Household Electrical goods

Self-Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services (compact fluorescent self-ballasted lamps)

Strategic Recommendations for Self Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services – Part 1 : Safety Requirements & Part 2 : Performance Requirements.

  • Begin BIS Certification Immediately
    Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence for IS 15111 (Pt 1 & 2) before domestic sale.
  • Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
    Engage ERA (or similar) to manage BIS application, Part-1 & Part-2 testing, factory audit readiness and Product Manual compliance.
  • Reach Out for Support
    📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp
    For assistance with test planning, lab referrals, dossier preparation and certification timelines.
  • Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
    Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for Monitor Gazette notifications and QCO amendments (notably the 2010 proviso change) to remain updated on exemption conditions and obligations.
  • Ensure Marking & Documentation
    Affix ISI mark only after licence grant; maintain batch traceability, test reports and QA records for inspections.
Self Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services – Part 1 : Safety Requirements & Part 2 : Performance Requirements
Section Details
Product Name Self-Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services (compact fluorescent self-ballasted lamps)
Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. IS 15111 (Part 1 & Part 2):2002
Title of Indian Standard Self Ballasted Lamps for General Lighting Services – Part 1 : Safety Requirements & Part 2 : Performance Requirements
Quality Control Order Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003
Notification & Amendments Notified via S.O. 189(E) dated 17 February 2003; QCO subsequently amended via S.O. 165(E) (5 Feb 2004), S.O. 1172(E) (22 Aug 2005), S.O. 512(E) (19 Feb 2009), S.O. 2058(E) (7 Aug 2009) and S.O. 2604(E) (19 Oct 2010) (amendments to proviso language).
Final Enforcement Date Effective from 17 February 2003 (date of QCO publication).
Objective & Scope To mandate safety (Part 1) and performance (Part 2) requirements for self-ballasted lamps so they are safe, reliable, interchangeable and suitable for general lighting applications.
Products Covered Compact fluorescent self-ballasted lamps (factory-sealed, non-repairable) intended for general lighting services (typical ratings covered ≤26 W, ≤250 V and standard cap types E14/E27 or B15d/B22d as per IS 15111).
Exemptions Export-only consignments may be exempt under the QCO proviso (subject to Central Government approval and applicable conditions); no blanket domestic exemption.
Industries Impacted Lamp manufacturers, lighting component OEMs, ballast/choke suppliers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and lighting product assemblers.
Mandatory Compliance BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) product certification mandatory; ISI mark required on product and packaging; testing as per Parts 1 & 2 and Product Manual.
Next Steps for Stakeholders Apply for BIS licence (Scheme-I), complete Part-1 (safety) & Part-2 (performance) type testing in BIS-recognised labs, implement factory QA, and ensure ISI marking before domestic sale.
Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement Enforced under the QCO using powers of the Bureau of Indian Standards; current enforcement via BIS Act (2016) and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 — authorised officers may inspect and enforce.
Penalties for Non-Compliance Seizure of non-conforming goods, suspension/cancellation of BIS licence, monetary fines and prosecution (including imprisonment where applicable) under BIS Act provisions.
Conclusion IS 15111 (Pt 1 & 2) self-ballasted lamps are in the mandatory BIS regime since 17 Feb 2003 — manufacturers/importers must secure BIS licence, complete Product Manual testing and affix ISI mark for domestic marketing.
References / Annexures Key sources: QCO (S.O. 189(E) — 17 Feb 2003) and amendments S.O. 165(E), S.O. 1172(E), S.O. 512(E), S.O. 2058(E), S.O. 2604(E); PM/IS-12640(P-1)/2 (revised Product Manual); IS entry page (IS 12640 Part 1 : 2024).

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Notification & Amendments

  •  Self-ballasted lamps (general lighting) are included under the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003, notified by S.O. 189(E) on 17 February 2003. The QCO was later amended by S.O. 165(E) (5 Feb 2004), S.O. 1172(E) (22 Aug 2005), S.O. 512(E) (19 Feb 2009), S.O. 2058(E) (7 Aug 2009) and S.O. 2604(E) (19 Oct 2010), the latter modifying proviso wording related to exemptions.

Enforcement Timeline

  • The Order became effective on 17 February 2003. From that date, BIS certification and ISI marking are mandatory for manufacturing, import, storage, distribution and sale of self-ballasted lamps in India.

Overview

 IS 15111 is divided into two parts: Part 1 (Safety Requirements) and Part 2 (Performance Requirements) for compact fluorescent self-ballasted lamps. The standard addresses safety (insulation, earthing, thermal limits, mechanical strength, marking, interchangeability) and performance (luminous flux, life, lumen maintenance, start behavior) for factory-sealed, non-repairable lamps intended for general lighting.

Objective & Scope

 To ensure that self-ballasted lamps marketed in India are safe, perform reliably over their rated life and are interchangeable with standard lamp holders/gear while protecting consumers from electrical or fire hazards.

Products Covered

 Factory-sealed compact fluorescent self-ballasted lamps for general lighting (typical ratings up to 26 W and supply voltages up to 250 V, including common cap types such as E14/E27 or B15d/B22d) as detailed in IS 15111 Parts 1 & 2.

Exemptions Provided

Export-only consignments may be exempt per the QCO proviso (subject to approval and conditions); there is no blanket exemption for domestic sale of non-ISI lamps.

Industries Impacted

 Lamp manufacturers, ballast/choke makers, lighting OEMs, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and lighting assemblers will be directly affected by the compulsory certification requirement.

Mandatory Compliance Requirements

 Manufacturers/importers must obtain BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence; perform Part-1 (safety) and Part-2 (performance) testing in BIS-recognised laboratories; and display the ISI mark and licence details on the lamp and packaging prior to domestic marketing.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

Apply for BIS licence under Scheme-I; arrange type and performance testing per IS 15111 Parts 1 & 2 in BIS-recognised labs; set up factory QA/routine tests; update labels and procurement specifications to require ISI-marked lamps.

Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties

 The Order is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. Contraventions (e.g., manufacture/sale of non-conforming or non-marked goods) attract actions including search/seizure and prosecution. Section 29(3) prescribes penalties up to two years’ imprisonment and fines (with specified minimums and escalation for repeat offences). 



Conclusion

Since 17 February 2003, self-ballasted lamps covered by IS 15111 (Part 1 & 2) have been subject to mandatory BIS certification. Manufacturers, importers and sellers must secure licences, complete required testing and apply ISI marking to lawfully operate in the Indian market.

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.

ERA COMPLIANCE DIGEST

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Get in touch with us today

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