BIS Certification for Explosion Proof Lighting in India

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India responsible for certifying products used in hazardous areas. BIS certification is mandatory for explosion proof electrical equipment imported into or manufactured in India. AJV Tech supplies BIS certified explosion proof lighting from Raytec and Atexor, fully compliant with Indian IS/IEC standards for use in classified hazardous environments across Indian oil and gas, refinery, and petrochemical facilities.

BIS India Certified

BIS Certification for Explosion Proof Lighting in India

What is BIS Certification?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification for explosion proof equipment is governed under the IS/IEC 60079 series of standards. These Indian standards are harmonised with the international IEC 60079 standards, ensuring that BIS certified equipment meets globally recognised safety levels. BIS certification requires products to undergo testing at BIS-approved laboratories, followed by a factory audit and ongoing surveillance. Once certified, products carry the ISI mark, which is a mandatory requirement for explosion proof equipment sold or used in India. The certification is administered through the BIS Conformity Assessment scheme and covers equipment protection types including flameproof (Ex d), increased safety (Ex e), and intrinsic safety (Ex i).

BIS vs IECEx

While BIS standards are technically harmonised with IEC standards, BIS certification is a separate national certification that cannot be substituted with IECEx certification alone. Products entering the Indian market must hold BIS certification regardless of any other international certifications they carry. However, holding IECEx certification can simplify the BIS certification process, as the technical test reports from IECEx recognised testing laboratories may be accepted by BIS as part of the application. AJV Tech works with manufacturers who hold both IECEx and BIS certifications, ensuring products are fully compliant for use in India while also being recognised internationally.

Indian Standards for Hazardous Areas

India follows the IS/IEC 60079 series for the classification of hazardous areas and the selection of equipment. IS/IEC 60079-10-1 covers the classification of areas where flammable gas or vapour hazards may exist, while IS/IEC 60079-10-2 addresses combustible dust environments. The zone classification system used in India mirrors the international IEC system: Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 for gas, and Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22 for dust. Indian regulatory bodies including PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) and OISD (Oil Industry Safety Directorate) mandate the use of BIS certified equipment in all classified hazardous areas within oil refineries, gas processing plants, petrochemical facilities, and offshore installations.

AJV Tech BIS Products

AJV Tech supplies BIS certified explosion proof lighting products through our India operations, supporting major oil and gas operators, EPC contractors, and industrial facilities across the country. Our BIS certified range includes Raytec SPARTAN LED luminaires for permanent hazardous area installations and Atexor portable and temporary lighting for shutdowns and maintenance operations. All products carry valid BIS certification with IS/IEC 60079 compliance documentation. Our India team provides full technical support including product selection, certification documentation, and after-sales service for projects with ONGC, IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, and other major Indian operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification under the IS/IEC 60079 series is mandatory for explosion proof electrical equipment imported into or used in classified hazardous areas in India. This is enforced by regulatory bodies including PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) and OISD (Oil Industry Safety Directorate). Equipment without valid BIS certification cannot be legally installed in Indian oil and gas, refinery, or petrochemical facilities.

No. IECEx certification cannot substitute BIS certification for the Indian market. Even products with valid IECEx or ATEX certifications must separately obtain BIS certification to be sold or used in India. However, holding IECEx certification can simplify the BIS process, as IECEx test reports from recognised laboratories may be accepted by BIS, reducing the testing burden during the certification application.

All major Indian oil and gas operators require BIS certification, including ONGC, IOCL (Indian Oil), BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, MRPL, and CPCL. This applies to both offshore platforms (Mumbai High, KG Basin) and onshore refineries, petrochemical complexes, and gas processing facilities. BIS certification is a mandatory requirement in vendor registration and material procurement specifications across all these organisations.

Indian hazardous area equipment standards follow the IS/IEC 60079 series, which are technically harmonised with the international IEC 60079 standards. Key standards include IS/IEC 60079-0 (general requirements), IS/IEC 60079-1 (flameproof enclosures), IS/IEC 60079-7 (increased safety), IS/IEC 60079-11 (intrinsic safety), IS/IEC 60079-10-1 (area classification for gas), and IS/IEC 60079-10-2 (area classification for dust). OISD guidelines and PESO regulations provide additional requirements for specific facility types.

Yes. AJV Tech supplies BIS certified portable and temporary explosion proof lighting specifically suited to Indian shutdown, turnaround, and confined space operations. Atexor portable lighting with dual BIS and IECEx certification is available for maintenance and inspection campaigns at refineries, petrochemical plants, and offshore platforms. AJV Tech's India team provides technical support, documentation packages, and logistics for supply to project sites across the country.