Openwell Submersible Pumpsets are subject to mandatory BIS ISI certification under the Pumps (Quality Control) Order, 2026. From 6 mo after publication of the QCO in the e-Gazette, these products cannot be lawfully manufactured for sale, imported, or distributed in India without a valid BIS ISI licence under IS 14220:2018. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act, 2016 — product seizure, fines, and prosecution.
This guide covers the applicable Indian Standard, key technical and safety requirements, the step-by-step certification process, documentary requirements, and the most common compliance pitfalls for manufacturers and importers.
📜 Applicable Indian Standard
- IS 14220:2018 — Openwell Submersible Pumpsets (primary standard)
- Aligned with the corresponding IEC / ISO standard for technical performance and safety
- Latest amendments notified by BIS apply automatically
📌 Openwell submersibles are the workhorse pump category in Indian farms and societies. The QCO enforces minimum hydraulic performance, electrical safety, and submerged-operation durability — preventing field failures that disrupt water supply.
🔬 Key Quality Requirements Under IS 14220:2018
BIS-approved laboratories evaluate the following during type testing:
Hydraulic Performance
Total head, discharge, and efficiency at rated point per IS 14220 charts. Performance curve compliance across operating range.
Electrical Safety
Motor insulation, leakage current, and earthing verification. Watertight cable entry and capacitor performance for single-phase models.
Submerged Endurance
Continuous-duty testing in water with prescribed insulation resistance hold. Thermal protection and overload safety verification.
Marking & Identification
Voltage, kW rating, head, discharge, and water-contact material declaration. ISI Mark plus licence number on nameplate.
Products covered under IS 14220:2018:
- Vertical openwell submersibles for open dug wells
- Horizontal openwell submersibles for shallow water bodies
- Society / apartment tank lifting pumps
- Agricultural openwell pumpsets for farm irrigation
📋 Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process
- Model ScopingList every kW rating, voltage, head, and discharge variant. Group similar models where BIS rules permit.
- Application FilingSubmit online application on manak.bis.gov.in. Indian manufacturers via Product Certification Scheme; foreign manufacturers via FMCS.
- Sample TestingSubmit complete pump-and-motor sets to a BIS-recognised pump testing laboratory. Hydraulic, electrical, and endurance tests: approximately 4–6 weeks.
- Factory InspectionBIS officers inspect motor winding, pump assembly, watertight sealing process, and in-house testing capability.
- Licence GrantBIS issues the ISI Mark licence. ISI Mark plus licence number is applied on the pump nameplate.
- Surveillance & RenewalPeriodic BIS market sample testing, factory audits, and annual marking fees keep the licence active.
📄 Documents Required
- Company incorporation / registration certificate
- Product list with kW ratings, voltage, head, and discharge
- Pump and motor engineering drawings and BOM
- Cable specification and sealing process records
- Motor winding details and capacitor specifications
- Quality Manual / ISO 9001 certificate (if available)
- AIR appointment letter (for foreign manufacturers)
- Existing test reports from BIS-recognised labs (if any)
⚠ Common Compliance Pitfalls
Common issues include hydraulic shortfall at rated head, cable-entry leakage under submerged testing, motor winding failures under continuous duty, and missing or incorrect nameplate marking.
🏭 Special Considerations for Importers
Openwell submersibles are widely imported from China, Taiwan, and Italy for India's pump market. Each kW rating and variant requires its own BIS ISI certification. Importers must hold valid BIS documentation before customs clearance.
Get BIS Certified — We Handle Everything
Global Approbation manages end-to-end BIS ISI / FMCS registration for Openwell Submersible Pumpsets — from documentation to licence grant. Enforcement begins 6 mo from QCO notification.
BIS ISI / FMCS Services Talk to Our Team