Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls
Hermetic Compressors
Strategic Recommendations for Hermetic Compressors (IS 10617:2018)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification under IS 10617:2018 immediately. Enforcement has been effective since 1 October 2023; exemptions are temporary. Testing must be completed in BIS-recognized laboratories only. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA Compliance Team to manage BIS applications, compressor testing, technical documentation, and ISI marking compliance efficiently. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support available for certification filing, exemption declarations, lab coordination, and regulatory guidance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on the Hermetic Compressor QCO and amendments (2019–2025), including capacity-based exemptions and compliance deadlines. - Do a Gap Assessment
Audit all hermetic compressor SKUs against IS 10617:2018. Declare non-marked/old stock under BIS before deadlines. Verify ISI marking, labeling, and packaging compliance to avoid penalties.

Section | Details |
---|---|
Product Name | Hermetic Compressors |
Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 10617:2018 |
Title of Indian Standard | Hermetic Compressors – Specification |
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 the safety, performance, and reliability of hermetic compressors used in air conditioners and refrigeration equipment through BIS certification. |
Products Covered | Hermetic compressors intended for use in room ACs, ducted ACs, packaged ACs, and refrigeration systems. |
Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export.- Hermetic compressors above 7000 W (2 TR) exempt for one year (2023 & 2025 amendments).- Hermetic compressors up to 2 TR exempt for one year (2025 amendment).- R&D imports up to 200 units/year, not for commercial sale.- Declared old stock allowed for sale until 31 Mar 2024.- Up to 6000 hermetic compressors & heat exchangers/year allowed for maintenance till 3 years. |
Industries Impacted | - Air Conditioner Manufacturers- Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturers- Component Suppliers for HVAC sector- OEMs and Maintenance Service Providers |
Mandatory Compliance | Products must conform to IS 10617:2018, carry the ISI mark, and be licensed under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS license- Conduct product testing in BIS-recognized labs- Update packaging with ISI marking- Declare exempted stock under Schedule A provisions |
Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Governed under BIS Act, 2016; enforced by BIS. Includes inspections, license grants/withdrawals, and seizure authority. |
Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant meters, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both |
Conclusion | Hermetic compressors under IS 10617:2018 must comply with the Air Conditioner QCO, 2019 and its subsequent amendments. The order ensures quality, safety, and performance in HVAC and refrigeration systems. |
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
Hermetic Compressors are covered 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 extensions: May 2020, December 2020, December 2021, December 2022, January 2024, and two amendments in 2025 (February & April).
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
Hermetic compressors are sealed motor-compressor units widely used in air conditioners and refrigeration systems. Given their critical role in cooling performance, energy efficiency, and safety, the QCO mandates BIS certification under IS 10617:2018 – Hermetic Compressors: Specification to regulate manufacturing quality and ensure consumer safety.
Objective & Scope
The primary objective is to enhance safety, durability, and efficiency of hermetic compressors. The standard specifies mechanical integrity, electrical safety, refrigerant compatibility, efficiency benchmarks, and durability requirements. The scope covers compressors used in residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems.
Products Covered
The QCO applies to all hermetic compressors manufactured, sold, or imported in India for air conditioners and refrigeration units, except those explicitly exempted under amendments.
Exemptions Provided
- Export products.
- Hermetic compressors >7000 W (2 TR) exempted for one year (2023 & 2025 amendments).
- Hermetic compressors ≤2 TR (7000 W) exempted for one year under the April 2025 amendment.
- Imports of up to 200 units per year for R&D use (not for commercial sale).
- Declared pre-certified stock permitted for sale till 31 March 2024.
- Up to 6000 units/year allowed for maintenance and spare purposes for 3 years under specified conditions.
Industries Impacted
- Air Conditioner & Refrigeration OEMs
- HVAC compressor manufacturers
- Non-domestic importers and component suppliers
- Service & maintenance industries
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Compliance requires BIS certification under Scheme-I, use of the ISI mark on compressors and packaging, and testing through BIS-approved laboratories.
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 enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the certification authority and can conduct inspections, grant or cancel licenses, and seize non-compliant products. Penalties include confiscation of goods, suspension of licenses, monetary fines, and imprisonment of up to two years.
Conclusion
From 1 October 2023, Hermetic Compressors must conform to IS 10617:2018 and bear the ISI mark. The multiple amendments up to April 2025 provide conditional exemptions but reinforce the government’s mandate to ensure quality and safety in India’s HVAC sector.
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.