BIS Certification for Electric Steam Cookers under QCO 2026
Electric steam cookers are widely used in Indian homes and commercial kitchens for healthy, oil-free cooking. 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 electric steam cookers before they can be sold or imported in India.
Covered Products
- Electric Steam Cookers
- Electric Forced Convection Ovens, Steam Cookers and Steam-Convection Ovens
- Commercial Electric Forced Convection Ovens, Steam Cookers and Steam-Convection Ovens
Applicable Standard
IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 — Household and Similar Electrical Appliances — Safety: Part 1 General Requirements (technically equivalent to IEC 60335-1: 2020).
Key Compliance Requirements
- 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
Important Note on Combination Appliances
Steam cookers and steam-convection ovens are listed separately in the QCO from standard convection ovens. If your product combines steam and convection functions, the BIS licence must reflect the correct combined product description. Importers of multi-function cooking appliances should carefully review their product’s scope with a compliance consultant before filing a BIS application to ensure the licence covers all modes of operation.
Why This Category Matters
Steam cookers — particularly combination steam-convection ovens used in commercial kitchens — are high-value imports widely used in restaurants, hotels, and institutional catering. BIS certification is a commercial prerequisite for continued supply to these sectors after October 2026. Uncertified products face import bans and penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
Implementation Timeline
| Enterprise Type | Compliance Date |
|---|---|
| General (other than micro and small) | 1st October 2026 |
| Small Enterprises | 1st January 2027 |
| Micro Enterprises | 1st April 2027 |
Key Exemptions
- Export manufacturing: Goods manufactured domestically solely for export are exempt.
- 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.
- 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.
Conclusion
Electric steam cookers — household and commercial — are clearly covered under QCO 2026. Importers and manufacturers of standalone steam cookers and combination steam-convection appliances must ensure their BIS licence reflects the full product scope and begin applications well before the October 2026 deadline.
How Omega QMS Supports BIS Certification for Electric Steam Cookers
Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. assists Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, and importers in obtaining BIS certification for electric steam cookers and steam-convection ovens — household and commercial — under the Electrical Appliances QCO 2026.
Our services cover:
- Product-level QCO scope assessment — standalone steam cookers and combination units
- 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 steam cookers and related appliances. 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.