MNRE clarifies import conditions for lead-acid batteries used in solar projects

In its latest notification, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued guidelines for the import of secondary cells and batteries of lead-acid and nickel-based chemistries that are utilised in solar projects. It has now clarified that secondary cells and batteries of lead-acid or nickel-based chemistry type are covered under the Indian Standard (IS) 16270 for storage batteries used in solar projects. The ministry has underlined that these imports are subject to mandatory certification (IE C61427) obtained from the Bureau of Indian Standards along with a certificate issued by the MNRE mentioning its use in solar projects in India only. The notice also mentions that any other usage of these items would require a separate no-objection certificate and an undertaking from the importer stating that it will not be used for solar PV projects, along with the order or supply copy of agencies or companies, and their usage duly approved by customs.