QCO 2026 — Notified
BIS Certification for Amusement Machines and Personal Service Machines under QCO 2026
Amusement machines and personal service machines — electrically powered devices used in entertainment, gaming, and personal service applications — are covered under the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 — commonly referred to as QCO 2026. BIS certification is mandatory for all such appliances before they can be sold or imported in India.
Scope
Covered Products
Standard
Applicable Indian Standard
IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 — Household and Similar Electrical Appliances — Safety: Part 1 General Requirements (technically equivalent to IEC 60335-1: 2020).
Compliance Requirements
Key Requirements Under Scheme-I
Critical Note
Scope Clarification
“Amusement machines and personal service machines” is a broad category. In the context of QCO 2026 and IS 302, this covers electrically powered personal service equipment — such as coin-operated personal service devices, vending-type personal care machines, and similar appliances — within the voltage scope of the order. Large commercial gaming machines or slot machines with higher voltage or power specifications may fall under different regulatory frameworks. Importers should conduct a product-specific applicability assessment to confirm scope before filing for BIS certification.
Market Context
Why This Category Matters
Amusement and personal service machines are imported for use in hotels, malls, entertainment centres, and commercial establishments. Many importers in this segment have operated without mandatory BIS certification until QCO 2026. Non-compliance after October 2026 results in import bans and penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
Implementation Timeline
Compliance Dates
Exemptions
Key Exemptions
Exemption 01
Export manufacturing
Goods manufactured domestically solely for export are exempt.
Exemption 02
R&D imports
Up to 200 units per year may be imported for R&D without BIS certification, provided they are not sold commercially. Year-wise records must be maintained.
Exemption 03
Existing stock
Declared stock held by a BIS-certified manufacturer (or one who has applied) may be sold for up to six months from the implementation date, subject to a declaration to BIS.
Bottom Line
Conclusion
Amusement machines and personal service machines are listed under QCO 2026. Given the broad scope of this category, a formal product-level applicability assessment is strongly recommended before filing for BIS certification. Importers must initiate this process well ahead of the October 2026 deadline.
Our Services
How Omega QMS Supports BIS Certification for Amusement and Personal Service Machines
Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. assists Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, and importers in determining the precise QCO applicability for amusement and personal service machines and obtaining BIS certification where required under the Electrical Appliances QCO 2026.
The QCO Is Notified — Uncertainty Has a Cost
The Electrical Appliances QCO introduces strict requirements for amusement and personal service machines. Companies that have not yet conducted a formal applicability assessment are operating with regulatory uncertainty that carries real commercial and legal risk.
Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd.
📞 +91-11-41413939 (100 Lines)
📍 909, Hemkunt House, Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
Contact our regulatory team for a product-level applicability assessment and a clear view of your BIS certification requirements under the Electrical Appliances QCO.