BIS Guidelines for Semiconductor Converters

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Guidelines for Metal Cutting Machines

On 22 July 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued the Machine Category Specific Guidelines for Semiconductor Converters a comprehensive document outlining the safety and compliance framework under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024 (OTR 2024). Released on 14 July 2025, these guidelines define the certification pathway, technical documentation, and assessment requirements that manufacturers and importers must follow to legally market semiconductor converters in India.

Listed under Schedule III, Serial No. 18 of OTR 2024, semiconductor converters are critical electrical devices used for power conversion and control. Given their complex design and potential electrical risks, BIS mandates strict conformity with relevant Indian and International Safety Standards. The document also details procedures under Scheme X of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, including licence issuance, Certificates of Conformity (CoC), and model grouping criteria.

For the industry, this guideline serves as a compliance roadmap ensuring product safety, uniform testing, and transparent certification. As a third party compliance consultant, our objective is to help manufacturers interpret these requirements, prepare technical files, and achieve seamless BIS certification with minimal delays.

Definition of Semiconductor Converters under These Guidelines

As per the BIS Machine Category Specific Guidelines for Semiconductor Converters issued in July 2025, semiconductor converters refer to electrical power conversion equipment that utilize semiconductor devices to modify electrical energy. This includes equipment used for rectification, inversion, frequency conversion, or DC-DC transformation, primarily through the switching action of semiconductor elements such as diodes, thyristors, and transistors.

These converters are listed under Sl. No. 18 of Schedule III in the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024 (OTR 2024), making them subject to mandatory BIS certification. The guidelines align with standards like IS/IEC 60146-1-1, which specify general requirements for semiconductor power converters, including design safety, insulation, protection, and testing parameters.

In essence, semiconductor converters form a critical part of industrial automation, renewable energy, and power control systems. Due to their electrical complexity and associated safety risks, BIS requires that every manufacturer or importer maintain a comprehensive Technical File demonstrating compliance with Indian safety standards before market approval.

Also Read: BIS Scheme X Certification for Power Semiconductor Converters

Equipment Categories Covered and Exempted

As per the BIS Guidelines, the coverage includes all types of semiconductor based power converters such as rectifiers, inverters, DC-DC converters, and AC controllers that form the core of power electronics systems. These machines are essential in applications like industrial automation, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and power supplies, making compliance critical for market access in India.

The guidelines specify that all semiconductor converters falling under IS 14787:2022 and related Indian Standards are subject to BIS certification under Scheme-X (Simplified Registration Scheme). This ensures that only products meeting safety, performance, and energy efficiency standards are sold or imported.
Exemptions apply to equipment that:

Operates below specific voltage or power thresholds as mentioned in the standard.
Is used solely for R&D or prototype testing and not for commercial sale.
Falls under customized industrial applications where BIS conformity is not mandatory.

Manufacturers and importers must verify the applicability of their product category before applying for registration, as non-compliance can lead to product recalls or import restrictions.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines

Category	Key Points for Manufacturers
New Manufacture (Fresh Certification)	- Must undergo full product testing and documentation review as per latest BIS guidelines. - Requires a new Certificate of Conformity (CoC). - Application must include technical files, quality control procedures, and compliance proof.
Continuous Manufacture (Existing Licence Holders)	- Must maintain ongoing compliance through periodic surveillance audits. - Renewal or continuity depends on consistent adherence to BIS standards and no major product changes. - No need for a fresh CoC unless major modification occurs.
Change in Scope or Product Variation	- Treated as an extension or modification under existing licence scope. - BIS may require partial or full retesting. - A revised CoC or licence amendment is issued based on evaluation.
CoC (Certificate of Conformity)	- Essential for importers and new manufacturers. - Typically issued for new products entering the Indian market. - Valid for specific models and configurations.
Licence (BIS Licence for Continuous Production)	- Ensures uninterrupted production authorization. - Renewal depends on maintaining quality systems and compliance records. - Non-compliance can lead to suspension or cancellation.

Compliance Verification Methods

Technical Documentation Review: Checks completeness and accuracy of technical files.
On-site Visits: Inspects production, labeling, and safety implementation.
Laboratory Tests: Validates operational and safety performance of product samples.

Benefits of Outsourcing Certification Support

Working with a trusted third-party like Absolute Veritas offers several advantages:

Time-Saving: Focus on core manufacturing operations while we handle the certification process.
Reduced Errors: Minimize mistakes in technical files and applications, increasing the likelihood of approval.
Faster Approval: Streamlined documentation and pre-audit checks lead to quicker certification from BIS.

For any queries, you can contact us at cs@absoluteveritas.com or reach out to us by phone at +917303215033 for personalized assistance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Which products require BIS certification under the new guidelines?

As per the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024, all types of power semiconductor converters and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components are required to obtain BIS certification under Scheme-X.

How long does the BIS certification process take?

The timeline for certification varies depending on the completeness of the submitted documents, scheduling of audits, and testing durations. Manufacturers are advised to ensure all required information is provided promptly to avoid delays.

Are there any exemptions from BIS certification?

Certain products may be exempt from BIS certification based on specific criteria outlined in the guidelines. Manufacturers should consult the detailed regulations or contact BIS for clarification on exemptions applicable to their products.

How can a manufacturer apply for BIS certification?

Manufacturers can apply for certification through the BIS online portal by submitting the necessary documents and fees as per the guidelines. Detailed instructions are available on the BIS website.