BIS Quality Control Order 2025 for Flashlights

Introduction to the BIS QCO 2025 for Flashlights

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has recently notified the Flashlight (Quality Control) Order, 2025 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The Order has been issued in public interest after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and aims to ensure uniform quality, safety, as well as performance standards for flashlights sold in the Indian market.

The Order comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette and mandates compulsory BIS certification for flashlights. 

Key Provisions of the Quality Control Order

1. Flashlights must conform to Indian Standard IS 2083:2024 for Flashlight: Specification.
2. Products must compulsorily bear the ISI Mark under a valid BIS license.
3. Certification shall be obtained by businesses as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
4. BIS shall act as the certifying as well as enforcing authority.
5. Goods that are manufactured domestically for the purposes of export are outside the scope of this Order.
6. Exemption regarding Research and Development:
   1. Up to 50 flashlights per year may be imported for research and development purposes.
   2. Such goods cannot be sold commercially.
   3. They must be disposed of as scrap.
   4. Manufacturers must maintain year-wise records and furnish them to the Central Government if required.
7. Any violation of this Order will attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

What is the Date of Implementation?

The implementation timelines vary based on enterprise category as defined under the MSME Development Act, 2006:

1. General Enterprises (other than Micro & Small): 6 months from the date of publication of the QCO
2. Small Enterprises: 9 months from the date of publication of the QCO
3. Micro Enterprises: 12 months from the date of publication of the QCO

Entities must plan certification activities well in advance in order to ensure uninterrupted market access.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers as well as importers of flashlights should immediately assess product conformity with IS 2083:2024, initiate product testing in BIS-recognized laboratories, and prepare documentation for BIS ISI certification under Scheme-I. MSMEs should leverage the extended timelines while also ensuring readiness before their respective deadlines in order to avoid enforcement action.

Brand Liaison provides end-to-end BIS certification support, including standard applicability assessment, testing coordination, factory evaluation support, documentation, as well as end-to-end liaison with BIS authorities. With over a decade of regulatory expertise, Brand Liaison helps businesses achieve timely compliance with BIS Quality Control Orders while minimizing operational as well as regulatory risks.