BIS issues revised Implementation Guidelines for Electrical Appliance Certification under QCO 2024

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued updated implementation guidelines concerning the Quality Control Order, 2024, for household, commercial, and similar electrical appliances. These new directions supplement the prior guidelines dated 16 December 2024, and align with the revised standard IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 / IEC 60335-1: 2020. According to the updated framework, manufacturers will now be granted a single BIS license under IS 302 (Part 1), regardless of the variety of electrical appliances they produce. Moreover, when a manufacturer seeks to add new models already within the licensed product scope, the application will follow the existing procedure for changes in scope. Household, commercial, and similar electrical appliances usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

For inclusion of a completely new type of appliance under the scope of an existing license, BIS will perform a desk audit, review independent test reports, assess declarations of added manufacturing or testing equipment, and conduct on-site verification. Additionally, any proposals for product grouping based on series and technical grounds must be submitted to CMD-III through the concerned BIS Branch Office. Marking fees for each license will be levied as per the rates outlined in Circular CMD-2/G-18 dated 29 April 2025. The revised guidelines have been made effective immediately.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – September 2025

We regularly publish advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect shortly. Affected products must have BIS certification in order to be approved for import and distribution in India. Within the next month, several new standards will come into effect for different kinds of textiles as well as chemicals like polycarbonate, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer.

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforces Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to make compliance with national quality standards mandatory for certain products. In contrast to voluntary BIS certifications, QCOs are legally binding for both local producers and international suppliers of the specified goods. These regulations aim to safeguard consumer health, environmental protection, and animal welfare, while promoting consistency in product quality throughout the market. QCOs apply to diverse product categories, including electronics, chemicals, metals, and toys. Non-compliance can lead to legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

Here is an overview of the new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect next month:

Implementation Dates for BIS Certification on PVC and PP Materials Extended in India

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has issued amendments to the Quality Control Orders concerning two key polymer materials. Under the revised notifications, the implementation deadline for compliance with the Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers (Quality Control) Order has been extended from June 24, 2025, to December 24, 2025. This change was formally notified through the Gazette of India on June 20, 2025. PVC and similar materials usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

In a separate notification dated June 23, 2025, the Ministry also amended the Quality Control Order for Polypropylene (PP) Materials used in moulding and extrusion applications. The new enforcement date has been shifted from June 24, 2025, to October 24, 2025. These extensions aim to give manufacturers and importers additional time to align their products with the applicable Indian Standards.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

India introduces new AIS Standards for Vehicle Safety and Construction

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has issued an updated list of Automotive Industry Standards (AIS). These standards are typically mandated under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) in India. The new publications cover various constructional and safety requirements for different vehicle types and systems. Many automotive products usually require AIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The newly published standards are as follows:

• AIS-180 – Specific requirements for motor vehicles intended for the carriage of dangerous and hazardous goods with regard to their constructional features
• AIS-181 – Approval of tank vehicles with regard to rollover stability
• AIS-188 – Approval of vehicles with regard to Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS)
• AIS-191 (Part 1) – Approval of vehicles with regard to Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS)
• AIS-192 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to Event Data Recorders (EDR)
• AIS-195A – Safety and procedural requirements for type approval of hydrogen-powered construction equipment vehicles
• AIS-199 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of road illumination devices (lamps) and systems for power-driven vehicles
• AIS-200 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of retro-reflective devices and markings for power-driven vehicles and their trailers
• AIS-201 – Requirements for the protection of occupants in the event of a frontal collision with a focus on restraint systems
• AIS-204 – Requirements for school vans
• AIS-206 – Safety and procedural requirements for type approval of hydrogen-powered vehicles (compressed gaseous hydrogen)

Depending on the product category, there are different certification steps. We will be happy to advise you on certification in India like AIS, BIS, WPC, TEC or PESO and are always available to answer your questions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details and consultation. You can contact us via e-mail, or call us (UK: +44 2071931135, Rest of Europe: +49 69 2713769261, US: +1 773 654-2673).
If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

You can also check out our free AIS-Brochure, which can be downloaded right here as a PDF file.

Indian Government withdraws BIS Certification Orders for Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline

Effective immediately, the Government of India has officially withdrawn three separate Quality Control Orders (QCOs) related to Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline. The withdrawal, announced on July 23, 2025, was published in the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, invoking powers under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The original BIS certification notifications from 2019 have been rescinded, and the affected substances are no longer subject to mandatory quality certification for import, sale, or use in India.

According to the notification, the move was made in the public interest and followed consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is important to note that such revocations of established BIS quality control orders are highly unusual. Typically, existing standards are revised or updated—not completely repealed. This action marks an unprecedented shift in India’s certification framework.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – August 2025

We regularly publish advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect shortly. Affected products must have BIS certification in order to be approved for import and distribution in India. Within the next month, two new standards will come into effect for stainless steel seamless pipes and tubes for general service.

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issues Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to legally require that certain products meet established national quality norms. Unlike standard BIS certifications, which are generally optional, QCOs are binding for both domestic manufacturers and foreign importers dealing in listed products. These mandates are introduced to protect consumer safety, environmental integrity, and animal health, while ensuring uniform product standards across the market. The scope of QCOs includes a wide range of goods such as electronics, metals, chemicals, and toys. Violating these orders can result in legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

Here is an overview of the new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect next month:

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Mark made Compulsory for Bearings in phased Rollout across India

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India has issued the Bearings (Quality Control) Order, 2025, making it mandatory for certain types of bearings to conform to Indian Standards and bear the BIS mark. This regulation will apply to both imported and domestically produced goods, except for those made specifically for export, components of finished products, or items used in R&D under limited conditions. The Order outlines phased implementation timelines depending on the size of the enterprise—general industry, small enterprises, and micro-enterprises will be required to comply within 12, 15, and 18 months respectively from the date of publication.

The Order specifies that the BIS will serve as the certifying and enforcing authority. Exemptions are provided for goods intended solely for export, imports used as sub-assemblies, and certain quantities used exclusively for testing and development. Manufacturers intending to import components for export-oriented production must submit a self-declaration and maintain detailed records subject to government audit. Violations of this Order will attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Here is a complete list of the affected bearing types and the corresponding Indian standards listed in the official announcement.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

New BIS Mandate Issued for Aluminium and Alloy Product Standards in India

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued the Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Products (Quality Control) Order, 2025, under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This new directive replaces the earlier 2024 version and comes into effect on October 1, 2025. It mandates that various aluminium and aluminium alloy products must adhere to specific Indian Standards and display the BIS Standard Mark. These standards cover items such as alloy tubes for irrigation, rods, bars, sheets, and composite panels. Exceptions apply for exports and limited imports (up to 200 kg annually) strictly for R&D purposes by manufacturers, provided they are not sold commercially and are scrapped afterward. Micro and small enterprises are granted staggered deadlines for compliance.
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy products usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Enforcement and certification responsibilities lie with the Bureau of Indian Standards. Any breach of this order is subject to penalties as defined under the BIS Act, 2016. The list of applicable standards includes but is not limited to IS 7092 (Part 1 & 2), IS 5485, IS 733, IS 734, IS 736, IS 737, IS 739, IS 740, IS 5082, IS 16011, IS 17682, IS 1285, IS 2067, IS 21, IS 1254, and IS 7902, with their latest amendments as notified by BIS remaining applicable at all times.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Certification under Scheme X launched – New Information on Implementation and Open Questions

On July 11, 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) published binding requirements for the new certification procedure “Scheme X” for the first time. These requirements apply to a wide range of products, including various production machines and systems, as well as pumps, motors, filters, and other technical equipment. As of now, these products will require BIS certification under Scheme X starting in September 2026 to be imported into and sold in India.

Technical Basis

Two certification pathways have been confirmed:

• Type Approval for series production
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for one-off items or prototypes

The conformity assessment is based on standard IS 16819, which is fully harmonized with the EU Machinery Directive, including Type A, B, and C standards. Assessment is carried out through a factory inspection and evaluation of documents submitted during the application process.

Requirements for Technical Files and Product Compliance Report

The Product Compliance Report is a mandatory part of the technical documentation and must cover the following key safety aspects:

• Risk assessment
• Description of core safety functions
• Safety validation

It must also document risk mitigation measures, including:

• Technical design
• Control systems
• Warnings, labeling, and user instructions

In addition, the requirements for the Technical Files match those previously communicated by the authority.

If additional documents are requested, the applicant has 15 days to respond, and BIS commits to replying within the same period.

Audit Requirements

The standard audit covers four man-days with two auditors. Additional man-days may be required for reviewing further technical documents. If final assembly does not take place at the manufacturing site, the final assembly location must also be audited.

During the audit, safety functions must be demonstrated, and the manufacturing process and quality assurance system must be presented in detail.

The certification is valid for three to six years, depending on the product category.

Open Questions

1. Certificate of Conformity (CoC):
   • How exactly does the CoC process differ from Type Approval?
   • What are the requirements for applying for a CoC?
2. Factory Audit in Case of Product Expansion:
   • Are new audits required when variants are added later? This is not currently expected but not officially defined.
   • When is a follow-up product considered an auditable extension? Likely when products of a different category are added to an already certified site.
3. Product Compliance Report:
   • Is there a required format or minimum content?
   • Is a freely structured report acceptable as long as all content is included?
4. Audit Duration:
   • Does “4 man-days with two auditors” mean two calendar days with two people, or four days with both auditors present?
5. Final Assembly at the Customer Site in India:
   • Will an additional on-site audit be required at the customer’s location if the final assembly is done there?
6. Certification Validity:
   • Can the maximum six-year validity be applied for directly, or is a step-by-step approach required?
7. Role of the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR):
   • What specific responsibilities does the AIR have according to Annex 4 regarding test coordination, even though product testing is not generally required?

Other Unresolved Issues

• Product Scope:
  Is the current HS code-based definition of certifiable products sufficient? How are borderline cases handled where the function is the same but the HS code differs?
• Duration of the Procedure:
  How long does the entire process, including audit and final approval, usually take?
• Extension/Modification:
  Are there simplified procedures for product modifications or range extensions?

Download Information

You can download an information overview sheet as free PDF here.

If you would like to know which approval requirements apply to your products in India or want to stay informed about the latest certification regulations, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – July 2025

We regularly publish advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect shortly. Affected products must have BIS certification in order to be approved for import and distribution in India. Within the next month, several standards will come into force, including certain types of cable sheathing, as well as different types of hinges and flashlights.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforces Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to mandate that specific products comply with national quality benchmarks. Unlike regular BIS standards, which are typically voluntary, QCOs impose legal obligations on manufacturers and importers of designated goods. These regulations aim to safeguard public health, animal welfare, and the environment, while also upholding consistent product quality in India. QCOs cover a broad array of items, including chemicals, metals, toys, and electronic devices. Non-compliance can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

Here is an overview of the new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect next month:

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.