India's electric vehicle ecosystem is scaling rapidly, and the certification framework for charging infrastructure has matured alongside it. AC home chargers, DC fast chargers, and public charging stations sold or installed in India must comply with the IS 17017 series, hold a valid BIS certification, and conform to Bharat EV charging protocols. Government incentives such as FAME-II and PM E-DRIVE link procurement and subsidies directly to certified equipment.
This guide outlines BIS certification for EV chargers in 2026 — the IS 17017 family of standards, mandatory tests, application process for AC and DC chargers, and the practical traps that delay registration for foreign and Indian manufacturers.
📜 The IS 17017 Standards Family
- IS 17017 (Part 1) — general requirements for EV conductive charging systems
- IS 17017 (Part 2-1, 2-2, 2-3) — plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and inlets for AC and DC charging
- IS 17017 (Part 21-1, 21-2) — EV requirements for AC and DC conductive connection to a supply
- IS 17017 (Part 23) — DC EV charging stations
- IS 17017 (Part 24) — digital communication between DC EV station and EV for control of DC charging
- Bharat EV protocols (AC-001 / DC-001) — communication and metering protocols for Indian EV ecosystem
📌 Both home AC chargers and high-power DC fast chargers fall under mandatory BIS certification, but the test scope, lab capacity, and timeline differ significantly between the two categories.
🔬 Mandatory Tests for EV Chargers
Electrical Safety
Insulation, dielectric strength, leakage current, residual current device behaviour, earth continuity.
Connector Endurance
Mating cycles, insertion force, contact resistance, and temperature rise at rated current.
Communication
CCS-2, CHAdeMO, or Bharat protocol compliance for handshake, charging start, and stop sequences.
Environmental
Ingress protection (IP54 minimum for outdoor use), thermal cycling, vibration, and salt spray.
📋 EV Charger BIS Certification Process
- Define Charger TopologyIdentify whether the charger is AC Type-1 (3.3 kW), AC Type-2 (7.4–22 kW), DC-001, or CCS-2 / CHAdeMO. The topology decides the relevant IS 17017 sub-parts.
- Lab Selection & Sample SubmissionSubmit samples to BIS-recognised labs such as ETDC, ARAI, or ICAT. DC fast charger testing is concentrated at a small number of high-power labs — booking lab slots early matters.
- Communication Protocol ConformanceValidate CCS-2 / CHAdeMO / Bharat protocol behaviour using protocol analysers. Communication failures are the top cause of DC charger rejections.
- BIS CRS ApplicationFile on BIS Manak portal with full test reports, factory documents, AIR letter for foreign brands, trademark proof, and product photographs.
- Query ResolutionBIS commonly queries protocol test scope, RCD selectivity, and cable specifications. Address each query promptly to avoid timeline slippage.
- R-Number Grant & MarkingR-number must be printed on the charger nameplate, control panel, and packaging. Public charging stations also display the operator name and charger ID.
- Surveillance SamplingBIS may pick samples from the field for periodic surveillance. Maintain dispatch records and sample retention to support inspections.
📄 Documents Required for EV Charger BIS
- IS 17017 test reports covering all applicable sub-parts
- BIS Form VI and declaration of conformity
- Communication protocol conformance reports (CCS-2 / Bharat / CHAdeMO)
- Factory address proof, layout, and machinery list
- Critical components list (contactors, RCDs, SPDs, connectors)
- AIR letter (for foreign manufacturers)
- Trademark certificate and brand authorisation
- Installation manual, user manual, and label artwork
⚠️ Common EV Charger Certification Failures
Frequent issues include: protocol handshake errors during conformance testing, RCD trip-time failures, ingress protection scoring below IP54 due to gasket or cable gland design, missing surge protection coordination, and labels lacking clear indication of input voltage range, output current rating, and the BIS R-number. Public-charging operators also face commissioning delays when the charger model has not been integrated with the central charging-station management system.
🏗️ Considerations for CPOs and Fleet Operators
Charge-point operators and fleet operators should procure only from manufacturers holding a valid BIS R-number under the relevant IS 17017 sub-parts. State-government tenders and FAME-II linked installations specifically demand BIS-certified models. Build a 14–20 week lead time including testing, certification, OCPP integration, and on-site commissioning so that the first chargers are operational on time without compliance gaps.
EV Charger Certification Specialist
Global Approbation handles BIS CRS for AC and DC EV chargers under IS 17017, including factory documentation and ongoing surveillance.
Start EV Charger BIS Talk to Our Team