Clarification Regarding IS 302 Series for Electrical Appliances

Introduction to the IS 302 Series for Electrical Appliances

The IS 302 series governs the safety requirements for household as well as similar electrical appliances in India. Under a Quality Control Order (QCO) issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and enforced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), BIS registration has been made mandatory for electrical appliances that are intended for household, commercial, or similar use, provided such products are not already covered under any other BIS QCO.

This clarification has been issued in order to explain the scope of IS 302, the revision of IS 302 (Part 1), as well as the transition mechanism for manufacturers and existing licensees.

Key Clarifications Issued by BIS

1. Scope of IS 302 (Part 1)
   Electrical appliances that have been covered under IS 302 (Part 1) must meet the following conditions:
2. Operating voltage not exceeding 250V single-phase AC.
3. Operating voltage not exceeding 415V three-phase AC.
4. The product must not fall under any other BIS QCO.
5. Revision of the Standard
6. The earlier standard IS 302-1:2008 (Sixth Revision) has been revised as: IS 302 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020 (Seventh Revision).
7. Both standards will run currently until 23rd February 2026.
8. Electrical products that are not previously covered under any QCO and those holding voluntary IS licenses must now mandatorily align with IS 302 (Part 1).

What is the Date of Implementation?

Concurrent Running Period:

• Valid until 23rd February 2026
• Both IS 302-1:2008 and IS 302 (Part 1):2024 are acceptable during this period

For New Applicants

• Applications may be filed under either standard during the concurrent period.
• If a relevant IS 302 (Part 2) product standard exists, compliance with Part 1 + applicable Part 2 clauses is required.
• If no Part 2 exists, the license will be issued based solely on IS 302 (Part 1).
• Applications under the old standard after the concurrent period will not be accepted.

For Existing Licensees

• Voluntary license holders under IS 302 Part 2 or product-specific standards may:
  • Opt for a changeover or a separate license under IS 302-1:2008.
  • No fresh testing or inspection required initially.
• After the concurrent period, mandatory migration to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 is required with fresh test reports.
• Non-compliance may attract penalties as per BIS regulations.

Change in Scope of License

• Allowed under the old standard only until:
  • The licensee adopts the revised IS, or
  • The end of the concurrent period (whichever is earlier)

Note: These guidelines are effective immediately, and product manuals published on the BIS website must be followed.

Benefits to Businesses

• There is now a smooth transition window of over one year for compliance planning.
• There is also no immediate re-testing burden for existing voluntary licensees.
• Regulatory clarity on product coverage under the IS 302 series is provided to businesses functioning in the Indian market.
• There is now a smoother alignment with international IEC safety norms.
• Businesses also benefit from the reduced compliance risk by avoiding overlap with other QCOs.

Now, What Should Businesses Do?

Manufacturers as well as importers of electrical appliances should immediately assess product applicability under IS 302, identify whether a Part 2 standard applies to their product, and plan migration to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 well before February 2026.

Engaging a compliance expert, such as Brand Liaison, can help ensure correct standard selection, smooth license transition, timely testing, as well as penalty-free compliance under the evolving BIS framework.