What this document is
MNRE’s Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025 replaces the 2017 solar CRS order. For storage batteries it notifies IS 16270:2023 (secondary cells and batteries for solar photovoltaic application, general requirements and methods of test) in place of IS 16270:2014.
On 26 March 2025 the BIS Registration Department issued this two-page circular (reference IS 16270) on moving to the 2023 edition. It took effect immediately. On 11 August 2025 BIS issued a second two-page circular for Amendment No 1 to IS 16270:2023, listed under amendments on this page.
Solar goods come under MNRE’s order, not MeitY’s. MeitY’s CRS FAQs and its series guidelines do not apply to them.
What changed in the 2023 edition
- Maximum charge current of I10 (clause 4.3.3 a).
- Lithium batteries and other chemistries added to Tables 1 and 2.
- Standards for lithium cells and batteries brought in (clause 7.2).
- Long-duration C120 capacity added (clause 8.1), with a requirement on rated capacity (clause 8.1.1).
Key dates
- 27 July 2025: applications and changes in scope under IS 16270:2014 processed only until this date, against a declaration to implement the 2023 edition. No licence is granted to the old standard after it.
- Existing licensees were to implement the 2023 edition by the date of implementation of the 2025 order.
- 8 December 2025: last date for Amendment No 1.
Existing licensees
- Submit complete third-party test reports to IS 16270:2023 for every lead model previously tested to the 2014 edition.
- Give an undertaking that the other series models in the licence meet IS 16270:2023.
- If this is not done by the deadline, BIS starts cancellation of the licence or deletion of models from it.
Amendment No 1
| Change | Action |
|---|---|
| Scope limited to secondary cells and batteries for solar PV off-grid use | None |
| Foreword renumbering and two typographical changes in clause 8.4.3.2 | None |
| Discharge at 0.2 It current for lithium batteries (clause 8.4.4 b) | Licensees with lithium batteries in scope |
| Table 6 tests apply to cells | Licensees with secondary cells in scope |
Existing licensees had until 8 December 2025 to show conformance, as set out in the table, with complete third-party reports for the lead models tested to IS 16270:2023 and an undertaking for the series models. Applications whose samples were already at the laboratory, or whose reports were already issued, could go ahead without the amendment. No licence is granted without it after 8 December 2025.
Status
Both deadlines have passed. New applications for solar PV batteries need IS 16270:2023 test reports that include Amendment No 1. Our page on IS 16270 testing covers the laboratory side.