BIS Certification for Massage Appliances under QCO 2026
Massage appliances — including handheld massagers, percussion devices, foot massagers, and full-body massage chairs — 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 all such appliances before they can be sold or imported in India. Battery-operated massage devices are explicitly included and are not exempt.
Covered Products
- Massage Appliances
- DC Supplied / Battery-Operated Massage Appliances
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 Models
Battery-operated massage appliances are explicitly listed under Item 86 of QCO 2026 as a separate covered category. Handheld percussion massagers, cordless foot massagers, and rechargeable massage guns — all of which run on DC power — are fully within scope. Importers of these products must obtain BIS certification covering the DC/battery-operated variant specifically.
Why This Category Matters
Massage appliances are among the fastest-growing wellness product imports in India, with high volumes traded across e-commerce platforms. The combination of direct skin contact and electrical operation places these products in a high-priority category for BIS enforcement. Non-compliant products found after the implementation date are subject to import bans, market seizure, 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
Massage appliances — both mains-powered and battery-operated — are fully within the scope of QCO 2026. Importers and manufacturers, particularly those dealing in percussion massagers and cordless wellness devices, must initiate BIS certification without delay to avoid disruption after October 2026.
How Omega QMS Supports BIS Certification for Massage Appliances
Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. assists Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, and importers in obtaining BIS certification for massage appliances — including handheld, percussion, and battery-operated variants — under the Electrical Appliances QCO 2026.
Our services cover:
- Product-level QCO scope assessment — mains-powered and DC/battery-operated massage appliances
- 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 massage appliances 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.
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.