Lithium Battery Import Licence: IEC, BIS CRS and Battery EPR
Lithium-ion cells and batteries are “Free” to import under the ITC(HS) code 8507 60 00, so DGFT does not issue a separate import licence. What you do need is an Import Export Code, BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, and EPR registration with CPCB as a battery producer. We file all three and keep them renewed.
What it is
A “lithium battery import licence” usually means the registrations that let lithium-ion cells or batteries clear customs and be sold in India. There is no single licence. There are three approvals from three different bodies, and a shipment can get stuck if one is missing.
First, the Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT, without which no import is allowed under section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. Second, BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme: sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications must meet IS 16046 (Part 2):2018, and storage batteries fall under IS 16270:2023. Third, registration as a producer under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 on the CPCB’s EPR portal, because importing batteries makes you a producer.
Picture a Faridabad unit that assembles inverter and e-rickshaw packs from imported cells. Its IEC may be years old and fine. Here is the catch: notified cells need a BIS registration held by the overseas factory under the right standard, and the unit itself needs Battery EPR before it brings in a single carton.
Who it applies to
Traders importing cells and packs
Importers of lithium-ion cells, battery packs and power banks for resale need all three registrations. Power banks have their own BIS standard, IS 13252 (Part 1):2010.
Assemblers and OEMs
Manufacturers who import cells to assemble packs for inverters, e-bikes, tools or electronics need IEC and EPR, and BIS registration for the notified products they import or sell.
Foreign brands selling into India
A foreign manufacturer can hold the BIS registration itself but must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). The Indian importer still registers for EPR.
Why it matters
Keep the shipment moving
Goods covered by a BIS order cannot be imported or sold unless registered and marked. Shipments without registration risk detention at the port, and demurrage adds up by the day.
Sell with the Standard Mark
The BIS Standard Mark with your registration number goes on the product. Without it, the battery cannot lawfully be sold.
Avoid environmental penalties
An importer without EPR registration faces environmental compensation under the Battery Waste Management Rules and penalties under the Environment (Protection) Act.
Documents required
For IEC
- PAN of the entity
- Address proof of the business premises
- Cancelled cheque or bank certificate
- Incorporation or registration document
- DSC or Aadhaar-based signing
For BIS CRS
- Test report from a BIS-recognised lab
- Manufacturer’s business licence or address proof
- Brand certificate or trademark application, with authorisation
- Form VI, undertakings and AIR nomination for foreign makers
For Battery EPR
- PAN, CIN and GST registration
- IEC and import data by battery type
- Turnover details for the fee slab
- Authorised person’s details
How it works
Pin down the product and standard
We confirm the chemistry, the ITC(HS) code and which Indian Standard applies: IS 16046 (Part 2) for portable lithium cells and packs, IS 16270 for storage batteries, IS 13252 (Part 1) for power banks.
Get or update the IEC
We file the Import Export Code on the DGFT portal for a ₹500 fee, or check that your existing IEC is updated for the year.
Test and register with BIS
You or the factory sends samples to a BIS-recognised lab within 60 days of the test request. We file the CRS application within 90 days of the test report and follow up until the registration number is granted.
Register as a battery producer
We file the EPR application on the CPCB portal with the import data and turnover-based fee. CPCB processes it within 15 working days of a complete application.
Mark the product and file returns
The product carries the BIS Standard Mark with the IS number and registration number. We then file the quarterly and annual EPR returns and track renewals.
Which standard covers your product
| Product | Indian Standard under CRS | In CRS since |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications | IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 | 1 June 2016 |
| Sealed secondary nickel cells and batteries for portable applications | IS 16046 (Part 1):2018 | 1 June 2016 |
| Storage battery | IS 16270:2023 | 1 January 2019 |
| Power banks for portable applications | IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 | 13 May 2015 |
Confirm the standard and registration before you place a large order, not after the container lands.
Timelines
IEC
Usually issued in 1–3 working days. Update it on the DGFT portal every year between April and June, even if nothing has changed.
BIS CRS
Apply within 90 days of the test report. Registration is valid for two years; renew before it expires.
Battery EPR
Valid five years. Quarterly returns within 30 days of each quarter’s end; annual return by 30 June.
What happens if you miss it
No IEC
No import is allowed without an IEC under section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. An IEC not updated each year gets deactivated.
No BIS registration
Under section 29(3) of the BIS Act, 2016: imprisonment up to two years, or a fine of at least ₹2 lakh (₹5 lakh for repeat contraventions) that can go up to ten times the value of the goods.
No EPR registration
Environmental compensation under the Battery Waste Management Rules, and a penalty of ₹10,000 up to ₹15 lakh under section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a DGFT licence to import lithium-ion batteries?
No, lithium-ion accumulators under ITC(HS) code 8507 60 00 are listed as “Free” for import, so no separate DGFT import licence is needed. You still need an IEC, BIS registration for notified products and EPR registration as a battery producer. Get all three in place before the first shipment and the paperwork side of clearance stays simple.
Which BIS standard applies to lithium-ion batteries?
Sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications must meet IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, in force since 1 June 2016. Storage batteries are listed under IS 16270:2023, and power banks under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010. The right standard depends on how the product is used. We confirm it from the datasheet before testing starts.
Can a foreign manufacturer hold the BIS registration?
Yes, a foreign manufacturer can apply directly under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, but it must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR nomination needs an affidavit on ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper. The AIR can be a liaison or branch office, the brand owner in India or another nominated entity. We prepare the AIR papers and coordinate with the factory abroad.
What does BIS CRS registration cost?
BIS charges ₹27,000 for a new registration: ₹1,000 application fee, ₹25,000 processing fee and ₹1,000 registration fee, with the same amount on renewal. Lab testing is charged separately by the BIS-recognised lab. Adding models to an existing registration costs ₹15,000. We share the government fee and lab quote before samples are sent.
Why does an importer need Battery EPR registration?
Under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, anyone who imports batteries, or equipment containing batteries, is a producer and must register with CPCB. Producers meet yearly collection and recycling targets through EPR certificates from registered recyclers. Even an importer bringing batteries in for its own use must register and file an annual return by 30 June. In practice, a Delhi trader of power banks and a Faridabad assembler of cell packs both land in this net.
What is the Battery EPR registration fee?
The CPCB fee depends on turnover: ₹10,000 below ₹5 crore, ₹20,000 from ₹5 crore to ₹50 crore, and ₹40,000 above ₹50 crore. Registration is valid for five years, and renewal costs the same. CPCB processes a complete application within 15 working days. We check your turnover slab so the right fee is paid first time.
How long is the BIS registration valid?
BIS CRS registration is valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires. The renewal fee is the same ₹27,000. A lapsed registration means the product cannot be imported or sold with the Standard Mark until it is restored. We track the expiry date and start renewal papers well ahead of time.
Does my IEC need to be renewed?
Your IEC does not expire, but it must be updated on the DGFT portal every year between April and June, even if nothing has changed. An IEC that is not updated is deactivated and comes back once you update it. Changes in address, bank or constitution must be updated online within 30 days. We handle the yearly update for you.
Does Taxhint test batteries?
No, we do not test batteries or run a lab. Testing is done by BIS-recognised laboratories, and recycling for EPR is done by CPCB-registered recyclers. Our work covers classification, the IEC, the BIS application and AIR papers, EPR registration, returns and renewals, plus follow-up with each authority. We coordinate with the lab and your supplier so the file is consistent.
What it costs
Our fee plus the government fee that applies to your case, quoted before you commit. Tell us the situation and we will price it exactly.
| Government fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| IEC (DGFT) | ₹500 |
| BIS CRS new registration or renewal | ₹27,000 (plus lab testing) |
| Battery EPR registration (CPCB) | ₹10,000 / ₹20,000 / ₹40,000 by turnover |
Ready to begin?
Send us the product datasheet and your supplier’s details, and we will map the IEC, BIS and EPR steps before your first shipment.