NEWS
Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order
Strategic Recommendations – Household Refrigerating Appliances (IS 17550 Part 1:2021)
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Compliance has been mandatory since 1 January 2024 for covered household refrigerating appliances. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Partner with ERA Compliance Team for BIS application, testing, and ISI mark implementation. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support available for BIS certification, QCO exemptions, lab testing, and compliance requirements. - Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
Monitor regulatory updates and applicable export-production and R&D exemptions through ERA Newsletter. - Ensure Marking & Declarations
Covered appliances must carry the ISI mark before domestic sale, or be supported by valid exemption declarations where applicable.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Household Refrigerating Appliances |
| IS Standard | IS 17550 (Part 1):2021 |
| Title of IS | Household Refrigerating Appliances – Characteristics and Test Methods, Part 1: General Requirements |
| Quality Control Order | Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2020 |
| Notification & Amendments | S.O. 4489(E), 10 Dec 2020; S.O. 5339(E), 22 Dec 2021; S.O. 5850(E), 14 Dec 2022; S.O. 358(E), 16 Jan 2025 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 January 2024 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure quality, safety and performance of household refrigerating appliances. |
| Products Covered | Household Refrigerating Appliances conforming to IS 17550 (Part 1):2021 |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured domestically solely for export are exempt. Up to 200 units imported annually for research and development purposes are exempt subject to non-commercial usage and maintenance of prescribed records. |
| Industries Impacted | Home Appliances, Refrigeration, Consumer Electronics, OEMs, Importers & Distributors |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS certification and ISI Mark under Scheme-I are mandatory. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Conduct testing, prepare documents and obtain BIS licence before domestic sale. |
| Legal Framework & Penalties | BIS Act, 2016; BIS is the certification and enforcement authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Fines, seizure/action against goods, licence cancellation and imprisonment as applicable under the BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | Compliance with IS 17550 (Part 1):2021 is mandatory for covered household refrigerating appliances in India. |
| References/Annexures | S.O. 4489(E), S.O. 5339(E), S.O. 5850(E) and S.O. 358(E). |
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 17550 (Part 1):2021 is to establish general requirements and test methods for household refrigerating appliances. The standard provides a common technical framework for evaluating the characteristics and performance of appliances falling within its scope.
Products Covered
The QCO specifically covers Household Refrigerating Appliances conforming to IS 17550 (Part 1):2021 – Household Refrigerating Appliances–Characteristics and Test Methods, Part 1: General Requirements. The 2021 amendment replaced the earlier product descriptions and standards with this updated category and standard.
Industries Impacted
- Household Appliance Manufacturers
- Refrigeration & HVAC Industry
- Consumer Electronics & Electrical Appliance Manufacturers
- Appliance Importers and Distributors
- OEM and Contract Manufacturers
- Retail & Consumer Durable Industry
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All household refrigerating appliances falling within the QCO must comply with IS 17550 (Part 1):2021 and carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence issued under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. BIS’s current compulsory-certification listing confirms IS 17550 (Part 1):2021 under the Refrigerating Appliances QCO.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Determine whether the product falls within the scope of IS 17550 (Part 1):2021.
- Conduct a technical and compliance gap assessment against the applicable standard.
- Arrange required testing through appropriate BIS-recognized/NABL-accredited laboratories, as applicable.
- Prepare technical, manufacturing and quality-control documentation.
- Apply for the appropriate BIS certification/licence under Scheme-I.
- Ensure correct ISI marking and product documentation before domestic sale.
- Maintain appropriate records where an exemption under the 2025 Amendment is claimed.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
BIS is the certification and enforcement authority under the QCO. Non-compliance with a mandatory QCO can result in enforcement proceedings under the BIS Act, 2016. Section 29 provides for imprisonment up to two years, or monetary penalties beginning at ₹2 lakh for a first contravention and ₹5 lakh for subsequent contraventions, with the applicable fine potentially extending to ten times the value of the goods, or both.
Conclusion
Compliance with IS 17550 (Part 1):2021 is mandatory for household refrigerating appliances covered by the Refrigerating Appliances QCO. Following the final enforcement date of 1 January 2024, manufacturers and importers supplying covered products in India must ensure valid BIS certification and ISI marking. The 2025 amendment also provides targeted exemptions for eligible export-production component imports and R&D imports, subject to strict documentation and record-keeping conditions.