BIS QCO 2026 for Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Electrical Appliances

The government had earlier introduced the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025 in order to ensure that electrical appliances that are being used in daily life meet required safety and quality standards. The main purpose of the same was to make sure that products such as home appliances, commercial equipment, and various similar electrical goods are safe for users and reliable in performance. These products are widely used across households, offices, as well as industries, making safety compliance extremely important.

Now, the government has issued a new Quality Control Order, 2026, which supersedes the 2025 Order, bringing updated provisions and clarity on applicability, exemptions, and extended timelines regarding the same.

Key Changes You Should Know

1. The 2026 Order replaces (supersedes) the earlier 2025 QCO.
2. The new order will be called Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026.
3. It applies to all electrical appliances that are being used for household, commercial, or similar purposes.
4. Covers appliances with:
   1. Voltage up to 250V (single-phase)
   2. Voltage up to 480V (other appliances, including DC and battery-operated)
5. BIS certification (ISI Mark) is made mandatory under Scheme-I for the products that have been specified in this QCO.
6. Micro & Small Enterprises (MSMEs) get extended timelines to comply with the provisions of this new BIS QCO.
7. It shall come into force on the 1st of October, 2026

Note: For a complete list of products that have been specified in the QCO, refer to the PDF attached below.

Exemptions to this QCO

There are certain exemptions to this Quality Control Order. Nothing mentioned in the provisions of the new QCO shall apply to the following: 

1. Products that have been already covered under other QCOs or mandatory BIS certifications are excluded.
2. Products that have been manufactured domestically for the purpose of exports.
3. 200 number of goods and articles that are manufactured for the purpose of research and development, given:
   1. They are not intended for commercial sales
   2. They may be disposed of as scrap
   3. A record is to be maintained and provided of such goods
4. Goods and articles domestically manufactured or imported before the date of implementation as specified in the QCO

Note: Existing stock (manufactured/imported before enforcement) can be sold for up to 6 months, subject to declaration by the BIS.

What is the Date of Implementation?

Benefits of this Order for the Businesses

This updated quality control order brings both safety and operational clarity for businesses dealing with the specified products in the Indian market. Here are some of the benefits for businesses brought forward by the new QCO:

• Ensures better product safety.
• Helps build trust in certified electrical appliances.
• Provides clear exemptions for exports and R&D activities.
• Offers transition support through relaxation timelines and a stock clearance period.
• Encourages standardization and quality improvement across the sector.

Now, What to Do?

Businesses dealing with electrical appliances should start preparing well before the enforcement date, since any further amendments or updates may impact them equally. Here’s what businesses are advised to do:

• Identify whether your product falls under this QCO.
• Begin the BIS certification process (ISI Mark) early.
• Plan product testing through BIS-approved labs.
• Maintain proper documentation and compliance records.
• Declare and manage existing stock within the allowed timeframe.
• MSMEs should track their extended deadlines in a careful manner.

At Brand Liaison, we help businesses map their entire product certification and compliance requirements against applicable QCOs, identify overlaps with other regulations, and create a clear compliance roadmap. Whether it’s handling multiple product categories, managing timelines, or ensuring smooth BIS approvals, our focus is to make your transition into compliance structured, predictable, and absolutely hassle-free before the deadline.