Clarification of Refrigerating Appliances - BIS Quality Control Amendment Order, 2025

Introduction to the BIS QCO Regarding Refrigerating Appliances

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued a clarification by way of amendment to the Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2020, which was originally notified on 10th December 2020 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

The principal Quality Control Order has now mandated compulsory BIS certification and ISI marking for refrigerating appliances in order to ensure product safety, energy efficiency, as well as quality consistency in the Indian market. The newly issued amendment now aims to address practical challenges that are related to the import of components as well as R&D activities, while continuing to uphold the intent of the original QCO.

Key Changes of the Amendment You Should Know

1. This clarification shall be known as the Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025.
2. The amendment introduces specific exemptions for certified manufacturers as well as applicants under the BIS.
3. Imports of components of refrigerating appliances are exempted when:
   1. The importer is a manufacturer who is already certified by BIS or has applied for BIS certification in India.
   2. The imported components are meant exclusively for export-oriented production purposes.
4. Conditions applicable to component imports:
   1. Submission of a self-declaration on the company letterhead.
   2. The declaration must be signed by an authorised signatory.
   3. The invoice number and import consignment details must be mentioned.
   4. An undertaking must be provided stating that components will not be sold or diverted to the domestic market.
   5. The manufacturer must maintain records for inspection, verification, or audit by authorities.

Certain R&D Exemption for this BIS QCO Update

1. Up to 200 units per year can be imported for research and development.
2. Applicable only to manufacturers certified by BIS or who have applied for certification.
3. Such goods cannot be sold commercially.
4. They may be disposed of as scrap.
5. A year-wise record must be maintained and furnished to the Central Government when required or asked for.

What is the Date of Implementation?

• The Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, i.e., 16th January 2025.
• The clarification applies immediately to eligible manufacturers as well as importers.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers of refrigerating appliances should review their BIS certification status, evaluate whether component imports or R&D imports fall under the newly clarified exemptions, and ensure that self-declarations, undertakings, and record-keeping systems are properly aligned with the amendment requirements.

Brand Liaison provides end-to-end compliance support for refrigerating appliance manufacturers, including BIS certification assistance, complete component import advisory, documentation drafting, declaration support, audit preparedness, testing coordination, and various regulatory liaison. With 10+ years of in-depth industry knowledge, technical expertise, and hands-on experience with BIS QCOs, Brand Liaison helps businesses easily manage regulatory certifications while maintaining full compliance and uninterrupted operations in the Indian market.