Household Electrical goods
AC Watt-Hour Meters (Class 0.5, 1 & 2)
Strategic Recommendations for AC Watt-Hour Meters (Class 0.5, 1 & 2)
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence for IS 13010 meters before placing product in the domestic market. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Partner with ERA (or similar compliance specialists) to manage BIS application, type testing, factory inspections and Product Manual compliance. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For help with test-plan preparation, lab referrals, BIS application paperwork and timelines. - Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for Monitor S.O. notifications and QCO amendments (e.g., S.O. 165(E), 1172(E), 512(E), 2058(E), 2604(E)) to remain current on exemptions and proviso wording. - Ensure Marking & Declarations
Apply ISI Standard Mark and licence details only after certification; maintain test reports, batch traceability and labeling records for inspections.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | AC Watt-hour Meters, Class 0.5, 1 & 2 |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 13010:2002 |
| Title of Indian Standard | AC Watt-hour Meters, Class 0.5, 1 & 2 — Specification. |
| 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 Feb 2003; subsequently 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]. |
| Final Enforcement Date | QCO effective from publication in the Official Gazette: 17 February 2003. |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure energy meters for revenue/billing meet national accuracy, safety and reliability requirements (accuracy classes 0.5/1/2) so billing and meter performance are reliable. |
| Products Covered | Induction-type AC watt-hour meters of accuracy classes 0.5, 1 and 2 (including assembled meters and enclosed accessory assemblies as per IS 13010). |
| Exemptions | Export-only consignments treated per the proviso to Clause 3(1) of the QCO (export exceptions are possible subject to the QCO proviso and Government approvals; 2010 amendment altered proviso wording). |
| Industries Impacted | Meter manufacturers, meter component suppliers (CTs etc.), DISCOMs/state electricity boards, utilities, testing & calibration labs, importers, distributors and EPC contractors. |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS certification under Scheme-I (Product Certification) required; Standard Mark (ISI) mandatory on product, nameplate and packaging; testing per Product Manual / IS requirements. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply to BIS for Standard-Mark licence (Scheme-I), complete type/routine/acceptance testing at BIS-recognized labs, implement traceability & QA, update nameplate/packaging for ISI marking. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the QCO issued under powers of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act (section 14 etc.); current enforcement under BIS Act, 2016 and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Enforcement actions include seizure of non-compliant goods, suspension/cancellation of licence, fines and prosecution under the BIS Act (penalties and imprisonment provisions invoked per the Act). |
| Conclusion | IS 13010 meters are covered by the 2003 QCO (S.O.189(E)) and must carry a valid BIS licence & ISI mark for domestic manufacture/import/sale since 17 Feb 2003. |
| References / Annexures | IS 13010:2002 (standard). — Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances & Protection Devices QCO S.O. 189(E) and amendments (S.O. 165(E), S.O. 1172(E), S.O. 512(E), S.O. 2058(E), S.O. 2604(E)). |
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Notification
 AC watt-hour meters (Class 0.5, 1 & 2) are included in the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003 (Schedule entry for IS 13010) — notified via S.O. 189(E) dated 17 February 2003, with later amendments.
Enforcement Timeline
 The QCO came into force on publication in the Official Gazette (effective 17 February 2003). Subsequent amendments impacting the QCO were published (see S.O. 165(E), S.O. 1172(E), S.O. 512(E), S.O. 2058(E) and S.O. 2604(E)).
Overview
 IS 13010:2002 specifies requirements for induction-type AC watt-hour meters of accuracy classes 0.5, 1 and 2 used for measuring alternating-current active energy (revenue/billing meters). The standard covers meter construction, accuracy, tests and accessories where enclosed in the case.
Objective & Scope
 The purpose of mandating IS 13010 under the QCO is to ensure meters used for billing are accurate, safe and reliable — protecting utility revenue integrity and consumer interests by standardising accuracy, mechanical and electrical performance.
Products Covered
Induction-type AC watt-hour meters of accuracy classes 0.5, 1 and 2, and assembled meters with enclosed accessories (e.g., CTs enclosed in the meter case) as defined in IS 13010.
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Exemptions Provided
 The QCO’s proviso treats export-only consignments separately (export exemptions apply per the proviso and Government guidelines). Note: the QCO has been amended multiple times (including the 2010 amendment S.O. 2604(E) that altered language in the proviso).
Industries Impacted
 Meter manufacturers and OEMs, testing & calibration laboratories, DISCOMs/state electricity boards, utilities, importers/distributors, panel assemblers and EPC contractors involved in metering and billing systems.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
 Manufacturers/importers must obtain BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence for IS 13010 meters, perform type/routine/acceptance tests at BIS-recognized labs, and apply the ISI Standard Mark and licence details on the meter nameplate/packaging before domestic sale.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
 Apply to BIS for licence (Scheme-I), arrange type testing at BIS-recognised labs, implement routine/in-process testing and traceability, update nameplate/packaging to carry ISI details and revise procurement specifications to require ISI-marked meters.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
 The QCO is issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards framework (section 14 references in amendments); enforcement is carried out under the BIS Act (now BIS Act, 2016) and Conformity Assessment Regulations — authorised officers can inspect, seize non-compliant stock and initiate prosecution; penalties include fines, licence suspension/cancellation and imprisonment where applicable.
Conclusion
 Since 17 February 2003, IS 13010 meters have been within the mandatory QCO regime and require valid BIS certification and ISI marking for domestic manufacture, import, sale or distribution. Compliance safeguards billing accuracy and prevents enforcement risks.
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.