Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances Quality Control Order (QCO)

What the order does

S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026, supersedes the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025 entirely. It is the current and sole governing instrument for BIS certification of electrical appliances in this category. All manufacturers, importers, and traders of covered appliances must comply with this order from the applicable implementation date.

Every covered appliance must conform to IS 302 (Part 1): 2024, aligned with IEC 60335-1: 2020 and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a licence granted under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority.

The supersession history – why this is the third order

Each supersession was issued in response to industry representations about testing lab capacity, stock transition periods, and compliance readiness. The government has responded to those concerns twice. The October 2026 deadline reflects a considered final position there is no industry signal or government indication that a fourth extension is planned.

Scope – what is covered

The QCO applies to all electrical appliances intended for household, commercial, or similar use with a rated voltage not exceeding 250V for single-phase appliances and not exceeding 480V for other appliances, including DC-supplied and battery-operated devices. The product list in the order is illustrative, not exhaustive. Any appliance within the voltage parameters is covered unless explicitly excluded.

Illustrative product categories covered include:

Vacuum cleaners

Electric irons

Electric shavers and hair clippers

Cooking ranges, hobs, ovens and similar appliances

Microwave ovens

Dishwashers

Washing machines and tumble dryers

Refrigerators and freezers

Air conditioners (not covered under a separate QCO)

Electric water heaters

Room heaters and fan heaters

Electric blankets and heating pads

Food processors, blenders and mixers

Electric kettles and coffee makers

Frying pans, grills and toasters

Massage and personal care appliances

Electric lawnmowers and garden tools

Battery-operated and DC-powered appliances

Commercial catering and food service equipment

Air cleaners and purifiers

The illustrative nature of the list is itself a compliance risk. A manufacturer who concludes their product is not covered because it does not appear on the list may be wrong. The test is voltage and intended application, not product name.

Implementation dates by enterprise type

General manufacturers (other than micro and small enterprises) and all foreign manufacturers: 1 October 2026.

Small enterprises: 1 January 2027.

Micro enterprises: 1 April 2027.

Enterprise classification follows definitions under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006. Foreign manufacturers are treated as general manufacturers for deadline purposes, the MSME phasing does not apply to them.

What is excluded

Three categories are explicitly excluded. Goods manufactured domestically for export are not subject to the order. Goods manufactured or imported before the applicable implementation date may be sold for up to six months after the deadline but only if the manufacturer holds a BIS licence or has applied for one as of the implementation date, and can provide documentation of manufacture or import date. Up to 200 units per year imported by appliance manufacturers for research and development are exempt, provided they are not sold commercially, are disposed of as scrap, and records are maintained.

Have a question about a specific product or QCO? Ask Chat QCO or speak to an expert at bisqco.accessindiaplatform.com

This news update is for guidance only. Verify with a qualified compliance advisor before acting.