BIS Certification for Air Purifiers under QCO 2026
Air purifiers have seen rapid growth across Indian homes, offices, and commercial spaces in recent years. Under the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 — commonly referred to as QCO 2026 — BIS certification is now mandatory for all air purifiers before they can be sold or imported in India. This includes battery-operated and portable models, which are explicitly covered under the order.
Covered Products
The following air treatment appliances are listed under QCO 2026:
- Air-Cleaning Appliances
- DC Supplied / Battery-Operated Air Purifiers
- Humidifiers
- Vaporizers
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 Battery-Operated and Portable Models
Battery-operated air purifiers are explicitly listed as a separate covered category under Item 90 of QCO 2026. Importers of portable, cordless, or desk-top air purifiers cannot claim exemption on the basis that their product runs on a battery or USB power. BIS certification is required for these models in the same way as mains-powered units.
Why This Category Matters
Air purifiers are one of the fastest-growing appliance segments in India, with significant import volumes from China, South Korea, and other markets. With QCO 2026 now notified, any air purifier sold without a valid BIS licence after the implementation date is subject to enforcement action including import rejection, market seizure, and penalties under the BIS Act, 2016. Given the high import volumes in this category, customs enforcement is expected to be active.
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
Air purifiers — including battery-operated and portable models — are fully within the scope of QCO 2026. Given the high import volumes and active enforcement expected in this category, manufacturers and importers must initiate BIS certification immediately to avoid disruption after October 2026.
How Omega QMS Supports Air Purifier BIS Certification under QCO 2026
Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. assists Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, and importers in obtaining BIS certification for air purifiers, air-cleaning appliances, and related products under the Electrical Appliances QCO 2026.
Our regulatory team brings direct experience with IS 302, the BIS certification process under both the domestic and FMCS routes, and the operational realities of companies supplying air purifiers — including portable and battery-operated models — to the Indian market.
Our services cover:
- Product-level QCO scope assessment — mains-powered and battery-operated air purifiers
- 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 regulatory requirements for air purifiers across all power types. Companies that have not yet conducted a formal applicability assessment are operating with regulatory uncertainty that carries real commercial and legal risk.
For most product portfolios, a well-structured applicability review is not a lengthy exercise. The outcome is a clear, documented determination of which products require BIS certification, which fall under an exemption, and what the certification roadmap looks like.
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.