BEE Registration for
Variable Capacity Air Conditioners

BEE Registration for Variable Capacity Air Conditioners (IS 1391 Part 1 & Part 2) is compulsory for such inverters and variable-speed room air conditioners that fall under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Standards & Labelling Scheme. For these appliances to be manufactured, imported, marketed, and supplied in India, it is necessary to obtain BEE Registration and to fulfil all laid-down energy performance standards.

These products are tested in accordance with IS 1391 (Part 1): 2023 and IS 1391 (Part 2): 2023, which lay down guidelines on the safety, performance, and testing criteria for unitary and split-room air conditioners, including variable-capacity room air conditioners. This compliance helps them obtain the BEE Star Rating label for their products.

Room Air Conditioners (Variable Speed), popularly called Inverter ACs, are among the most common cooling appliances in modern households and commercial settings. Such air conditioners are designed to vary the speed of their compressor according to cooling requirements, thereby maintaining a precise temperature balance while saving energy. They are used in houses, offices, hotels, shopping malls, and many other places where cooling is required.

Key Highlights of the Variable Capacity Air Conditioners IS 1391 (Part I and Part II)

Indian Standard IS 1391 (divided into Part 1 for Unitary/Window ACs and Part 2 for Split ACs) sets out the mandatory guidelines for the safety, design, and performance of Variable Capacity Air Conditioners in India.

Testing Requirements for BEE Registration for Variable Capacity Air Conditioners

Compliance with the standards is carried out in accordance with Indian Standards IS 1391 (Part 1 for windows and Part 2 for split types) using the ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating system.

• Tests on Safety & Electricity: There should be specific standards on high voltage, leakage current, earth resistance, and maximum permissible operation. 
• Durable Performance: Needs to conduct detailed testing on the cooling capacity, frost protection, limits in pressures/leaks in refrigerant circuitry, and energy consumption.
• Testing & Evaluation for Variable Capacity: Tests on single-stage, multi-stage, and inverter compressors that dynamically adjust cooling capacity are included.
• Capacity Change Tests: Detailed performance and cooling-capacity tests should be conducted for variable-capacity systems in accordance with IS 1391 standards.
• Performance Criterion: Rating done through ISEER, which measures performance for different outdoor temperatures seasonally.

Step-by-Step BEE Star Rating Process for Variable Capacity Air Conditioners

The step-by-step process to obtain BEE Registration:

• Product Verification: Check that your product meets the criteria for obtaining BEE certification, which may be mandatory or voluntary.
• Sampling: Submit your product to NABL-accredited labs.
• Testing: Your product will undergo testing at the lab where Performance Testing (to assess the star rating) and Safety Testing (BIS only) will be done.
• Documentation: Make sure you gather all relevant documentation and submit it. This includes the Factory License, User Manual, BIS license, and Proof of Address of the manufacturing unit.
• Brand/Company Registration: The company/Brand Is registered on the BEE website, and the relevant fee has been paid.
• Submission of Application: You can submit the application both online and offline using signed documents.
• Document Checking: The documents that you submitted will be checked by BEE officers.
• BEE Certificate Issuance: In case your documents and application impress the BEE officers, they will issue you a BEE certificate.

Documents for a BEE Certificate for Variable Capacity Air Conditioners

The following documents must be prepared prior to submitting the application:

• Documents Required by Company & Business
• Fully completed BEE application form
• Address proof for factory and manufacturing plant
• Manufacturer/Importer details
• Firm registration certificate
• Authority signature details
• Trademarks and ISO certification (if any)
• Acknowledgement of fee payment

Documents Required by Product and Technical

• Fully completed Product Specification Sheet
• User manual
• Test report from an NABL-certified lab according to IS 1391 standard

Documents required by Foreign Manufacturer

• Appointment letter of Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
• Letter of brand authorisation (if any)

BEE Registration Timeline, Validity & Renewal for Variable Capacity Air Conditioners

The registration process for Variable Capacity Air Conditioners under BEE typically takes 30-60 working days (4-8 weeks). The above-mentioned timeframe is relevant to both manufacturers with foreign citizenship and those with domestic citizenship. Foreign firms could take extra time to organise local representation from the outset of the process. The validity of the BEE Registration certificate is 3 years from the date of issuance.

Renewal of BEE Registration

• When to apply: Apply for re-registration 45- 90 days before the expiry of the existing registration.
• Product Testing: In case of any changes in the product specification or BEE Guidelines, product testing will have to be conducted.
• Application for re-registration: Complete the application forms and submit valid test reports and the completed application form via the BEE portal.
• Fee Payments: Pay the re-registration and registration fees.
• Registration Approval: Re-registration approved by BEE.

Why Choose ERCS Private Limited for BEE registration

BEE Registration for Variable-Capacity Air Conditioners requires proper documentation, product testing, and compliance with the technical standards set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. ERCS Private Limited can provide full regulatory support to obtain BEE Registration promptly, without delays or risks of non-compliance. ERCS can offer BEE registration along with other regulatory compliance services through its expert team.

• Expert Compliance Team: Evaluate product standards, relevant Quality Control Orders (QCO) and laws.
• Documentation Services: Provide technical documents, user manuals, and declarations.
• Testing Services: Organise sampling and testing by laboratories approved by BIS.
• Services for Manufacturers: Help domestic manufacturing plants and exporters (through Authorised Indian Representative services).

FAQs

Q1.Is BEE registration mandatory for variable-capacity ACs?
Ans: Yes, a fixed- or variable-speed room air conditioner is mandatory for manufacturing, importing, or selling in India under the BEE star label program.

Q2. What standard will apply to my product?
Ans: Window/Unitary types will be covered by IS 1391 Part I, and split air conditioners by IS 1391 Part II. Both standards require BEE registration. 

Q3. What parameters are being tested as per IS 1391?
Ans: IS 1391 (Parts I and II) covers various vital parameters, including cooling capacity, power consumption, airflow, energy efficiency ratio (EER), noise level, and operation under standard conditions.

Q4. Why IS 1391 important for energy efficiency?
Ans: IS 1391 is very important for promoting energy efficiency by establishing standards and minimum performance criteria for air conditioners. Precise measurement of energy consumption and cooling capacity helps save electricity.