Having a power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA

Oil-immersed distribution transformers, 16 kVA to 500 kVA

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 1180 · BEE OVERLAY

HSN 8504 33 00 (electrical transformers having a power handling capacity exceeding 16 kVA but not exceeding 500 kVA) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 1180 (Part 1) is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 07 May 2015, by virtue of the Electrical Transformers (Quality Control) Order, 2015. Bureau of Energy Efficiency labelling compliance applies as a separate customs-clearance overlay.

What this is

HSN code

8504 33 00

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 1180 (Part 1) · effective 07-05-2015

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BEEBEE·Bureau of Energy Efficiency

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

Compliance steps

1
Source only from a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L-licensed manufacturer holding a current licence against IS 1180 (Part 1) for outdoor-type oil-immersed distribution transformers. Verify the supplier's CM/L number, licensed product scope, kVA rating, voltage class, and manufacturing facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.
Electrical Transformers (Quality Control) Order, 2015 · S.O. 1221(E) dated 07-05-2015
2
Confirm that the licensed scope covers the specific transformer configuration being imported: three-phase ratings up to 200 kVA (non-sealed and sealed), three-phase ratings from 200 kVA to 2500 kVA (non-sealed and sealed), or single-phase ratings up to 25 kVA (sealed type). Configurations outside the licensed scope are not covered by the CM/L.
IS 1180 (Part 1) · Electrical Transformers (Quality Control) Order, 2015 · S.O. 1221(E) dated 07-05-2015
3
Ensure each transformer bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number as required under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The mark must appear on the transformer nameplate, not on packaging alone.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Electrical Transformers (Quality Control) Order, 2015
4
Ensure compliance with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling and Compliance) Regulations, 2026 if the consignment falls within the BEE labelling scope. The BEE labelling reference must accompany consignment-level documentation at customs filing.
BEE Notification 5506/BEE/S&L/AL/2025-26 dated 26-12-2025
5
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number on the bill of entry and cross-reference General Note 2 to the Import Policy. Customs verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or scope-mismatched licence triggers consignment detention, demurrage, and potential re-export or confiscation.
General Note 2 to the ITC (HS) Import Policy · BIS Act, 2016 · Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is treating the CM/L as a blanket licence for all transformer configurations from a given manufacturer. IS 1180 (Part 1) is scope-specific by phase configuration, kVA rating band, sealing type, and voltage class; a transformer variant outside the exact licensed scope — for example, a non-sealed three-phase unit from a facility licensed only for sealed types — fails BIS verification at the port gate, triggering detention regardless of whether the ISI mark is physically present on the nameplate.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8504 33 00 require BIS certification?

Yes. Outdoor-type oil-immersed distribution transformers within this tariff line require conformity to IS 1180 (Part 1) under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 07 May 2015, by virtue of the Electrical Transformers (Quality Control) Order, 2015. Import is permitted only from manufacturers holding a current BIS CM/L licence covering the relevant configuration and facility.

Is Bureau of Energy Efficiency labelling compliance required separately from BIS QCO compliance?

Yes. BEE labelling is administered by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the BEE (Appliance Labelling and Compliance) Regulations, 2026 and is independent of the BIS ISI Mark Scheme obligation. Importers must assess whether the specific transformer falls within the BEE labelling scope before shipment.

Does IS 1180 (Part 1) cover all transformer types within this HSN?

No. IS 1180 (Part 1) covers mineral-oil-immersed outdoor-type distribution transformers up to and including 2500 kVA at 33 kV — three-phase up to 200 kVA and up to 2500 kVA (both sealed and non-sealed), and single-phase up to 25 kVA (sealed type only). Transformers outside these configurations require separate scope verification.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all rating bands and sealing types from the same manufacturer?

No. The CM/L is facility-specific and scope-specific by kVA rating band, phase configuration, sealing type, and voltage class. Transformers outside the licensed scope — or manufactured at an unlicensed facility — are not covered and will fail BIS verification at customs.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-18. Source: BIS / BEE / Indian Customs CUSDATA.