The Government of India has issued the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 1739(E)) on 6 April 2026, further strengthening regulatory requirements for electrical appliance safety under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) framework.
This latest Order supersedes the 2025 version and continues the regulatory progression seen in earlier notifications from 2024 and 2025. Each revision has expanded scope, refined implementation timelines, and reinforced alignment with the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, reflecting India’s ongoing focus on enhancing consumer safety and ensuring compliance across the electrical appliance sector.
Scope of the Order
The 2026 QCO applies broadly to electrical appliances intended for household, commercial, and similar applications. It covers:
- Appliances with a rated voltage of up to 250 V for single-phase equipment
- Appliances with a rated voltage of up to 480 V for other equipment, including direct current (DC) and battery-operated devices
Products must conform to IS 302 (Part 1): 2024, aligned with IEC 60335-1:2020, which specifies general safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances.
The scope includes a wide range of products—over 90 categories—spanning household, commercial, and specialised equipment. These include appliances such as vacuum cleaners, cooking equipment, dishwashers, air cleaners, personal care devices, and battery-operated products, reflecting the broad applicability of the Order across modern electrical equipment.
Implementation Timeline
The Order will come into force on 1 October 2026, marking the date from which compliance becomes mandatory for most manufacturers.
Additional timelines have been provided for MSMEs:
- Small enterprises: 1 January 2027
- Micro enterprises: 1 April 2027
Exemptions Under the Order
While the scope is extensive, the QCO provides specific exemptions to accommodate practical and operational scenarios. These include:
- Products already covered under other QCOs or subject to mandatory BIS certification under other legislation
- Goods manufactured domestically for export
- Up to 200 units per year imported for research and development purposes, provided they are not sold and are disposed of after use
- Existing stock manufactured or imported before the implementation date, which may be sold for up to six months subject to declaration to BIS
These exemptions are outlined within the Order to support industry transition while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Certification Requirements
To comply with the QCO, all applicable products must bear the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence, in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Both domestic and foreign manufacturers are required to undergo conformity assessment processes involving product testing and factory evaluation. The Bureau of Indian Standards acts as the certifying and enforcement authority under this Order.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the QCO may result in penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
For more information, read the official notification below.
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV provides end-to-end support for BIS certification and regulatory compliance in India. Our services include interpreting QCO requirements, identifying applicable standards, coordinating testing with BIS-recognised laboratories, and managing the certification process for both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
Have questions? Contact us here, or send an email to India@C-PRAV.com.