Other switches of plastic

Plastic switches for domestic and similar purposes (switch-socket-outlets)

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 3854

HSN 8536 50 20 (other switches of plastic) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Conformity to IS 3854 is mandatory under the ISI Mark Scheme by virtue of the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003, and IS 15787:2008 applies to switch-socket-outlets (non-interlock type) under the Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023 with effect from 01 July 2024. No separate customs-clearance overlay beyond the BIS obligation applies to this tariff line.

What this is

HSN code

8536 50 20

Chapter

85 · Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 3854 · effective 01-07-2024

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

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 3854 for switches for domestic and similar purposes, or against IS 15787:2008 for switch-socket-outlets (non-interlock type). Verify the CM/L number, licensed product scope, and licensed manufacturing facility on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.
Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003 · S.O. 189(E) dated 17-02-2003; Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023 · S.O. 43(E) dated 01-01-2024
2
Identify which standard governs the specific product: IS 3854 applies to switches for domestic and similar purposes; IS 15787:2008 applies to switch-socket-outlets (non-interlock type). Ensure the supplier's CM/L licence corresponds to the correct standard for the product being imported.
IS 3854 per S.O. 189(E) dated 17-02-2003; IS 15787:2008 per S.O. 43(E) dated 01-01-2024
3
Ensure every product in the consignment bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number under Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Marking must appear on the product itself, not on packaging alone.
Scheme-I of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 · Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023
4
Verify the applicable enforcement date for the consignee's enterprise size: IS 15787:2008 (switch-socket-outlets) is effective from 01-07-2024 for large enterprises, 01-10-2024 for small, and 01-01-2025 for micro enterprises. Confirm the correct date applies before filing the bill of entry.
S.O. 43(E) dated 01-01-2024 · Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023
5
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number on the bill of entry. Customs verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or scope-mismatched CM/L triggers consignment detention.
BIS Act, 2016 · General Note 2 of ITC (HS) Import Policy · Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is importing under a CM/L licence issued against IS 3854 for a product that is in fact a switch-socket-outlet (non-interlock type) governed by IS 15787:2008, or vice versa. The two standards cover overlapping product forms, and customs verifies the CM/L scope at the IS-standard level; a CM/L against the wrong standard causes detention even when the manufacturer is otherwise BIS-licensed. Confirm the applicable IS number with the supplier against the specific product design before the purchase order, not at port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 8536 50 20 require BIS certification?

Yes. Switches of plastic for domestic and similar purposes require a Bureau of Indian Standards CM/L licence against IS 3854 under the ISI Mark Scheme, and switch-socket-outlets (non-interlock type) require a CM/L against IS 15787:2008, with effect from 01 July 2024 for large enterprises.

Which standard applies if the product is a switch-socket-outlet rather than a plain switch?

IS 15787:2008 governs switch-socket-outlets (non-interlock type) under the Electrical Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2023; IS 3854 governs switches for domestic and similar purposes under the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003.

Do the staggered enforcement dates under IS 15787:2008 affect import obligations for small and micro enterprises?

Yes. The IS 15787:2008 obligation is effective from 01-10-2024 for small enterprises and 01-01-2025 for micro enterprises as defined under the MSMED Act; for large enterprises the obligation runs from 01-07-2024.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all switch variants and manufacturing facilities?

No. A CM/L licence is scope-specific by Indian Standard, product variant, and manufacturing facility; switches outside the licensed scope or produced at an unlicensed plant are not covered, and a consignment containing out-of-scope products faces detention.

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