Due to discrepancies between declared rated capacity and actual capacity of rechargeable lithium batteries in the Indian market, consumer complaints have risen. To protect consumer rights and regulate the market, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an order on February 3, 2026, officially bringing the rated capacity requirement of portable rechargeable lithium cells and batteries under mandatory control. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) subsequently released implementation guidelines on February 10, 2026.

This new requirement applies to rechargeable lithium cells and batteries certified under IS 16046 (Part 2):2018/IEC 62133-2:2017, and introduces the test specified in Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3):2018/IEC 61960-3:2017 — Discharge performance at 20°C (rated capacity).

The requirement will come into force on May 1, 2027. For batteries already certified before this date, manufacturers must complete the discharge performance test as per Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3):2018/IEC 61960-3:2017 and submit the test report to BIS by April 30, 2027. Failure to do so will result in the non-recognition of the relevant models by BIS. In addition, this test item has also been incorporated into market surveillance.

The new unified test report format and detailed operational guidelines have not yet been released. BTL will continue to follow up and provide updates on further certification details.

BTL advises manufacturers to closely monitor regulatory updates and align product designs with the new requirements to ensure smooth certification and lawful sales in the Indian market.