BEE Registration for
Chillers
IS 16590
BEE Registration for Chillers is one of the most significant compliance requirements under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Standards & Labelling Program. BEE Chiller Schedule applies to all chillers that operate on a vapour compression cycle and are manufactured in India or imported to India for central air conditioning and related purposes. The standard applicable to chillers is IS 16590, which outlines the criteria and method for testing chillers.
Manufacturers and importers dealing with covered chiller models need to ensure that the applicable testing, documentation, registration and labelling requirements are fulfilled before placing the products in the Indian market. The BEE schedule specifically covers chillers within the stated electrical supply limits and excludes certain categories, including vapour-absorption chillers, condenser-less chillers, heat pumps and systems with remote or evaporative-cooled condensers.
BEE Star Rating Registration for Chillers in India: Key Highlights
The applicable standard, BEE schedule, testing requirements, energy-efficiency parameters, star-rating criteria, and key compliance requirements for chillers in India under IS 16590.
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Certification Authority |
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) |
|
Product |
Chillers |
|
BEE Schedule |
Schedule 21 – Chillers |
|
Applic able Standard |
IS 16590:2023: Compulsory compliance took effect on January 1, 2026. |
|
Product Type Covered |
Vapour-compression-cycle chillers |
|
Rating Parameters |
ISEER and Full-Load COP |
|
Voltage Range |
Up to 250 V AC single-phase and up to 11 kV AC three-phase, as specified in the schedule |
|
Testing Requirement |
Performance testing as per applicable requirements of IS 16590 |
|
Major Exclusions |
Vapour-absorption chillers, condenser-less chillers, heat pumps and specified remote/evaporative condenser systems |
BEE Lab Testing Requirements & Energy Efficiency Parameters for Chillers
To obtain BEE Star Rating Registration as per Schedule 21, the chiller must undergo performance testing in compliance with IS 16590 requirements.
- Cooling Capacity: Testing of cooling capacity at full load and applicable partial loads.
- Power Consumption: Measured during performance tests.
- COP: COP is tested at full load and partial loads.
- ISEER: Computation of ISEER as per the methodology mentioned in IS 16590.
- Performance Testing: The test should include performance tests required in the BEE Chiller Schedule and IS 16590.
- Laboratory Requirement: Test reports from overseas laboratories may be considered, provided that the laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 (or its equivalent), that its accreditation body is a member of ILAC/APLAC, and that its scope covers IS 16590 and the applicable tests.
- Check Testing: BEE states that tolerance for COP, cooling capacity, and ISEER are as per IS 16590.
Documents Required for BEE Certification of Chillers: Complete Checklist
These are the documents that have to be prepared before the submission of the application:
- Documents Required by the Company/Business
- Completed BEE Application Form
- Proof of Address of Factory/Manufacturing Plant
- Identification of Manufacturer/Importer
- Firm Registration Certificate
- Authority Signature Detail
- Trade Mark & ISO Certification (if any)
- Confirmation of Payment of Fee
Documents Required by the Product & Technical
- Specification Sheet of the Product (fully completed)
- Technical Specification of the model
- User Manual for Operation and Safety
- NABL Lab Test Report Based on IEC IS 16590
Documents Required by the Foreign Manufacturers
- Appointment Letter of Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
- Brand Authorisation Letter (if any)
Step-by-Step BEE Star Rating Process for Chillers
The steps to follow to obtain a BEE Star rating certificate
- Product Evaluation and Application: Check whether the product has mandatory BEE certification.
- Product Testing: The product samples must be tested by sending them to an accredited laboratory. NABL testing involves Performance Test (Star rating) and Safety Test (if applicable with BIS)
- Documents Required: Factory License, User Manual, BIS License, and Proof of official address of the manufacturing unit.
- Registration of Brand/Company: Register the brand/company in the BEE portal by paying the necessary fees.
- Application Submission: Apply both online and offline and sign the documents accordingly.
- Review of Documents: The BEE officials will examine the application to ensure all documents are in place.
- Grant of BEE Certificate: After being satisfied with the submitted documents and application, BEE officials grant a BEE certificate.
BEE Registration Timeline, Certificate Validity & Renewal for Chillers
The BEE Standards & Labelling (S&L) Programme outlines the process for registering and subsequently using the BEE Star Label on covered appliances. As per the general BEE permittee guidelines, model registration is valid for three years unless a different validity period is specified in the relevant product schedule, statutory order, or regulation.
BEE Registration Renewal Process
- Time to Apply: 45- 90 days before expiration of the current registration period.
- Product Testing: Product testing shall be conducted in the event of any change in the product specification or BEE guidelines.
- Application for Renewal: Complete the form with a valid test report and submit it through the BEE Portal.
- Payment of Fees: Pay fees for re-registration and registration.
- Approval of Registration: Re-registration is approved by BEE.
Why is ERCS Private Limited India's Trusted BEE Registration Consultant?
ERCS Private Limited is recognised as an authority and a Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and BIS Certification Consulting Company in India. This is because it provides clients with complete transparency throughout the process of ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.
Key Areas of Strength at ERCS Private Limited
- End-to-End Support: Undertakes all activities, from coordinating lab testing to obtaining final label approval.
- Transparency: Offers clear communication about the cost and time of services provided, with no hidden costs.
- Regulatory Awareness: Thorough knowledge of the criteria for mandatory appliances in India's energy efficiency policies.
- Proactive Coordination: Keeps strong coordination with BEE professionals to minimise any delays.
FAQs
Q1. Is BEE Registration mandatory for chillers in India?
Ans: Chillers fall under BEE Schedule 21 and are classified labelling. BEE star-rating registration is possible for chiller models qualifying under this schedule.
Q2. What is the standard for BEE Chiller Registration?
Ans: The standard that applies to the BEE Chiller Registration is IS 16590.
Q3. What tests are required for the BEE Star Rating of chillers?
Ans: These will cover performance tests for cooling capacity, power consumption, COP, and ISEER, in accordance with the BEE Chiller Schedule and IS 16590. A test report is mandatory and must be prepared by an appropriate testing laboratory.
Q4. What documents are required for BEE Registration of chillers?
Ans: Documents typically submitted for BEE Chiller Registration include the BEE application form, company details, manufacturer information, product technical specifications, test report, energy-performance information, model details, BMG Declaration (where applicable), and any other required documents.
Q5. How is a chiller's BEE star rating determined?
Ans: The star rating is determined using relevant energy efficiency criteria, such as ISEER and COP, in accordance with the BEE minimum performance requirements.