QCO 2026 — Notified
BIS Certification for Foot Warmers and Heating Mats under QCO 2026
Electric foot warmers and heating mats are popular personal comfort appliances in India, particularly in colder regions. 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 foot warmers and heating mats before they can be sold or imported in India. This includes battery-operated variants, which are explicitly listed.
Scope
Covered Products
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
Critical Note
DC and Battery-Operated Variants
Battery-operated and USB-powered foot warmers are explicitly listed under Item 89 of QCO 2026. These products — which are commonly imported and sold through e-commerce channels — require full BIS certification in the same manner as mains-powered models. Importers should ensure their BIS application covers the correct power supply variant for each product in their range.
Market Context
Why This Category Matters
Foot warmers and heating mats are seasonal import products with concentrated demand in winter months. Many such products are imported from low-cost manufacturing markets and sold through online retail channels at competitive price points. This makes them a target for BIS enforcement, particularly after the October 2026 implementation date. Non-compliant products are subject to market seizure and penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
Implementation Timeline
Compliance Dates
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
Foot warmers and heating mats — including battery-operated variants — are fully within the scope of QCO 2026. Importers and manufacturers must obtain BIS certification covering the correct product and power variant before the applicable implementation date.
Our Services
How Omega QMS Supports BIS Certification for Foot Warmers and Heating Mats
Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. assists Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, and importers in obtaining BIS certification for foot warmers, heating mats, and DC/battery-operated heating accessories under the Electrical Appliances QCO 2026.
The QCO Is Notified — Uncertainty Has a Cost
The Electrical Appliances QCO introduces strict requirements for foot warmers and heating mats. 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.