Q.1.Are power banks with USB covered under the Order?
Power banks with USB charging facility and having no electronic circuit and charge controlling unit etc. within the bank have to be treated as battery for the purpose of the Order and will be tested as per IS 16046. However, power banks supporting internal electronic circuit besides batteries would continue to be treated as Power Banks covered under IS 13252 (Part 1), as notified.
Q.2. What is the definition of portable application? Batteries, cells, power banks themselves are portable but they can be used in non-portable devices , laptop, mobile phone, etc.?
It is clearly defined in clause 3.14 of the standard IS 16046 : applicable to Secondary Cells / Batteries. As per the definition "a battery for use in a device or appliance which is conveniently hand carried is a portable battery and cells intended for assembly in a portable battery is a portable cell". The products laptop, mobile phone are portable appliances. If batteries can find a dual application i.e. for Potable/ non- portable , then they require registration from BIS.