BIS Certification for Ducted and Package Air Conditioners – IS 8148:2018 – Qualitance India
BIS Certification for Ducted and Package Air Conditioners – IS 8148:2018
Ducted and package air conditioners are widely used in commercial buildings, offices, hotels, hospitals, industrial facilities, shopping complexes and other large spaces where centralised or high-capacity air-conditioning systems are required.
To ensure product quality, performance, safety and conformity with Indian requirements, ducted and package air conditioners are covered under the compulsory BIS certification framework in India.
Manufacturers intending to manufacture, import or sell covered ducted and package air conditioners in the Indian market must comply with IS 8148:2018 – Ducted and Package Air Conditioners and obtain the applicable BIS licence under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
The certification process involves assessment of the product design and construction, cooling and heating performance, electrical safety, laboratory facilities, factory quality-control arrangements and product testing.
This article explains the BIS certification requirements, testing parameters, sample quantity, grouping guidelines, laboratory requirements and application procedure for ducted and package air conditioners.
1. Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Ducted and Package Air Conditioners?
<badge color=”success”>Mandatory BIS Certification</badge>
Yes. BIS certification is mandatory for ducted and package air conditioners covered under the Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, as amended from time to time.
The applicable Indian Standard is:
IS 8148:2018 – Ducted and Package Air Conditioners
The product is included in the BIS Scheme-I compulsory certification list under the air-conditioner QCO framework.
The applicable QCO and its amendments should be reviewed before placing products on the Indian market. The latest amendments notified in 2026 include specific provisions relating to certain components and declared stock. These provisions should not be interpreted as a general exemption for finished ducted and package air conditioners.
Manufacturers and importers should verify the applicability of the relevant QCO provisions to their specific product and business activity.
2. Applicable Indian Standard – IS 8148:2018
The applicable standard is:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Ducted and Package Air Conditioners |
| Indian Standard | IS 8148:2018 |
| Standard title | Ducted and Package Air Conditioners |
| Certification scheme | BIS Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme) |
| Certification authority | Bureau of Indian Standards |
| 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 a product manual for this product:
Document No.: PM/IS 8148/5/July 2021
The product manual provides important certification guidance relating to:
- Product grouping
- Sample quantity and sample selection
- Test equipment requirements
- Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT)
- Factory laboratory requirements
- Scope of licence
- Product-specific certification guidelines
The product manual is an important reference for manufacturers preparing their BIS certification applications.
3. Types of Products Covered Under IS 8148:2018
The BIS product manual identifies the following classifications for certification purposes.
A. Classification Based on Function and Construction
- Ducted/Package heat pump units for both cooling and heating with air-cooled condenser.
- Ducted/Package air conditioner units for cooling only with air-cooled condenser.
- Ducted/Package air conditioner units for cooling only with water-cooled condenser.
B. Classification Based on Product Type
- Indoor Unit (IDU) only
- Outdoor Unit (ODU) only
- Ducted/Package Air Conditioner comprising both IDU and ODU
The manufacturer must declare the product type, function, construction and cooling capacities proposed to be covered under the BIS licence.
The final scope of licence may be restricted based on the manufacturer’s manufacturing and testing capabilities.
4. Technical and Quality Requirements Under IS 8148:2018
The manufacturer must ensure that the product complies with the applicable constructional, performance and safety requirements of IS 8148:2018.
The principal areas of assessment include:
A. Constructional Requirements
The product must comply with the constructional requirements specified in the standard, including relevant requirements for materials, components, assembly and product construction.
The BIS product manual refers to Clause 4.1 to 4.14 for constructional requirements.
B. Cooling Performance
The air conditioner must demonstrate conformity with the applicable cooling performance requirements.
Important performance assessments include:
- Capacity rating test
- Maximum cooling conditions test
- Freeze-up test
- Drip test
- Enclosure sweat test
- Condensate disposal test
- Power consumption test
C. Heating Performance
For heat pump models, applicable heating performance requirements include:
- Heating capacity test
- Maximum heating performance test
- Automatic defrost performance test
D. Sound Performance
The product is assessed for sound performance in accordance with the applicable requirements of the standard.
E. Electrical Safety
Electrical safety assessments include the applicable requirements relating to:
- Running test
- Pressure test
- Electric strength test
- Earth continuity test
- Other relevant safety requirements
The exact acceptance criteria and test conditions must be taken from the applicable edition of IS 8148:2018 and its amendments.
5. Testing Requirements for BIS Certification
Testing is one of the most important stages of BIS certification for ducted and package air conditioners.
The BIS product manual identifies the following major tests and corresponding equipment requirements for complete ducted/package AC units.
| Sr. No. | Test parameter | Test equipment / facility |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion resistance test | Salt spray chamber |
| 2 | Pressure test | Pressure gauge |
| 3 | Electric strength test | Voltage source, high-voltage tester and ammeter |
| 4 | Earth continuity test | Voltage source and milli-ohmmeter |
| 5 | Capacity rating test | Test apparatus as per applicable annex of the standard |
| 6 | Heating capacity test | Test apparatus as per applicable annex |
| 7 | Maximum cooling conditions test | Dedicated test bench |
| 8 | Freeze-up test | Dedicated test bench |
| 9 | Drip test | Dedicated test bench |
| 10 | Enclosure sweat test | Dedicated test bench |
| 11 | Condensate disposal test | Dedicated test bench |
| 12 | Power consumption test | Power meter |
| 13 | Maximum heating performance test | Dedicated test bench |
| 14 | Automatic defrost performance test | Dedicated test bench |
| 15 | Sound test | Noise measuring room and noise measuring instrument |
| 16 | Safety test | Test setup as specified in the standard |
The BIS product manual states that this equipment list is indicative and should not be treated as exhaustive.
The actual testing programme will depend on the product configuration, applicable clauses and certification scope.
6. BIS Sample Quantity Required for Testing
The sample quantity depends on the type of manufacturer and the product configuration proposed for certification.
As per Annex B of the BIS Product Manual PM/IS 8148/5/July 2021:
| Type of manufacturer | Sample requirement |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer of IDU only | One Indoor Unit along with dummy Outdoor Unit |
| Manufacturer of ODU only | One Outdoor Unit along with dummy Indoor Unit |
| Manufacturer of complete Ducted/Package AC | One complete Ducted/Package Air Conditioner |
Important Note for IDU and ODU Manufacturers
For grant of licence or change in scope of licence for IDU-only or ODU-only manufacturers, the product manual specifies that complete factory testing for constructional requirements and production routine tests must be carried out.
No separate sample is required to be drawn for independent testing under this specific provision. The licence is operated on the basis of factory testing.
For complete ducted/package air conditioners, the sample is a complete assembled unit.
7. Product Grouping Guidelines Under IS 8148:2018
Product grouping is particularly important because manufacturers may produce different models, capacities, configurations and condenser types.
As per Annex A of the BIS product manual, grouping considers the following factors:
A. Function and Construction
- Heat pump units for cooling and heating with air-cooled condenser
- Cooling-only units with air-cooled condenser
- Cooling-only units with water-cooled condenser
B. Product Configuration
- IDU only
- ODU only
- Complete ducted/package AC comprising IDU and ODU
Important Grouping Conditions
- Separate samples of units with air-cooled and water-cooled condensers are required to be tested.
- If heat pump units with air-cooled condenser for both cooling and heating are tested, units with air-cooled condenser for cooling only may also be covered.
- A sample of the unit with maximum rated cooling capacity is required for covering the applicable range of air conditioners.
- Samples of either ducted or package units may be tested to cover both ducted and package units, as their principal difference is the installation method.
- The manufacturer must declare the product type, function, construction and cooling capacity proposed for inclusion in the licence.
- The final scope may be restricted based on manufacturing and testing capabilities.
Practical Example
A manufacturer producing the following models should prepare a product-wise scope assessment before applying:
- Ducted AC – Cooling only – Air-cooled condenser
- Package AC – Cooling only – Air-cooled condenser
- Package AC – Cooling only – Water-cooled condenser
- Ducted Heat Pump AC – Cooling and heating – Air-cooled condenser
The required sample selection should be determined by applying the BIS grouping guidelines to the manufacturer’s actual model range.
8. Factory Laboratory Requirements
The manufacturer must maintain suitable laboratory and testing arrangements to demonstrate conformity with IS 8148:2018.
As per the Scheme of Inspection and Testing in the BIS product manual:
- A suitably equipped and staffed laboratory must be maintained.
- Required tests must be carried out in accordance with the methods specified in the standard.
- A calibration plan must be prepared for testing equipment.
- Test records must be maintained.
- Routine testing and inspection must be carried out according to the applicable levels of control.
Major Laboratory Equipment and Facilities
Depending on the manufacturing scope, the following facilities may be required:
| Equipment / Facility | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Salt spray chamber | Corrosion resistance test |
| Running test facility | Running test |
| Pressure test setup and pressure gauge | Pressure test |
| High-voltage tester | Electric strength test |
| Milli-ohmmeter | Earth continuity test |
| Cooling capacity test facility | Cooling capacity assessment |
| Heating capacity test facility | Heating capacity assessment |
| Power meter | Power consumption measurement |
| Noise measuring room | Sound test |
| Noise measuring instrument | Sound measurement |
| Dedicated performance test benches | Cooling and heating performance tests |
The exact laboratory requirements should be assessed against the applicable test scope and the manufacturer’s product configuration.
Can Testing Be Subcontracted?
The BIS product manual identifies certain tests for which subcontracting is permitted and others for which equipment is required at the manufacturing premises.
Therefore, manufacturers should not assume that all tests can be outsourced.
A test-wise laboratory gap assessment should be conducted before submitting the application to identify:
- Tests to be conducted in-house
- Tests permitted to be subcontracted
- Equipment that must be available at the factory
- Calibration requirements
- External laboratory arrangements
9. Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT)
The manufacturer must implement the Scheme of Inspection and Testing specified in the BIS product manual.
The SIT establishes the inspection and testing controls required to maintain consistent product quality.
A. Laboratory
The manufacturer must maintain a suitably equipped and staffed laboratory for the applicable tests.
B. Calibration Plan
A calibration plan must be prepared for the testing equipment used to establish conformity.
C. Test Records
The manufacturer must maintain records of tests carried out to establish conformity with the Indian Standard.
D. Constructional Inspection
Constructional requirements must be verified through adequate random inspection as per the manufacturer’s Internal Quality Assurance Plan.
Raw materials and components covered under mandatory BIS certification must be ISI marked and received with the manufacturer’s test certificate, as applicable.
For other materials and components, conformity must be established under the manufacturer’s Internal Quality Assurance Plan.
E. Production Routine Tests
Production routine tests must be carried out at the prescribed frequency for the applicable product configuration.
The product manual identifies routine testing requirements such as:
- Running test
- Pressure test or leakage test
- Electric strength test
- Earth continuity test
For complete ducted/package AC products, the applicable routine tests and control levels must be followed as specified in the relevant SIT tables.
F. Non-Conforming Products
The manufacturer must establish a procedure for identifying and controlling non-conforming products.
Disposal of rejected products must be carried out in a manner that does not violate the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.
10. Documents Required for BIS Certification of Ducted and Package Air Conditioners
Manufacturers should prepare the following documents before applying for BIS certification.
A. Company Documents
- Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
- PAN card of the company
- GST registration certificate
- Factory address proof
- Details of authorised signatory
- 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 model list
- Product technical specifications
- Product drawings and construction details
- Details of IDU and ODU manufacturing arrangements
- Details of assembly and testing facilities
C. Quality Control Documents
- Quality Control Manual
- Internal Quality Assurance Plan
- Scheme of Inspection and Testing
- List of testing equipment
- Equipment calibration certificates
- In-house laboratory details
- Test formats and records
- Raw material inspection procedure
- Component inspection procedure
- Non-conforming product control procedure
D. Product Documents
- Product photographs
- Technical datasheets
- Model-wise cooling and heating capacities
- Details of condenser type
- Electrical ratings
- Refrigerant details
- Product labels and marking details
- Component details and relevant BIS licence information, wherever applicable
E. BIS Application Documents
- BIS application form and declarations
- Manufacturing unit details
- Product scope details
- Required undertakings and declarations
- Applicable BIS fee payment details
The final document list may vary depending on whether the applicant manufactures complete ducted/package AC units, IDUs only or ODUs only.
11. BIS Marking Requirements
After obtaining the BIS licence, the manufacturer must ensure that the product is marked in accordance with IS 8148:2018 and the applicable BIS licence conditions.
The marking information should include the particulars required by the standard and the licence, including the applicable:
- BIS Standard Mark
- BIS licence number (CM/L number)
- Manufacturer identification
- Product identification and rating information
- Other particulars specified by IS 8148:2018
The Standard Mark must be applied only to products manufactured in conformity with the standard and covered by the valid BIS licence.
Manufacturers must also ensure that product labels, rating plates and accompanying documentation are consistent with the approved licence scope.
12. BIS Testing Charges for Ducted and Package Air Conditioners
Testing charges depend on the product configuration, rated capacity, testing scope and selected laboratory.
The BIS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) listing reviewed for IS 8148:2018 shows a testing charge of:
₹6,85,000 excluding applicable taxes
The displayed laboratory scope refers to IDU/ODU and ducted products up to 17.5 kW.
The listing includes a test-wise breakup covering performance, electrical safety, corrosion resistance, sound and other requirements.
Some of the listed test charges are:
| Test parameter | Displayed charge (excluding taxes) |
|---|---|
| Capacity rating test and ISEER test condition | ₹1,50,000 |
| Heating capacity test | ₹1,00,000 |
| Maximum cooling conditions test | ₹80,000 |
| Maximum heating performance test | ₹80,000 |
| Pressure test or leakage test | ₹50,000 |
| Automatic defrost performance test | ₹50,000 |
| Salt spray test | ₹40,000 |
| Condensate disposal test | ₹40,000 |
| Sound test | ₹35,000 |
| Freeze-up test | ₹30,000 |
| Enclosure sweat test | ₹30,000 |
| Power consumption test | ₹20,000 |
Important: These are charges displayed in a particular BIS LIMS laboratory listing and are not a universal tariff for all laboratories, models or capacities. The applicable testing scope and quotation should be confirmed with the selected laboratory before dispatching the sample.
The total project cost will also include applicable BIS application, inspection, marking and other charges, as well as any consultancy or infrastructure costs.
13. Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process for Ducted and Package Air Conditioners
The general BIS certification process under Scheme-I is explained below.
Step 1 – Product Applicability Assessment
Identify the product category and confirm the applicability of IS 8148:2018 and the relevant Quality Control Order.
Step 2 – Product Scope and Grouping Assessment
Prepare a complete list of models, capacities, condenser types, product configurations and proposed licence scope.
Step 3 – Factory Infrastructure Assessment
Evaluate the manufacturing process, assembly facilities, testing arrangements, laboratory infrastructure and quality-control system.
Step 4 – Documentation Preparation
Prepare the required company, manufacturing, technical and quality-control documentation.
Step 5 – BIS Application Submission
Submit the application through the applicable BIS certification process along with the required documents and prescribed fees.
Step 6 – BIS Factory Inspection
BIS assesses the factory, manufacturing process, product construction, testing facilities, quality-control arrangements and implementation of the applicable requirements.
Step 7 – Sample Testing
Samples are selected in accordance with the product grouping guidelines and tested against the applicable requirements of IS 8148:2018.
Step 8 – Compliance and Clarifications
The manufacturer addresses any observations, testing issues or non-conformities raised during the certification process.
Step 9 – 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.
14. Common Challenges in BIS Certification for Ducted and Package AC
Manufacturers may face several technical and procedural challenges during certification.
1. Incorrect Product Grouping
Different condenser types, product configurations and operating functions may require separate samples. Incorrect grouping can lead to delays and additional testing.
2. Inadequate Testing Facilities
Ducted and package AC certification involves specialised performance and safety tests. Manufacturers may not have all required testing facilities at their premises.
3. High Testing Costs
Performance testing can be expensive, particularly for larger-capacity models and products requiring multiple test configurations.
4. Incomplete Technical Documentation
Missing drawings, product specifications, model-wise capacity information and component details can create difficulties during factory inspection.
5. Inadequate Quality-Control System
The manufacturer must maintain an effective Internal Quality Assurance Plan, testing records, calibration arrangements and production routine testing procedures.
6. Incorrect Licence Scope
The licence scope must accurately reflect the manufacturer’s product types, function, construction and cooling capacities.
A proper product grouping and scope assessment before application can help avoid unnecessary testing and certification delays.
15. How Qualitance India Can Help with BIS Certification
Qualitance India provides professional BIS certification consultancy and regulatory compliance support to manufacturers and businesses seeking BIS licences in India.
For ducted and package air conditioners under IS 8148:2018, our services can include:
- BIS certification applicability assessment
- Review of IS 8148:2018 requirements
- Product-wise scope and grouping assessment
- Model and cooling-capacity mapping
- Factory infrastructure gap assessment
- Laboratory and testing facility assessment
- Preparation of Quality Control Manual
- Preparation of Scheme of Inspection and Testing
- Preparation of Internal Quality Assurance Plan
- 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 the required compliance 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
16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is BIS certification mandatory for ducted and package air conditioners in India?
Yes. Ducted and package air conditioners covered under IS 8148:2018 are included in the compulsory BIS certification framework under the applicable Air Conditioner Quality Control Order.
Q2. Which Indian Standard applies to ducted and package air conditioners?
The applicable standard is IS 8148:2018 – Ducted and Package Air Conditioners.
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?
For a manufacturer of complete ducted/package AC units, the BIS product manual specifies one complete ducted/package air conditioner. For IDU-only and ODU-only manufacturers, the sample requirements are different.
Q5. Is separate testing required for air-cooled and water-cooled condenser models?
Yes. The product manual specifies separate samples for air-cooled and water-cooled condenser units, subject to the stated grouping provisions.
Q6. Can ducted and package air conditioners be covered under the same licence?
Yes. The product manual provides that samples of either ducted or package units may be tested to cover both, as they mainly differ in installation method. The final scope remains subject to the grouping guidelines and the manufacturer’s capabilities.
Q7. Is an in-house laboratory required?
The manufacturer must maintain a suitably equipped and staffed laboratory for the applicable tests, along with calibration and test-record arrangements. The product manual also identifies tests for which subcontracting is permitted. The exact requirements should be assessed test by test.
Q8. What is the BIS testing cost for ducted and package air conditioners?
A BIS LIMS laboratory listing reviewed displays ₹6,85,000 excluding taxes for the stated testing scope. Actual charges may vary depending on laboratory, model, rated capacity and test requirements.
Q9. Can an importer apply for BIS certification?
The applicable certification route and licensing requirements should be assessed according to the applicant’s role and manufacturing arrangement. Foreign manufacturers may need to follow the applicable BIS foreign manufacturer certification procedure, including the relevant authorised Indian representative requirements.
Q10. How can I obtain BIS certification for ducted and package air conditioners?
The manufacturer should first assess product applicability, grouping, laboratory readiness and documentation. The application can then be submitted under the applicable BIS Scheme-I procedure, followed by factory assessment, sample testing and licence grant formalities.
Conclusion
BIS certification for ducted and package air conditioners under IS 8148:2018 is an important regulatory requirement for manufacturers supplying covered products in the Indian market.
The certification process requires careful assessment of product grouping, cooling and heating performance, electrical safety, laboratory infrastructure, sample selection and factory quality-control arrangements.
Manufacturers should review the applicable Quality Control Order, current BIS product manual and relevant amendments before initiating certification.
For professional assistance with BIS Certification for Ducted and Package Air Conditioners, contact Qualitance India.
Qualitance India – Improving Quality & Competence
Website: https://qualitanceindia.com
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Phone: +91 93106 15170
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