BIS Certification for Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner – IS 11329:2018

Updated on 3 November 2026 By Qualitance India Compliance Team

BIS Certification for Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner – IS 11329:2018

Finned type heat exchangers are important components used in room air-conditioning systems. They facilitate heat transfer between refrigerant and air and play a significant role in the cooling and heating performance of an air conditioner.

These heat exchangers are manufactured using different construction designs and materials, including copper tubes, aluminium tubes and aluminium fins. Their quality, construction, cleanliness, mechanical strength and leakage performance are important for the reliable operation of air-conditioning equipment.

To regulate the quality of these components in the Indian market, the Government of India has included Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner under the compulsory BIS certification framework.

Manufacturers supplying these products in India must comply with IS 11329:2018 – Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner and obtain the applicable BIS licence under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

This article explains the BIS certification requirements, product classification, raw material requirements, sample quantity, product grouping, testing parameters, laboratory arrangements and application procedure.

1. Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Finned Type Heat Exchanger?

<badge color=”success”>Mandatory BIS Certification</badge>

Yes. BIS certification is mandatory for finned type heat exchangers for room air conditioners covered under the applicable Quality Control Order.

The product is covered under the Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), along with its subsequent amendments.

The applicable Indian Standard is:

IS 11329:2018 – Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner

The product is listed under BIS Scheme-I, which requires manufacturers to obtain a BIS licence and apply the Standard Mark in accordance with the applicable certification requirements.

Manufacturers should verify the latest QCO notifications and amendments before manufacturing, importing or placing covered products on the Indian market.

2. Applicable Indian Standard – IS 11329:2018

Particular	Details
Product	Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner
Indian Standard	IS 11329:2018
Standard title	Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner
Certification scheme	BIS Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme)
Certification authority	Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Applicable QCO	Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, as amended
Certification status	Mandatory for products covered by the QCO

Applicable BIS Product Manual

BIS has issued the product manual:

Document No.: PM/IS 11329/5/October 2024

This is the fourth revision of the product manual identified in the available BIS publication. It provides guidance on:

Raw material requirements
Product classification and grouping
Sample quantity
Testing equipment
Scheme of Inspection and Testing
Factory laboratory requirements
Product marking
Scope of licence

The October 2024 product manual records three amendments to IS 11329:2018. Applicants should ensure that their product specifications and testing arrangements reflect the applicable standard and amendments.

3. Types of Finned Type Heat Exchangers Covered Under IS 11329:2018

The BIS product manual identifies two major construction-based classifications.

Type 1: Fin Pack with Collar and Tube Type

This type of heat exchanger consists of tubes passing through aluminium fins. The fins are provided with collars, and the tubes are expanded or otherwise assembled to establish proper thermal contact.

The tube material may be:

Copper
Aluminium

The fin material is aluminium.

The standard also identifies variations such as copper inner-groove or micro-groove tubes and enhanced fin surfaces.

Type 2: Micro Channel Tube with Continuous Fin Type

Micro-channel heat exchangers use aluminium micro-channel tubes and continuous aluminium fins.

The product manual identifies this as a separate construction-based classification.

Product Scope

The manufacturer must declare the type and varieties of heat exchangers intended to be covered under the BIS licence.

The scope of the licence may be restricted depending on the manufacturer’s manufacturing and testing capabilities.

4. Raw Material Requirements Under IS 11329:2018

Raw material conformity is an important part of the BIS certification process.

As per the BIS product manual, the following material references are relevant:

Component	Material requirement / reference
Copper tube	IS 10773 or applicable Annex B of IS 11329
Aluminium tube	Applicable Annex C of IS 11329
Aluminium fin	Applicable Annex C of IS 11329
Brazing material	IS 2927 or applicable international standard

The product manual also refers to ISO 17672 in the Scheme of Inspection and Testing for brazing materials.

Important Raw Material Documents

Manufacturers should maintain:

Raw material purchase invoices
Supplier test certificates
Material specifications
Material identification records
Relevant BIS licence details, where applicable
Brazing alloy grade details
Evidence of conformity of brazing alloy
Incoming material inspection records

The manufacturer must declare the grades of brazing alloy used and submit evidence of their conformity.

5. Technical and Quality Requirements Under IS 11329:2018

The standard establishes requirements relating to construction, materials, workmanship, internal cleanliness, assembly tightness, mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

The main technical requirements include the following.

A. Classification and Nomenclature

The heat exchanger must be classified according to its construction and material configuration.

B. Materials

The tubes, fins, tube sheets, end plates and brazing materials must meet the applicable requirements of the standard.

C. Workmanship and Construction

The product must be manufactured with adequate control over:

Hairpin tube formation
Fin forming
Tube sheet and end plate assembly
Expanded fin tightness
Brazing material selection
Brazing joints
Complete heat exchanger assembly

D. Internal Contamination

The internal surfaces and refrigerant passages must meet the permissible internal contamination requirements specified in the standard.

E. Pressure and Leakage Performance

The assembled heat exchanger must satisfy the applicable pressure and assembly tightness requirements.

F. Mechanical Strength

The product must meet the applicable mechanical strength requirements, including burst and fatigue strength tests.

G. Corrosion Resistance

The heat exchanger must demonstrate conformity with the corrosion resistance requirements specified in IS 11329:2018.

The applicable acceptance limits, test conditions and detailed procedures must be taken from the current standard and its amendments.

6. Testing Requirements for BIS Certification

Testing is one of the most important stages of BIS certification for finned type heat exchangers.

The October 2024 BIS product manual identifies the following principal tests.

Sr. No.	Test parameter	Relevant clause
1	Internal contamination	7.1.1
2	Pressure test for assembly tightness	7.2
3	Water leak test	7.2.1
4	Helium leak test	7.2.2
5	Vacuum leak test process	7.2.3
6	Burst test	7.3.1
7	Fatigue strength test	7.3.2
8	Corrosion resistance test	7.4
9	Visual inspection	6.1
10	Constructional inspection	6.2

A. Internal Contamination Test

This test evaluates the internal contamination present in the heat exchanger.

The BIS product manual identifies the following equipment:

Glass beaker
Conical flask
Oven (0–110°C)
Balance with 0.0001 g resolution
Filter paper

B. Pressure Test for Assembly Tightness

The assembled heat exchanger must be evaluated for leakage and pressure tightness using the applicable test method.

The standard identifies different methods, including water leak testing, helium leak testing and vacuum leak testing.

C. Mechanical Strength Test

Mechanical strength is assessed through:

Burst test
Fatigue strength test

The burst test requires suitable pressure-measuring equipment, while fatigue strength testing requires a fatigue strength test assembly.

D. Corrosion Resistance Test

Corrosion resistance testing is conducted using the apparatus specified in IS 9844, as referenced in the product manual.

The exact test conditions and acceptance requirements must be followed as specified in IS 11329:2018.

7. Sample Quantity Required for BIS Testing

As per the BIS Product Manual PM/IS 11329/5/October 2024:

<badge color=”success”>Sample quantity: 1 unit</badge>

The product manual specifies one sample for the product.

However, the actual sample selection must be made according to the product grouping guidelines.

Separate samples are required for each tube material used in the product classification.

For example:

Copper tube heat exchanger – separate sample
Aluminium tube heat exchanger – separate sample

The manufacturer must declare the tube material and the varieties proposed for inclusion in the licence scope.

The exact sample identification and drawal procedure should be coordinated with the concerned BIS office or laboratory.

8. Product Grouping Guidelines Under IS 11329:2018

Product grouping is particularly important for manufacturers producing multiple heat exchanger designs and material combinations.

As per Annex A of the October 2024 BIS product manual, grouping is based on two principal parameters.

A. Classification Based on Construction

Fin pack with collar and tube type
Micro-channel tube with continuous fin type

B. Classification Based on Tube Material

Copper
Aluminium

Important Grouping Conditions

Any variety of heat exchanger from each classification may be tested to cover the applicable range of varieties within that classification.
Separate samples must be tested for each tube material used.
The manufacturer must declare the material used for the tube.
The manufacturer must declare all varieties of heat exchangers intended to be covered in the licence.
The grades of brazing alloy used must be declared, with evidence of conformity submitted.
The licence scope may be restricted based on the manufacturing and testing capabilities of the manufacturer.
During operation of the licence, all varieties covered under the scope should be tested in rotation, to the extent possible.

Practical Example of Product Grouping

Consider a manufacturer producing the following products:

Product configuration	Tube material	Construction
Model A	Copper	Fin pack with collar and tube
Model B	Aluminium	Fin pack with collar and tube
Model C	Aluminium	Micro-channel with continuous fin

The manufacturer should declare all three varieties in the proposed scope.

The sample selection and coverage must be assessed against the construction and tube-material classifications. A separate sample is required for each tube material used.

The final grouping and licence scope are subject to BIS assessment.

9. Factory Laboratory Requirements

The manufacturer must establish suitable testing and quality-control arrangements to ensure that every heat exchanger bearing the BIS Standard Mark conforms to IS 11329:2018.

The BIS product manual requires an appropriately equipped and staffed laboratory for the applicable tests.

Major Testing Equipment

Test	Major equipment / facility
Construction	Plug gauge, Vernier caliper
Internal contamination	Glass beaker, conical flask, oven, analytical balance, filter paper
Leak test	Equipment appropriate to the selected test method
Vacuum / helium leak test	Vacuum chamber, nitrogen cylinder, helium cylinder, probe and dry nitrogen/air source, as applicable
Burst test	Pressure gauge
Fatigue strength test	Fatigue strength test assembly
Corrosion resistance	Apparatus as per IS 9844

The list is indicative and is not exhaustive.

In-house Laboratory Requirements for Large-Scale Manufacturers

Large-scale manufacturers must maintain an in-house laboratory equipped at least for the routine tests identified as requiring in-house testing in Table 1 of the product manual.

They must also:

Maintain suitable testing equipment.
Prepare a calibration plan.
Carry out routine tests at the prescribed frequency.
Maintain test records.
Establish appropriate in-process controls.

The product manual also permits large-scale manufacturers to use the provisions for sharing testing facilities, subject to the applicable BIS guidelines.

In-house Laboratory Requirements for MSME Manufacturers

For MSME manufacturers, maintaining an in-house laboratory for routine tests is optional under the product manual.

MSME units may use:

Common cluster-based testing facilities
Shared testing facilities
BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratories
Other laboratories having valid NABL accreditation as per IS/ISO/IEC 17025

Subcontracted Testing

The product manual identifies subcontracting as permitted for specified tests.

Such tests may be subcontracted to:

BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratories; or
Laboratories having valid NABL accreditation as per IS/ISO/IEC 17025.

The manufacturer must maintain the relevant external laboratory reports for BIS inspection.

10. Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT)

The manufacturer must implement a Quality Assurance Plan covering inspection, testing and production controls.

As per Annex C of the BIS product manual, the manufacturer must define the control unit and levels of control.

A. Control Unit

All heat exchangers of the same type, classified based on construction and tube material, produced in a day constitute one control unit under the August 2022 product manual.

The October 2024 revision describes the Quality Assurance Plan control unit as a batch. The manufacturer should define the control unit in its submitted Quality Assurance Plan in accordance with the latest product manual.

B. Recommended Levels of Control

Test / requirement	Testing frequency
Materials	Each consignment; no further testing if accompanied by a test certificate or ISI marked, as applicable
Construction	Adequate control over the whole production; records to be maintained
Internal contamination	One sample once in a week
Mechanical strength test	One sample once in a year for each type
Corrosion resistance test	One sample once in a year
Visual inspection	Each unit
Leak test	Each unit

These are the recommended levels of control in the product manual. Manufacturers may prepare their own Quality Assurance Plan, defining the control unit, frequency and number of samples, and submit it to the BIS Branch Office for information.

The manufacturer must ensure that the entire production covered under the plan conforms to all requirements of the Indian Standard.

11. BIS Marking Requirements

After obtaining the BIS licence, the manufacturer must apply the Standard Mark in accordance with IS 11329:2018 and the licence conditions.

As per Annex C of the October 2024 product manual:

The BIS Standard Mark must be applied to each heat exchanger.
The product must conform to all applicable requirements before marking.
The BIS licence number (CM/L number) must be marked at an appropriate place on the product or package.
Details of the BIS website must also be provided.

The prescribed website statement is:

“For details of BIS certification please visit www.bis.gov.in”.

The manufacturer must ensure that the Standard Mark is applied only to products covered by the valid licence scope.

12. Documents Required for BIS Certification

Manufacturers should prepare the following documents before applying for BIS certification.

A. Company and Legal Documents

Certificate of Incorporation / Company Registration
PAN card
GST registration certificate
Factory address proof
Authorised signatory details
Authorisation letter or board resolution, wherever applicable
Company profile

B. Manufacturing Documents

Manufacturing process flow chart
Detailed manufacturing process description
Factory layout plan
List of manufacturing machinery
Production capacity details
Product-wise model list
Product drawings and technical specifications
Details of tube expansion and fin forming facilities
Brazing process details
Details of assembly and leak-testing facilities

C. Raw Material Documents

Copper tube specifications and test certificates
Aluminium tube specifications and test certificates
Aluminium fin material specifications
Tube sheet and end plate material details
Brazing alloy grade details
Supplier test certificates
Raw material purchase records
Evidence of conformity of brazing alloy

D. Quality Control Documents

Quality Control Manual
Quality Assurance Plan
Scheme of Inspection and Testing
List of testing equipment
Calibration certificates
In-house laboratory details
Internal contamination test records
Leakage test records
Burst and fatigue test reports, where available
Corrosion resistance test reports, where available
Non-conforming product control procedure

E. BIS Application Documents

BIS application form and declarations
Product scope details
Model and variety list
Manufacturing unit details
Required undertakings
Applicable application and processing fee payment details

The exact document requirement may vary according to the manufacturing process, construction type, tube material and proposed scope of licence.

13. BIS Testing Charges for Finned Type Heat Exchanger

Testing charges depend on the laboratory, product configuration and applicable test scope.

The BIS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) listing reviewed for IS 11329:2018 displays the following laboratory charges:

Laboratory	Location	Displayed testing charge (excluding taxes)
COTERD Solutions (OPC) Pvt. Ltd., AC Test Lab	Greater Noida	₹2,10,000
Atckon Laboratories LLP	Bahadurgarh	₹2,10,000
Bharat Test House Pvt. Ltd.	Sonipat	₹2,25,000
Ace Test Labs & Metrology Pvt. Ltd.	Sonipat	₹2,18,000

These figures are laboratory-specific LIMS listings and may change.

Example of Test-wise Charges

The COTERD Solutions listing includes the following test-wise breakup:

Test parameter	Displayed charge (excluding taxes)
Classification and nomenclature	₹500
Materials	₹500
Internal contamination	₹40,000
Pressure test for assembly tightness	₹40,000
Vacuum leak test process	₹40,000
Burst test	₹40,000
Fatigue strength test	₹40,000
Corrosion resistance test	₹60,000
Marking	₹1,000
Total displayed	₹2,10,000

The actual testing programme and final charges should be confirmed with the selected laboratory before sample submission.

The overall BIS certification project cost may also include:

BIS application fee
Factory inspection charges
Licence and marking fee
Testing and sample transportation expenses
Laboratory or infrastructure costs
Consultancy charges, if applicable

14. Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process

The general BIS certification process for finned type heat exchangers under Scheme-I is explained below.

Step 1 – Applicability Assessment

Confirm the applicability of IS 11329:2018 and the relevant Air Conditioner Quality Control Order.

Step 2 – Product Classification and Grouping

Identify the construction type, tube material and varieties proposed for inclusion in the licence.

Step 3 – Raw Material Assessment

Review the copper/aluminium tube, aluminium fin and brazing material specifications and supporting test certificates.

Step 4 – Factory Infrastructure Assessment

Evaluate manufacturing machinery, production facilities, testing equipment, laboratory arrangements and quality-control systems.

Step 5 – Documentation Preparation

Prepare the company, manufacturing, product and quality-control documentation.

Step 6 – BIS Application Submission

Submit the application through the applicable BIS certification procedure along with the required supporting documents and prescribed fees.

Step 7 – Factory Inspection

BIS assesses the manufacturing process, product construction, raw material control, laboratory facilities and quality assurance arrangements.

Step 8 – Sample Drawal and Testing

The sample is selected according to the applicable grouping guidelines and tested against IS 11329:2018.

Step 9 – Compliance and Clarifications

The manufacturer addresses any observations, testing issues or non-conformities raised during the certification process.

Step 10 – Grant of BIS Licence

After satisfactory completion of the applicable assessment and certification requirements, BIS may grant the licence to use the Standard Mark for the approved product scope.

15. Common Challenges in BIS Certification

Manufacturers may face the following challenges during BIS certification for finned type heat exchangers:

1. Incorrect Product Grouping

Manufacturers may have multiple heat exchanger constructions and tube materials. Incorrect grouping can result in additional sample testing or restrictions in the licence scope.

2. Inadequate Raw Material Documentation

Missing supplier test certificates, unclear tube material specifications and incomplete brazing alloy conformity records can create difficulties during factory assessment.

3. Internal Contamination Test Failure

Improper cleaning, handling and manufacturing controls can result in internal contamination exceeding the applicable requirements.

4. Leakage Test Failure

Defective brazing joints, poor tube expansion or inadequate assembly controls may lead to leakage during testing.

5. Lack of Mechanical Testing Facilities

Manufacturers may not have suitable arrangements for burst and fatigue strength tests.

6. Inadequate Quality Assurance Plan

The manufacturer must establish appropriate control units, inspection frequencies, test records and production controls.

7. Incorrect Marking

The BIS Standard Mark and licence number must be applied in accordance with the approved licence scope and marking requirements.

A technical gap assessment before applying for BIS certification can help manufacturers identify these issues and prepare their factory accordingly.

16. How Qualitance India Can Help

Qualitance India provides professional BIS certification consultancy and regulatory compliance support to manufacturers and businesses seeking BIS licences in India.

For finned type heat exchanger certification under IS 11329:2018, our support can include:

BIS certification applicability assessment
Review of IS 11329:2018 requirements
Product classification and grouping assessment
Copper and aluminium tube material assessment
Brazing alloy documentation review
Factory infrastructure gap assessment
Laboratory and testing facility assessment
Preparation of Quality Control Manual
Preparation of Quality Assurance Plan
Preparation of Scheme of Inspection and Testing
Guidance on testing equipment and calibration
Sample testing coordination
BIS application documentation
Assistance during BIS factory inspection
Support in responding to BIS observations
Guidance through the BIS licence grant process

Our objective is to help manufacturers establish a compliant manufacturing and quality-control system and manage the BIS certification process efficiently.

Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence

Website: https://qualitanceindia.com
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Contact: +91 93106 15170

17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is BIS certification mandatory for finned type heat exchangers for room air conditioners?

Yes. The product is covered under the applicable Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls Quality Control Order. Manufacturers must obtain the applicable BIS licence before placing covered products on the Indian market.

Q2. Which Indian Standard applies to finned type heat exchangers?

The applicable standard is IS 11329:2018 – Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner.

Q3. Under which BIS scheme is certification granted?

Certification is granted under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Q4. What is the sample quantity required for BIS testing?

The BIS Product Manual PM/IS 11329/5/October 2024 specifies one sample. Separate samples are required for each tube material used, as per the grouping guidelines.

Q5. What are the two main types of heat exchangers covered under IS 11329:2018?

The two main construction classifications are fin pack with collar and tube type, and micro-channel tube with continuous fin type.

Q6. Can copper and aluminium tube heat exchangers be covered under one licence?

The product manual identifies copper and aluminium as separate tube-material classifications. Separate samples must be tested for each tube material used. The final scope is subject to BIS assessment.

Q7. Which materials are used in finned type heat exchangers?

The product manual identifies copper or aluminium tubes, aluminium fins and brazing materials conforming to the applicable requirements.

Q8. What are the major tests required under IS 11329:2018?

The major tests include internal contamination, pressure and leakage testing, burst test, fatigue strength test and corrosion resistance test, along with constructional and routine inspection requirements.

Q9. Is an in-house laboratory mandatory?

Large-scale manufacturers must maintain suitable in-house facilities for routine tests identified as requiring in-house testing. MSME manufacturers may use common cluster-based facilities, shared testing facilities or eligible external laboratories under the product manual’s provisions.

Q10. Can testing be outsourced to a NABL-accredited laboratory?

Yes. The product manual permits subcontracting for specified tests to BIS-recognised or empanelled laboratories or laboratories having valid NABL accreditation as per IS/ISO/IEC 17025.

Q11. What is the BIS testing cost for IS 11329:2018?

The BIS LIMS listings reviewed display laboratory-specific charges ranging from ₹2,10,000 to ₹2,25,000 excluding applicable taxes. The final cost depends on the selected laboratory and testing scope.

Q12. What is the validity of a BIS licence?

The licence is governed by the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations and applicable licence conditions. Renewal and continuation requirements must be followed as prescribed by BIS.

Q13. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS certification for finned type heat exchangers?

Foreign manufacturers may apply through the applicable BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), subject to the relevant eligibility, factory inspection, testing and Authorised Indian Representative requirements.

Q14. Who can assist with BIS certification for finned type heat exchangers?

Qualitance India can assist manufacturers with product grouping, documentation, factory readiness, laboratory arrangements, sample testing coordination and BIS certification support.

Conclusion

BIS certification for finned type heat exchangers for room air conditioners under IS 11329:2018 is an important regulatory requirement for manufacturers supplying covered products in the Indian market.

The certification process requires careful attention to product construction, tube material, raw material conformity, brazing alloy documentation, internal contamination, leakage performance, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and factory quality-control arrangements.

Manufacturers should review the latest BIS product manual, applicable amendments and Quality Control Order before initiating certification.

For professional assistance with BIS Certification for Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioner, contact Qualitance India.

Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence

Website: https://qualitanceindia.com
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Phone: +91 93106 15170

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