Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating
Electric Immersion Water Heaters
Strategic Recommendations for Electric Immersion Water Heaters
Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification for IS 368:2014 well before enforcement. Conduct immersion heating safety and performance tests at BIS-approved labs.
- Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA’s compliance specialists for certification, product testing, ISI marking, and assessment of the 2026 Transition Facilitation QCO route. Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support for BIS licensing, testing schedules, QCO 2026 transition requirements, and compliance implementation.- Track Notifications & Circulars
Stay updated with ERA Newsletter for changes in deadlines, amendments, and compliance requirements. - Do a Gap Assessment
Compare current immersion heater specifications with IS 368:2014 requirements (safety cut-off, insulation, performance tests) and close compliance gaps in advance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating – Electric Immersion Water Heaters |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 368:2014 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Electric Immersion Water Heaters – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order, 2023 (S.O. 1253(E), dated 5th March 2024), superseded and re-notified as Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order, 2025 (S.O. 355(E), dated 16th January 2025). |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 355(E), dated 16 January 2025; superseded the earlier 2023 QCO. S.O. 3417(E), dated 25 June 2026 includes the QCO under the Transition Facilitation framework. |
| Final Enforcement Date | • General manufacturers – 1st March 2025 • Small enterprises – 1st June 2025 • Micro enterprises – 1st September 2025 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of electric immersion water heaters for domestic water heating, making BIS certification mandatory. |
| Products Covered | Immersion-type electric water heaters used for heating water directly in domestic containers. |
| Exemptions | • Goods manufactured for export purposes • Import of up to 200 units per year for R&D by manufacturers (not for sale, only for scrap disposal) • Extended timelines for Micro and Small Enterprises. |
| Industries Impacted | • Electric water heater manufacturers • Household appliance industry • Importers & distributors • Retailers & e-commerce platforms • BIS-recognized labs. |
| Mandatory Compliance | • Must conform to IS 368:2014 • Must bear ISI Mark under BIS licence as per Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | • Apply for BIS certification under IS 368:2014 • Conduct mandatory testing in BIS-approved labs • Ensure correct labeling and ISI marking • Prepare compliance documentation and supply chain readiness. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Issued under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certifying and enforcement authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Penalties under BIS Act, 2016: • Seizure of non-compliant goods • Suspension or cancellation of BIS licence • Fines or imprisonment up to two years, or both. |
| Conclusion | From 1st March 2025, IS 368:2014 compliance is mandatory for all electric immersion water heaters, with phased deadlines for MSMEs. |
| References / Annexures | • Gazette Notification S.O. 1253(E), dated 5th March 2024 (QCO 2023) • Gazette Notification S.O. 355(E), dated 16th January 2025 (QCO 2025) |
Notification
The product Electric Immersion Water Heaters is covered under the Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating (Quality Control) Order). It was first notified via S.O. 1253(E) on 5th March 2024 and later superseded and re-notified under S.O. 355(E) on 16th January 2025.
Latest Regulatory Development
The Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 – S.O. 3417(E), dated 25 June 2026 includes the Electrical Appliances for Domestic Water Heating QCO within its transition framework. Eligible companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 may apply to DPIIT for specific permission, subject to risk assessment by the Implementation Committee. Where permission is granted, the transition framework permits use of the BIS Standard Mark under Scheme II, subject to specified conditions. This transition mechanism is conditional and does not automatically exempt a company from BIS requirements.
Enforcement Timeline
- General manufacturers: 1st March 2025
- Small enterprises: 1st June 2025
- Micro enterprises: 1st September 2025
Overview
The Order makes BIS certification compulsory for all immersion water heaters, ensuring consumer protection, product safety, and reliable performance.
Objective & Scope
The aim is to regulate quality and safety standards for immersion heaters used in domestic water heating, covering risks such as overheating, electrical leakage, and fire hazards.
Product Covered
Immersion-type electric heaters intended for domestic water heating.
Exemptions Provided
- Exported products are exempt.
- Up to 200 imported units annually for R&D only (not for sale, only scrap disposal).
- Staggered compliance timelines for micro and small enterprises.
Industries Impacted
The regulation impacts appliance manufacturers, importers, distributors, e-commerce sellers, and BIS-accredited testing labs.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- Conformance to IS 368:2014.
- Certification under Scheme-I of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.
- ISI Marking is mandatory prior to sale.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers should verify product applicability, review product design and technical documentation against IS 368:2014, conduct required testing through appropriate BIS-recognized laboratories and obtain the applicable BIS certification. Eligible companies should also evaluate whether the Transition Facilitation QCO 2026 route is applicable to their business.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The order is issued under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the enforcement authority. Violations may result penalties including
- Product seizure
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS certification
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years under Section 29 of the Act
Conclusion
Electric Immersion Water Heaters covered by IS 368:2014 are subject to mandatory BIS conformity requirements under the applicable QCO. The Transition Facilitation (QCO) Order, 2026 provides a conditional compliance pathway for eligible companies, subject to DPIIT permission and prescribed requirements.
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