India Tightens Certification Rules for Solar PV Modules under 2025 QCO
1. May 2025The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a new directive, the “Solar Systems, Devices and Components Goods Order, 2025,” superseding the earlier 2017 regulation. The updated Quality Control Order (QCO) mandates the implementation of revised Indian Standards (IS) for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) modules. Specifically, crystalline silicon and thin-film modules must now comply with IS 14286 (Part 1): 2023 and IS/IEC 61730-1 & 2: 2016. These standards address design qualification, type approval, and safety requirements. Key updates include minimum efficiency thresholds—18% for mono-crystalline and thin-film, and 17% for poly-crystalline PV modules—as well as revised testing protocols under IS/IEC TS 62915. Manufacturers must submit complete test data and obtain BIS approval through the revised BIS online application system. Solar Systems usually require BIS-CRS in order to be approved for import and sale in India.
Both existing licensees and new applicants must follow distinct procedures for compliance. For existing models, manufacturers must validate representative models according to the new standards and apply through the “Standard Revision/Amendment/Essential Requirement” portal. New applications will only be accepted under the revised standards after 27 July 2025. Inclusion of new series models is only allowed after successful implementation of revised norms for the primary models. Non-compliant models will be removed from the license scope, and licenses may expire if updates are not implemented. The updated standards also introduce structural and procedural changes, including the adoption of new module qualification tests, efficiency calculation methodologies, and updated test sequences for safety and durability.
If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.
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