Published: 1 Jun 2026
BIS Certification for Electrolysers under QCO 2026
Omega QMS Compliance Insights
Omega QMS
Electrolysers — electrically powered devices that use electrolysis to treat water, generate hydrogen, or produce hypochlorite for disinfection purposes — 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 electrolysers falling within the scope of this order before they can be sold or imported in India.
Scope
Covered Products
Electrolysers (household, commercial or similar application, within the voltage scope of QCO 2026)
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
Scope Assessment
Electrolysers span a wide range of applications — from household water ionisers and compact hypochlorite generators to industrial hydrogen production systems. QCO 2026 applies to electrolysers intended for household, commercial or similar use within the specified voltage limits (up to 250V single-phase, up to 480V other). Large industrial electrolysis systems may fall outside this scope. Manufacturers and importers must conduct a product-specific applicability assessment to confirm whether their electrolyser falls under QCO 2026 before filing for BIS certification. The electrical safety requirements for electrolysers that operate with electrolytes, produce gases, or generate reactive chemical outputs are particularly specific and should be reviewed with a compliance specialist.
Market Context
Why This Category Matters
Household water ionisers, electrolytic water purifiers, and compact disinfectant generators are growing imports in India’s wellness and water treatment markets. QCO 2026 now brings qualifying products in this category under mandatory BIS certification. Non-compliance after October 2026 results in 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
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.
Bottom Line
Conclusion
Electrolysers within the scope of QCO 2026 require BIS certification before the applicable implementation date. A formal applicability assessment is strongly recommended given the broad range of products that could fall under this category. Manufacturers and importers should contact a compliance specialist before proceeding.
Our Services
How Omega QMS Supports BIS Certification for Electrolysers
Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. assists Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, and importers in determining QCO 2026 applicability for electrolysers and obtaining BIS certification where required under the Electrical Appliances QCO 2026.
- Product-level QCO applicability assessment for electrolysers across household, wellness, and water treatment applications
- 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 qualifying electrolysers. 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
Selling or Importing Electrolysers?
Contact our regulatory team for a product-level applicability assessment and a clear view of your BIS certification requirements under the Electrical Appliances QCO.
