Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances
Commercial Vacuum Packaging Appliances
Strategic Recommendations for Commercial Vacuum Packaging Appliances
- Start BIS Certification Process Now
Begin technical dossier preparation, sampling and lab testing early — commercial equipment testing (motors, pumps, sealing elements) can take time. - Partner with Compliance Experts
ERA’s compliance team can assist with dossier preparation, lab coordination, Schedule A declaration, and factory audit readiness. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp — for help with applications, test-lab referrals and ISI mark implementation. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter to receive BIS circulars, QCO amendments, and enforcement reminders. - Ensure Marking & Documentation Before Sale
Affix ISI mark, include compliant instruction manuals, and maintain traceability and quality records to satisfy BIS audits.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Commercial Vacuum Packaging Appliances |
| 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, mechanical and operational safety of commercial vacuum packaging appliances used in food processing and catering through mandatory BIS certification. |
| Products Covered | Electrically powered vacuum packaging machines for commercial/industrial use (chamber and external sealer types), vacuum pouch/roll packagers, and associated electrically driven accessories (≤250V AC / ≤480V DC where applicable). |
| Exemptions | - Products manufactured exclusively for export - R&D imports (up to 200 units/year, not for commercial sale) - Declared pre-enforcement stock (Schedule A) may be sold/displayed for up to 6 months after implementation subject to declaration to BIS |
| Industries Impacted | Food processing and packaging manufacturers, commercial kitchens, catering services, cold-chain logistics suppliers, hospitality and institutional food services |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 - BIS certification under Scheme-I is mandatory - ISI mark to be affixed on product and packaging before sale |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence, arrange sample testing at BIS-recognised labs, update product marking/manuals, declare Schedule A stock (if any), prepare factory records for BIS audit |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016; BIS is the certifying and enforcement authority with inspection and prosecution powers |
| Penalties | Non-compliance may result in seizure of stock, suspension or cancellation of licence, imposition of fines, or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both |
| Conclusion | From 19 March 2026 (or staggered dates for SMEs), all commercial vacuum packaging appliances in India must be BIS-certified to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and carry the ISI mark — manufacturers/importers should start certification now to avoid supply disruption and enforcement action. |
| 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 Vacuum Packaging Appliances have been notified under the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025 (S.O. 2232(E), 19 May 2025) issued under the BIS Act, 2016. This QCO supersedes the 2024 QCO and implements mandatory BIS conformity for a broad list of commercial and household electrical appliances, including vacuum packaging equipment.
Overview
Commercial vacuum packaging machines (both chamber and external/sealer types) are widely used across food processing, catering, and hospitality sectors to extend shelf life and maintain hygiene. Because these machines combine electrical systems, vacuum pumps, heating/sealing elements and food-contact surfaces, they must meet electrical safety, thermal safety, mechanical integrity and construction requirements to prevent shock, fire, contamination or mechanical failure.
Objective & Scope
The QCO requires conformity with IS 302 (Part 1):2024, covering electrical insulation, earthing, motor and pump safety, temperature rise of sealing elements, safe enclosure design, ingress protection where relevant, user controls/labels, and durability for commercial duty cycles.
Products Covered
- Chamber vacuum packaging machines used in food processing (commercial grade)
- External vacuum sealers for packaged foods and sous-vide applications (commercial)
- Integrated vacuum systems with conveyors or automated sealing stations
- Electrically driven pumps, heaters and control modules integral to the packaging equipment
Exemptions Provided
- Products manufactured solely for export – Up to 200 units/year may be imported for R&D (not for commercial sale) – Pre-implementation (Schedule A) stocks may be sold/displayed for up to six months if declared to BIS
Industries Impacted
- Food processors and packersÂ
- Commercial kitchen and catering equipment makers
- Hospitality and institutional food service suppliersÂ
- Cold-chain and logistics service providers
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers and importers must secure BIS licence under Scheme-I, test samples at BIS-recognised laboratories against IS 302 (Part 1):2024 requirements, apply the ISI mark on equipment and packaging, and maintain records for BIS audits.
Enforcement Timeline
- Large & Medium Enterprises: 19 March 2026
- Small Enterprises: 19 June 2026
- Micro Enterprises: 19 September 2026
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Start BIS licence application and technical file assembly now.
- Identify and send representative samples (pumps, heaters, complete machines) to BIS-recognised test labs.
- Update product labels, user manuals and packaging to include ISI and safety instructions.
- Declare any non-marked stock under Schedule A to BIS to allow legal clearance within the allowed time.
- Prepare production quality records and factory audit readiness.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The BIS, empowered under the BIS Act, 2016, will oversee implementation.
Non-compliance may result in:
- Seizure of stock
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both
Conclusion
Effective 19 March 2026 (with SME staggered dates), commercial vacuum packaging appliances must be BIS-certified to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and carry the ISI mark before sale in India. Early initiation of testing and licensing will prevent supply interruptions, protect end-users, and keep businesses compliant.
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.