trade Mark Certificate
Trademark Authorization Letter (if trademark is owned by a party other than the manufacturer)
Proof of registration for the Authorized Indian Representative company in India (for foreign manufacturers)
ID of the Authorized Indian Representative or Authorized Signatory
Product technical specification sheet or user manual

S.No	POINTS NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED TO GET BIS CERTIFICATE
1	Choose a BIS-recognized testing organization and an experienced compliance partner if you lack the expertise or presence in India to assist you.
2	Ensure the selected laboratory for product testing holds a valid license and is not undergoing audits during the testing period.
3	Before shipping samples, ensure all arrangements are in place for the entire shipment process to the testing laboratory's location.
4	All documents must bear signatures from the manufacturer, brand owner, and Indian Representative, and additionally, they should be notarized and stamped by the brand owner and Indian representative.
5	Accurately fill out product details in the Construction Data form (CDF) and provide concise and accurate information about product components in the Critical Component List (CCL).
6	Test reports are valid for 3 months or 90 days; ensure timely submission to BIS Bureau of Indian Standards before expiration. Failure to do so may require retesting with new samples.
7	Prepare all necessary documents before initiating sample testing.
8	After submitting documents, including the test report, BIS typically takes around 15 days to approve registration. However, the approval timeline may vary, with a more realistic expectation of 30 to 60 days in some cases.

WHY USE ABSOLUTE VERITAS (AV) FOR BIS CERTIFICATION?

If you require BIS Registration services, please contact Absolute Veritas. As a leading BIS Registration Consultant, Absolute Veritas assists manufacturers and importers in obtaining timely BIS registration for their products by offering valuable insights and assistance throughout the BIS Registration Process.

Absolute Veritas is a prominent organisation from the private sector of India primarily dealing with the Inspection, Testing, Audits, Certification of products& consulting services to various industries in India and worldwide, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and industry requirements. Offering a comprehensive range of services including product certification, testing, training, auditing, and compliance services, Absolute Veritas helps manufacturers and importers achieve higher production efficiency and quality standards.

Absolute Veritas (AV) will handle end to end pre-registration request, sample preparation, documentation, testing and application process for BIS Certification

For any questions regarding the most recent update on BIS registration licenses, please reach out to us via email at cs@absoluteveritas.com

The Regulatory compliance vertical of Absolute Veritas Group also deals with following domains:

S.No	DOMAIN
1	Comprehensive in-house infrastructure for streamlined certification processes.
2	Product evaluation and guidance on BIS Registration (CRS) Scheme & BIS Certification.
3	Support in standard formulation and testing method scheme development.
4	Analysis reports to ensure compliance with evolving standards and regulations.
5	Advisory services for representation to ministries for NOC or product exclusions.
6	Expert advice on new product inclusion in BIS Registration (CRS) & BIS Certification, regulatory compliance, and QCO interpretation based on draft Orders from relevant ministries.
7	Liaison with government departments to address any company queries or clarifications.
8	Legal compliance partnership for representing the company to various government organizations.
9	Strategic support for business continuity and growth.
10	Drafting emails to BIS department for clarifications on BIS regulations/QCO.
11	Facilitation of meetings with BIS Bureau of Indian Standards and ministries for product inclusion/exclusion clarification.
12	Regular updates on upcoming regulations and compliance requirements.