Exemption for BIS Registration for Smaller PV Module Manufacturers Extended

MNRE has extended the BIS certification exemption for small scale solar PV module manufacturers till they have valid IEC certificates for their products

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued in a gazette notification that it has extended the BIS certification exemption for small scale solar PV module manufacturers (annual production capacity less than 50 MW) till they have valid IEC certificates for their products (SPV Modules).

The order states that the previous clause in the “Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration)” order which was amended in July 2018 stands revised. Now allowing exemption for BIS registration to such modules manufacturers till the validity of IEC certificates corresponding to the Indian Standards specified in the said order provided the IEC certificates for SPV Modules had been obtained before April 16, 2018.

It has been stated that the All India Solar Industries Association (AISIA) had conveyed to the ministry that the COVID-19 disruption had posed serious challenges for the survival of the domestic solar industry, and sought extension of the BIS certification exemption till the validity of IEC certificates for their products (SPV Modules).

MNRE had issued the “Solar Photovoltaics, Systems, Devices and Components Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration)” order 2017 for six products included in the schedule with the date of coming into force with effect from September 5, 2018. After having discussions with the various stakeholders including the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the date of coming into force of the said Order was advanced to April 16, 2018, on the condition of self-certification by manufacturers for products at Sl.

Further, the module manufacturers whose annual module production capacity is less than 50 MW, were exempted for BIS certification for two years till September 4, 2020, provided they had a valid IEC Certificate (either 2005 or 2016) for the period, or for the period for which IEC certificate was valid, whichever is earlier and further provided the IEC certificate had been obtained before April; 16, 2018. Now that deadline has been extended.