Published: 22 Apr 2026
Regulatory Update
QCO 2026 — Notified
BIS Certification for Heaters & Heating Appliances under QCO 2026
The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 brings several heating appliances under mandatory BIS certification, including room heaters, immersion heaters, appliances for heating liquids, electric blankets, heating mats, and water-bed heaters.
Scope
Covered Products
Thermal Storage Room Heaters Fixed Immersion Heaters Foot Warmers and Heating Mats Blankets, Pads, Clothing and Similar Flexible Heating Appliances Water-Bed Heaters
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
BIS licence under Scheme-I mandatory before any sale or import Product testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory against IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 Factory inspection and audit by BIS ISI marking required on every certified unit Ongoing surveillance audits to maintain licence validity
Critical Note
Heating Appliance Classification
The QCO 2026 lists several distinct heating appliance categories. “Domestic water heaters” as a general product type are not listed — the specific covered items are Fixed Immersion Heaters, Appliances for Heating Liquids, and Water-Bed Heaters, which are distinct products. Manufacturers and importers must match their exact product against the correct QCO line item before filing a BIS application.
Market Context
Why This Category Matters
Heating appliances pose fire and electrical hazards if not properly designed and tested, making them a high-priority category for BIS enforcement. Uncertified heating appliances found in the market after the implementation date are subject to seizure and penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
Implementation Timeline
Compliance Dates
1st October 2026 General (other than micro and small) 1st January 2027 Small Enterprises 1st April 2027 Micro Enterprises
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
The QCO 2026 covers a range of specified heating appliances, including thermal storage room heaters, fixed immersion heaters, appliances for heating liquids, foot warmers, heating mats, electric blankets, and water-bed heaters. Manufacturers and importers should verify product applicability and obtain BIS certification before sale or import where required.
Our Services
How Omega QMS Supports BIS Certification
Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. assists Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, and importers in obtaining BIS certification for thermal storage room heaters, fixed immersion heaters, and related heating appliances under the Electrical Appliances QCO 2026.
Product-level QCO scope assessment and correct classification for heating appliances Exemption eligibility assessment for R&D imports and export manufacturing BIS certification strategy and documentation for Indian and foreign manufacturers Coordination with BIS-recognised testing laboratories for IS 302 compliance Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) services for foreign manufacturers Customs documentation support for compliant import clearance
The QCO Is Notified — Uncertainty Has a Cost
The Electrical Appliances QCO introduces strict requirements for room heaters and all other heating appliances. Companies that have not yet conducted a formal applicability assessment are operating with 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.