Published: 15 Mar 2020
Air Conditioner & Related Parts Under Mandatory BIS Certification (ISI)
BIS Certification for Air Conditioners in India
The demand for air conditioners in India continues to grow across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. To ensure that only safe and quality products are available in the Indian market, the Government of India has made BIS Certification (ISI Mark) mandatory for specified air conditioners and related components.The requirement has been notified under the Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Since its introduction, the Order has been revised through multiple amendments to expand its scope, update compliance requirements, and align with the latest Indian Standards.If you manufacture, import, or sell regulated air conditioning products in India, obtaining a valid BIS licence is a mandatory legal requirement.
What is BIS Certification for Air Conditioners?
BIS Certification is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the ISI Mark Scheme (Scheme-I). It certifies that a product conforms to the applicable Indian Standard (IS) and satisfies the prescribed requirements for safety, quality, and performance.
After successful certification, manufacturers are permitted to use the ISI Mark on their products. The certification demonstrates compliance with Indian regulations and is mandatory for products covered under the applicable Quality Control Order (QCO).
Products covered under the QCO cannot be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India without a valid BIS licence.
Products Covered Under Mandatory BIS Certification
The Quality Control Order covers several categories of air conditioning equipment and related components, including:
- Room Air Conditioners – Unitary Air Conditioners
- Room Air Conditioners – Split Air Conditioners
- Hermetic Compressors
- Temperature Sensing Controls
- Other related products notified under the applicable Quality Control Order
Manufacturers should verify the exact product coverage before commencing production or imports.
Applicable Indian Standard
For room air conditioners, BIS certification is granted against:
IS 1391 (Part 1): 2017 – Room Air Conditioners – Specification – Part 1: Unitary Air Conditioners
Other covered products are certified against their respective Indian Standards as notified by BIS.
Regulatory Framework
The mandatory certification requirement for air conditioners has evolved over the years through several notifications issued by the Government of India.
Manufacturers and importers should ensure they comply with the latest applicable notification, as these amendments may affect implementation dates, product coverage, exemptions, or certification requirements.
Who Needs BIS Certification?
- Indian manufacturers
- Foreign manufacturers exporting to India
- Importers
- Brand owners
- OEM manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers are required to obtain certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) before exporting regulated products to India.
Conclusion
The Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order has made BIS certification mandatory for specified air conditioners and related components in India. Compliance with the applicable Indian Standards and Quality Control Orders is essential for manufacturers and importers to legally access the Indian market.
With evolving regulations and periodic amendments, businesses need expert guidance to ensure timely certification and continued compliance. Omega QMS simplifies the entire BIS certification process—from documentation and testing to factory inspections and licence approval—helping businesses achieve regulatory compliance with confidence.
Obtaining BIS certification involves product testing, technical documentation, factory inspection, regulatory coordination, and ongoing compliance. Navigating these requirements without expert guidance can lead to delays and unnecessary costs.Omega QMS has more than 25 years of experience in assisting manufacturers across India and overseas with BIS certification and regulatory approvals.