General and Safety Requirements for UPS
UPS / Inverters ≤ 5 kVA
Strategic Recommendations for UPS / Inverters ≤ 5 kVA – IS 16242 (Part 1):2014
- Apply for BIS CRS Registration
UPS/Inverters ≤ 5 kVA must conform to IS 16242 (Part 1):2014 and obtain BIS CRS registration before manufacture, import, or sale. - Engage Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA Compliance Team for application filing, exemption handling (export/R&D/HSE), and BIS testing coordination. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Assistance for CRS certification, documentation, and regulatory clarifications. - Track Notifications & Amendments
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for updates on CRS-related notifications, extensions, and labeling changes for UPS/Inverters. - Conduct Gap Assessment
Verify compliance with IS 16242 (Part 1):2014 – covering insulation, overload/short-circuit protection, fire resistance, abnormal operation, and marking obligations.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | UPS / Inverters of rating ≤ 5 kVA |
| IS Standard | IS 16242 (Part 1): 2014 |
| Title of IS | Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) – Part 1: General and Safety Requirements |
| Regulation / QCO | Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 (with amendments) and Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 |
| Notified Vide | - S.O. 2357(E), dated 3rd October 2012 (original CRS order), - S.O. 2905(E), dated 13th November 2014 (inclusion of UPS ≤5kVA), - S.O. 2579(E), dated 21st September 2015 (extension of timelines for selected products), - S.O. 344(E), dated 3rd February 2016 (extended implementation for UPS to 1st March 2016), - S.O. 345(E), dated 17th December 2015 (deferred application for new manufacturing locations), - S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021 (CRS 2021 Order under BIS Act, 2016), - S.O. 1353(E), dated 25th March 2021 (corrigendum), - S.O. 2844(E), dated 1st July 2021 (amendment – deferred application, port labeling, HSE exemption). |
| Final Enforcement Date | - CRS 2012 → effective 1st March 2016 (after extension) - CRS 2021 → effective 18th September 2021 (six months after notification) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safe and reliable operation of UPS and inverters used for domestic, IT, and small commercial applications, protecting against electrical hazards, fire, overheating, and abnormal operation risks. |
| Products Covered | - UPS (≤5 kVA), - Inverters (≤5 kVA), - Intended for residential, office, IT, and small commercial loads. |
| Exemptions | - Goods manufactured exclusively for export, - Units imported for R&D, testing, or demonstration (later scrapped/exported), - Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exempted (three-phase, >16A, >80kg, or very large size). |
| Industries Impacted | - UPS & inverter manufacturers, - Power electronics OEMs, - Importers and distributors of power backup solutions, - IT & telecom equipment suppliers, - Retailers and e-commerce distributors. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 16242 (Part 1):2014, - BIS CRS Registration required, - Products must bear marking: “Self declaration – Conforming to IS 16242 (Part 1):2014 – (Unique Registration No.)”. |
| Testing Parameters | - Input/output characteristics, - Protection against electric shock, - Fire resistance & abnormal operation tests, - Overload & short circuit protection, - Mechanical strength & temperature rise. |
| Certification & Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Enforcement assisted by MeitY and local/state authorities (District Industries Centres). |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Suspension or cancellation of registration, seizure of stock, fines, and imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both (as per BIS Act, 2016). |
| Conclusion | All UPS / Inverters of ≤5 kVA rating must be BIS-certified under IS 16242 (Part 1):2014 before being imported, manufactured, or sold in India. This ensures electrical safety, consumer protection, and alignment with India’s national standards regime. |
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Notification
UPS / Inverters of rating ≤5 kVA were included in the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2012 via S.O. 2905(E), dated 13th November 2014. The enforcement was extended through multiple notifications, with the final date fixed at 1st March 2016 under CRS 2012. Subsequently, the Electronics and IT Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (S.O. 1248(E), dated 18th March 2021) brought the product under the BIS Act, 2016 framework, effective 18th September 2021, with corrigendum and amendments notified in March and July 2021.
Enforcement Timeline
- CRS 2012 → 1st March 2016,
- CRS 2021 → 18th September 2021.
Overview
UPS and inverters provide uninterrupted power supply to IT equipment, telecom infrastructure, and household/commercial loads. IS 16242 (Part 1):2014 prescribes general and safety requirements, including electrical insulation, overload protection, fire resistance, and user safety.
Objective & Scope
The standard ensures safe, reliable, and durable performance of UPS/inverters up to 5 kVA capacity, preventing hazards like electric shock, overheating, fire, and mechanical failures.
Products Covered
UPS and inverters up to 5 kVA rating, intended for domestic, office, IT, and small commercial use.
Exemptions Provided
- Goods manufactured exclusively for export,
- Imports for R&D/testing/demo,
- Highly Specialized Equipment (HSE) exempted under CRS 2021 (3-phase systems, >16A current, >80kg weight, or large dimensions).
Industries Impacted
The order impacts UPS & inverter manufacturers, power backup OEMs, importers, telecom & IT infrastructure suppliers, and e-commerce retailers.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From the enforcement date, all UPS/inverters ≤5 kVA must:
- Conform to IS 16242 (Part 1):2014,
- Obtain BIS CRS Registration,
- Carry the ISI declaration with unique registration number.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, including seizure of stock, license suspension, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
Effective since March 2016, UPS/inverters ≤5 kVA are mandatory BIS-certified products. With CRS 2021, compliance has been further tightened to enhance consumer safety, product reliability, and market discipline.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.