Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls
Room Air Conditioners (Unitary Type)
Strategic Recommendations for Room Air Conditioners (IS 1391 Part 1:2017)
- Engage with BIS & Labs Now
Apply early for BIS certification under IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 and complete product testing in BIS-recognized laboratories. - Work with ERA Compliance Experts
Leverage ERA Compliance Team’s expertise for BIS applications, lab coordination, ISI marking, and exemption handling. - Contact ERA Support Team
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Get support for exemption filings, certification planning, and regulatory guidance. - Track Amendments & Exemptions
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for stay updated on all AC QCO amendments (2019–2025), including exemptions for pre-certified stock till 31st March 2024. - Conduct Internal Gap Assessment
Audit product lines for conformity with IS 1391 (Part 1):2017, ensuring labeling, packaging, and documentation compliance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Room Air Conditioners – Unitary Type |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Room Air Conditioners – Specification, Part 1: Unitary Air Conditioners |
| Quality Control Order | Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019 |
| Notification & Amendments | Original: S.O. 4354(E), dated 5 Dec 20191st Amendment: S.O. 1518(E), dated 18 May 20202nd Amendment: S.O. 4671(E), dated 22 Dec 20203rd Amendment: S.O. 5095(E), dated 8 Dec 20214th Amendment: S.O. 5972(E), dated 21 Dec 20225th Amendment: S.O. 32(E), dated 2 Jan 20246th Amendment: S.O. 695(E), dated 11 Feb 20257th Amendment: S.O. 1815(E), dated 17 Apr 2025 |
| Final Enforcement Date | Originally 1 June 2020 → extended to 1 Jan 2021, then 1 Jan 2022, 1 Jan 2023, and finally 1 Oct 2023 |
| Objective & Scope | To regulate quality, performance, and energy efficiency of unitary room ACs through BIS certification. |
| Products Covered | All unitary (single-unit) room air conditioners used for residential and light commercial applications. |
| Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export.- R&D imports up to 200 units/year (non-commercial).- Declared stock manufactured/imported before 2024 allowed till 31 Mar 2024.- Certain component exemptions (compressors, heat exchangers) indirectly apply to unitary ACs. |
| Industries Impacted | - Domestic AC manufacturers- Importers & distributors- Retail & service networks- HVAC OEMs |
| Mandatory Compliance | Compliance with IS 1391 (Part 1):2017; ISI marking on every product; BIS license required under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license; complete product testing in BIS-recognized labs; affix ISI mark on units/packaging; declare exempt stock with BIS. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Governed under the BIS Act, 2016, with enforcement by BIS through inspections and certification audits. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant meters, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both |
| Conclusion | BIS certification under IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 became mandatory from 1 October 2023 for all unitary ACs. |
| References / Annexures | S.O. 4354(E) [05.12.2019], S.O. 1518(E) [18.05.2020], S.O. 4671(E) [22.12.2020], S.O. 5095(E) [08.12.2021], S.O. 5972(E) [21.12.2022], S.O. 32(E) [02.01.2024], S.O. 695(E) [11.02.2025], S.O. 1815(E) [17.04.2025] |
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Notification
Unitary Room Air Conditioners are regulated under the Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, notified via S.O. 4354(E), dated 5 December 2019. The Order has undergone multiple amendments and timeline extensions from 2020 to 2025, adjusting compliance deadlines and introducing exemptions.
Enforcement Timeline
The original compliance date of 1 June 2020 was revised multiple times due to industry readiness challenges. The final date of enforcement was fixed as 1 October 2023, after which all unitary ACs must comply with IS 1391 (Part 1):2017.
Overview
Unitary (window-type) ACs are widely used in Indian households and small businesses. Their regulation is crucial to eliminate low-quality imports, ensure durability, and promote energy-efficient cooling solutions.
Objective & Scope
IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 lays down the requirements for cooling capacity, energy efficiency, performance, construction quality, and safety. The QCO mandates BIS certification to ensure standardized quality in all unitary ACs sold or imported in India.
Products Covered
All unitary room air conditioners manufactured, imported, or sold in India fall under the scope of this Order.
Exemptions Provided
- Export-only products remain exempt.
- R&D imports (up to 200 units/year) are exempt, provided they are not sold commercially.
- Pre-certified or declared stock manufactured/imported before enforcement may be sold till 31 March 2024.
- Certain component-level exemptions (compressors, heat exchangers) also impact compliance indirectly.
Industries Impacted
- Air Conditioner Manufacturers (domestic and international brands).
- Importers, Distributors & Retail Chains selling window ACs.
- HVAC Suppliers & OEMs supplying key components.
- Service & Repair Networks handling BIS-marked products.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Certification under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 is mandatory. Products must be tested in BIS-recognized labs and display the ISI mark on packaging and nameplates before being marketed or sold.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- File BIS license applications with supporting documentation.
- Get product samples tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure ISI mark on every product before market release.
- Maintain separate declarations for export-only stock.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
- The Order is legally binding under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is empowered to seize non-compliant goods, suspend/cancel licenses, impose fines, and initiate prosecution
- Penalties include:
- Seizure of products
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Monetary fines or imprisonment up to 2 years
Conclusion
From 1 October 2023, all unitary room ACs must conform to IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 and carry the ISI mark. The QCO ensures better consumer protection, improved product efficiency, and uniform market standards.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.