Having a power handling capacity exceeding 500 kVA

Electrical transformers with power handling capacity exceeding 500 kVA

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 1180(part 1) · BEE OVERLAY

HSN 8504 34 00 (electrical transformers 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 34 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 covering the specific kVA rating and voltage class, and licensed 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 the IS 1180 (Part 1) product scope against the consignment: the standard covers three-phase ratings up to 2500 kVA and single-phase ratings up to 25 kVA (sealed type) at 33 kV. Transformer ratings or configurations outside this scope are not covered by the CM/L and require separate BIS assessment.
IS 1180 (Part 1) · Electrical Transformers (Quality Control) Order, 2015 · S.O. 1221(E) dated 07-05-2015
3
Ensure every transformer bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Marking must appear on the transformer nameplate or body, 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 for transformers within the BEE labelling scope. The BEE labelling reference must accompany consignment-level documentation at the time of 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, supported by test reports and conformity documentation. Customs verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or scope-mismatched licence triggers consignment detention.
Electrical Transformers (Quality Control) Order, 2015 · S.O. 1221(E) dated 07-05-2015 · General Note 2 to Import Policy · BIS Act, 2016

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is sourcing against a CM/L that covers a lower kVA band or a different sealing type — for example, a licence valid for non-sealed three-phase transformers up to 200 kVA presented for a sealed unit rated at 1000 kVA. IS 1180 (Part 1) distinguishes sealed from non-sealed type and separately specifies rating bands; customs officers at major ports routinely cross-check the CM/L scope against the transformer nameplate data sheet, and a rating or sealing-type mismatch results in detention of the full consignment pending re-verification.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8504 34 00 require BIS certification?

Yes. Outdoor type oil-immersed distribution transformers classified under this tariff line must conform to IS 1180 (Part 1) under the ISI Mark Scheme with effect from 07 May 2015, and import is permitted only from manufacturers holding a current BIS CM/L licence covering the specific rating and configuration.

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

Yes. BEE labelling under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Appliance Labelling and Compliance) Regulations, 2026 is administered by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and is independent of the BIS ISI Mark Scheme obligation.

Does IS 1180 (Part 1) cover all transformer ratings above 500 kVA?

IS 1180 (Part 1) covers three-phase ratings up to and including 2500 kVA and single-phase sealed-type ratings up to 25 kVA at 33 kV. Transformers rated above 2500 kVA or outside the specified voltage and sealing classifications are not within this standard's scope.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all rating variants and sealing types from the same manufacturing facility?

No. The CM/L specifies the exact kVA rating band, sealing type (sealed or non-sealed), and phase configuration covered; variants outside the licensed scope, or produced at an unlicensed facility, are not covered and will not clear customs inspection.

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