BEE Registration
The production of most electrical appliances in India flourishes in the stringent regulatory environment helmed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). BEE is an apex government regulator that regulates how efficient a notified electrical appliance or product must be. After evaluating the product for efficacy, BEE grants the relevant star labelling/rating (ranging from 1-5) alongside the BEE registration. The higher the rating is, the more efficient the product is. Notably, the BEE license signifies that the product conforms to the guidelines of the Energy Act 2001. These norms pave the framework for examining the notified electrical products for efficacy. This write-up takes a close look at the BEE registration and its underlying requirements.
What is a star rating under BEE registration?
The efficacy of the electrical product is denoted by the star rating/labelling. Based on the specific tests, the applicable star rating alongside the BEE registration is granted to the product. Typically, products with high power consumption are granted a low star rating (usually 1 or 2). Likewise, products consuming low power attract higher star ratings (generally 4 or 5). The ever-rising awareness regarding power-efficient products has compelled electrical companies to produce power-saving offerings without compromising the quality.
Products that require BEE registration mandatorily
- LED Lamps
- Tubular Fluorescent Lamps
- Direct Cool Refrigerator
- Room Air Conditioners
- RAC (Cassette, Floor Standing Tower, Ceiling, Corner AC)
- Color TV
- Electric Geysers
- Frost Free (No-Frost) Refrigerator
- Variable Capacity AIR Conditioners
- Distribution Transformer
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Products for which BEE registration can be voluntarily secured
- Microwave Ovens
- Laptops/Notebooks
- UHD Televisions
- Washing Machines
- Electric Geysers
- Room Air Conditioners
- Solid-State Inverters
- LED Lamps
- Frost Free (No-Frost) Refrigerator
- Diesel Generator
- Tyres
- High Energy Li-Battery
- Ceiling Fans
- Diesel Engine Driven Mono-Set Pumps for Agricultural Purposes
- Color TV
- Ballast (Electronic/Magnetic)
- Induction Motors
- Light Commercial Air Conditioners
- Agricultural Pump Sets
- LPG Stoves
- Deep Freezers
- Air Compressor
- Solar Water Heaters
- Distribution Transformer
- RAC (Cassette, Floor Standing Tower, Ceiling, Corner AC)
- Office Equipments
- Chillers
- Tubular Fluorescent Lamps
- Off Grid and Decentralized Solar Applications
- Variable Capacity AIR Conditioners
BEE registration Process : 3 Simple Steps
BEE registration entails three simple steps: product testing, brand registration, and model registration. Let’s break down each step to understand them clearly.
Step 1: Product Testing:
The process initiates with sample testing to determine how power-efficient the product is. This process is referred to as performance testing after which a relevant star label is assigned to the product. This is followed by safety testing, which examines the product’s safety aspects to ensure end-users’ safety. Both tests attract paperwork such as address proof, factory license, BIS registration, and user manual.
Step 2: Brand/Company Registration:
Brand registration with BEE is the next step in this process. It involves filing a relevant form on the BEE portal and uploading supporting documents. After this, the applicant must file the offline application with the authority, which signifies submitting a hard copy of the application alongside mandatory documents.
In response, the authority shall vet the application against underlying guidelines. The successful vetting shall lead to the grant of login credentials for model registration. The common documents for brand registration include a cover letter, application form, registration, BIS license, etc.
Step 3: Model Registration:
Model registration is the process of drafting the BEE Sample level and getting it sanctioned by the authority after filing online and offline forms. The process commences with the product undergoing fundamental tests such as Performance testing and Safety testing. The outcome of both tests will be cited in the BEE sample level, a key enclosure to the model registration application.
After securing the BEE Sample level, the applicant must file the online and offline application with the authority alongside mandatory paperwork, including a cover letter, test report, sample label, etc.
BEE shall vet the application and then grant the certification if no discrepancy is found.
Importance of BEE registration from a manufacturer’s standpoint
While a BEE registration is a mandate for notified electrical products, its significance transcends beyond being a legal document. It can lend several benefits to the license holder, contributing to business growth. Let’s break down what these benefits are and how they can contribute to business growth.
Improved credibility
Products with high star ratings cost more than the ones with low ratings. Despite higher pricing, high-star products reinforce trust among potential customers since they allow for considerable savings on electrical expenses. To some extent, star ratings add to product marketing and attract quality-conscious end-users. This solidifies the company’s presence in the market and makes them trustworthy among customers.
Increased sales
Since star rating is now deemed a major buying factor, it can help boost sales over time without increasing marketing costs. Unlike generic products which pretend to be genuine, star-rated products are instantly distinguishable and authentic, allowing brands to attract more customers.
Strengthen goodwill
The star rating is not a marketing gimmick; it is a genuine indicator of product quality and efficacy. Companies that continue to sell star-labelled products experience solidified goodwill in the marketplace, paving the way for longevity and growth.
Keep generic products at bay
Electrical products typically compete in the cut-throat market against many branded and generic counterparts. This can be a huge setback for entities seeking a gradual increase in profit with time. That’s where star-rating/BEE registration comes as a saviour. It not only allows brands to make their offerings stand out but also keeps generic brands at bay, ensuring level field play and increased profit margin.
Foster innovation
While it can be commercially beneficial to secure the BEE registration, getting one can be taxing owing to ever-tightening quality parameters. This challenge paves the foundation for innovation, encouraging companies to relentlessly find ways to make their products more efficient than ever before.
Reduce carbon footprint
The continual efforts to make electrical products power-efficient contribute to environmental sustainability, leading to a reduced carbon footprint. As the government intensifies its efforts to reduce electricity consumption, BEE is guiding electrical companies to adhere to guidelines promoting energy efficiency.
Encourage foreign trade
A few decades back, Indian products failed to stand out in the international market owing to inferior quality. But things have changed dramatically lately after the advent of refined policies and increasing emphasis on energy-efficient products. BEE registration has garnered global recognition and is deemed equivalent to most international standards such as LEED, the EU Energy Labeling Directive, and the Energy Star Program.
Conclusion
BEE registration is mandatory for certain product types and should be secured systematically as discussed above. This registration revolves around two basic tests: performance tests and safety tests, that help determine how efficient and safe the product is. These tests serve as a basis for the BEE sample level, a key document that helps with registration formalities.
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