Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances
Commercial Electric Appliances for Keeping Food and Crockery Warm
Strategic Recommendations for Commercial Electric Appliances for Keeping Food and Crockery Warm Manufacturers & Importers
- Start BIS Certification Process Now
Begin documentation, testing, and audit preparation early to prevent supply delays. - Partner with Compliance Experts
ERA’s compliance team can support with application filing, testing, and marking approval. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For assistance with BIS documentation, Schedule A clearance, and audit readiness. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for BIS updates, amendments, and enforcement alerts. - Ensure Marking Before Sale
Affix the ISI mark and ensure all packaging, manuals, and technical labels are compliant before distribution.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Commercial Electric Appliances for Keeping Food and Crockery Warm |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 302 (Part 1):2024 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements |
| Quality Control Order | Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 2232(E), dated 19 May 2025 Supersedes QCO 2024: S.O. 4098(E), dated 17 Sept 2024 |
| Final Enforcement Date | Large & Medium Enterprises: 19 March 2026 Small Enterprises: 19 June 2026 Micro Enterprises: 19 September 2026 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical, thermal, and operational safety of commercial food and crockery warming appliances through BIS certification. |
| Products Covered | Electrically powered appliances designed to keep cooked food or crockery warm in commercial settings, including bain-marie units, heated cabinets, and warming drawers (≤250V AC / ≤480V DC). |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively for export - R&D imports (up to 200 units/year) - Schedule A stock clearance allowed for up to 6 months after enforcement |
| Industries Impacted | Commercial kitchen equipment manufacturers, hospitality industry, catering services, institutional kitchens |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 - BIS certification under Scheme-I is mandatory - ISI mark must be displayed on product and packaging |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence, arrange testing at BIS-recognised labs, update product labels, declare Schedule A stock |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced by BIS under the BIS Act, 2016 with inspection and prosecution authority |
| Penalties | Non-compliance may result in seizure of stock, license suspension, fines, or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both |
| Conclusion | From 19 March 2026, all commercial electric appliances for keeping food and crockery warm sold, manufactured, or imported in India must be BIS-certified to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and carry the ISI mark, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance. |
| References/Annexures | - QCO 2025: S.O. 2232(E) [19 May 2025] - Superseded QCO 2024: S.O. 4098(E) [17 Sept 2024] |
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Notification
Commercial Electric Appliances for Keeping Food and Crockery Warm are regulated under the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025, notified via S.O. 2232(E) on 19 May 2025 under the BIS Act, 2016, replacing the earlier 17 September 2024 QCO.
Overview
These appliances are used extensively in hotels, restaurants, catering businesses, and institutional kitchens to maintain the temperature of cooked food or crockery before serving. The regulation addresses electrical safety, temperature control accuracy, and material durability to reduce operational hazards.
Objective & Scope
The QCO mandates compliance with IS 302 (Part 1):2024, covering electrical insulation, heating element safety, thermal stability, temperature control systems, surface temperature limits, and safe material construction for food contact areas.
Products Covered
- Heated holding cabinets
- Electric bain-marie units
- Warming drawers and heated shelves
- Plate warmers and crockery warming cabinets
Exemptions Provided
- Export-only products
- R&D imports up to 200 units/year (not for sale)
- Schedule A stock can be sold for up to six months post-enforcement
Industries Impacted
- Commercial kitchen equipment manufacturers
- Hospitality and catering service providers
- Institutional food service operators
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- BIS certification under Scheme-I is compulsory
- Compliance with IS 302 (Part 1):2024 testing standards
- ISI mark must be clearly displayed on products and packaging
Enforcement Timeline
- Large & Medium Enterprises: 19 March 2026
- Small Enterprises: 19 June 2026
- Micro Enterprises: 19 September 2026
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS licence early
- Arrange sample testing at BIS-approved labs
- Update labeling and marking for ISI compliance
- Declare Schedule A stock for legal clearance
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The BIS will enforce the regulation under the BIS Act, 2016.
Penalties for non-compliance include:
- Seizure of unmarked/non-compliant stock
- Suspension or cancellation of the license
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both
Conclusion
From 19 March 2026, all commercial electric appliances for keeping food and crockery warm must be BIS-certified under IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and carry the ISI mark. This ensures safer commercial food service operations, prevents electrical hazards, and enforces national quality standards — timely compliance is essential to avoid penalties and market disruption.
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.