Quality Control Order on Electrical Appliance for domestic water heating

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Domestic Water Heating Electrical Appliances

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has recently notified the Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order, 2025, in supersession of the earlier 2023 Order. Issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, the Order has been brought into effect in public interest after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

This Quality Control Order comes into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette and mandates compulsory BIS certification for specified electrical appliances used for domestic water heating.

Key Changes of the Quality Control Order You Should Know

• Electrical appliances for domestic water heating must conform to the applicable Indian Standards that are listed in the Order. Refer to the table below: 

• Products must bear the ISI Mark under a valid BIS license issued as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
• Goods that are manufactured domestically for the purpose of exports are not covered under this Order.
• Research and Development Exemption in this Order:
  • Up to 200 units per year may be imported for research and development.
  • Such goods cannot be sold commercially.
  • They may be disposed of as scrap.
  • Manufacturers must maintain year-wise records and furnish them to the Central Government when required.
• BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority.
• Any violation of this BIS QCO will attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

What is the Date of Implementation?

The implementation timeline varies by enterprise category under the MSME Development Act, 2006:

• General Enterprises (other than Micro & Small): 1st March 2025
• Small Enterprises: 1st June 2025
• Micro Enterprises: 1st September 2025

Manufacturers and importers must ensure that BIS certification is obtained before the applicable deadline in order to continue lawful sale in India.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers as well as importers of domestic water heating appliances should immediately identify applicable Indian Standards, initiate product testing through BIS-recognized laboratories, and begin the ISI mark certification process under Scheme-I. MSMEs should use the varied timelines strategically in order to complete compliance well ahead of enforcement dates.

Brand Liaison offers comprehensive BIS certification as well as QCO compliance support, including standard applicability assessment, testing coordination, factory inspection assistance, documentation management, as well as complete end-to-end liaison with BIS authorities. With over a decade of regulatory expertise, Brand Liaison helps businesses achieve timely certification, minimize compliance risks, and ensure uninterrupted market access under the 2025 QCO framework.