Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls
Ducted and Package Air Conditioners
Strategic Recommendations for Ducted and Package Air Conditioners (IS 8148:2018)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification under IS 8148:2018 and complete mandatory testing in BIS-recognized laboratories before sale/import. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA Compliance Team to streamline BIS application filing, lab coordination, documentation, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support available for exemption handling, lab setup, certification planning, and regulatory guidance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on AC QCO amendments (2019–2025), including exemptions, enforcement timelines, and compliance deadlines. - Do a Gap Assessment
Audit all ducted/package AC models for conformity with IS 8148:2018. Verify labeling, packaging, and certification. Declare pre-certified stock before 31 March 2024 to avail exemption.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ducted and Package Air Conditioners |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 8148:2018 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Ducted and Package Air Conditioners – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019 |
| Notification & Amendments | Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019 |
| Final Enforcement Date | Originally 1 June 2020 → extended to 1 Jan 2021 → 1 Jan 2022 → 1 Jan 2023 → 1 Oct 2023 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure quality, energy efficiency, and safety of ducted and packaged air conditioners by mandating BIS certification. |
| Products Covered | All ducted and package type air conditioners for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively meant for export.- R&D imports up to 200 units/year, not for commercial sale.- Pre-manufactured/declared stock allowed for sale till 31 Mar 2024.- Certain exemptions for compressors/heat exchangers indirectly affect packaged AC units. |
| Industries Impacted | - HVAC manufacturers- Building & infrastructure developers- Commercial & industrial AC suppliers- OEMs and service providers |
| Mandatory Compliance | Conformity to IS 8148:2018, ISI marking, and BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, conduct lab testing in BIS-recognized labs, update ISI marking on product and packaging, declare exempted stock to BIS. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Governed under the BIS Act, 2016, with enforcement by BIS through inspections and certification audits. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant meters, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both |
| Conclusion | BIS certification is mandatory for ducted and package ACs under IS 8148:2018 from 1 October 2023. |
| References / Annexures | S.O. 4354(E) [05.12.2019], S.O. 1518(E) [18.05.2020], S.O. 4671(E) [22.12.2020], S.O. 5095(E) [08.12.2021], S.O. 5972(E) [21.12.2022], S.O. 32(E) [02.01.2024], S.O. 695(E) [11.02.2025], S.O. 1815(E) [17.04.2025] |
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Notification
Ducted and Package Air Conditioners are regulated under the Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, notified via S.O. 4354(E) dated 5 December 2019. Multiple amendments and extensions were issued between 2020–2025, including changes in enforcement timelines and exemptions.
Enforcement Timeline
The original enforcement date of 1 June 2020 was extended several times: first to 1 January 2021, then 1 January 2022, 1 January 2023, and finally 1 October 2023. Since that date, all ducted and packaged ACs must comply with IS 8148:2018.
Overview
Ducted and package air conditioners are large-capacity systems designed for centralized cooling in commercial, institutional, and industrial spaces. Their quality and performance directly impact energy efficiency, safety, and consumer satisfaction.
Objective & Scope
The standard IS 8148:2018 specifies requirements for performance, construction, energy efficiency, and safety of ducted and package ACs. The QCO aims to ensure reliability, efficiency, and durability, protecting consumers and businesses.
Products Covered
The Order applies to all ducted and packaged air conditioners manufactured, sold, or imported in India.
Exemptions Provided
- Goods meant exclusively for export.
- R&D imports up to 200 units/year (non-commercial).
- Declared pre-certified stock allowed for sale till 31 March 2024.
- Related exemptions for hermetic compressors and heat exchangers indirectly apply to packaged AC systems.
Industries Impacted
- HVAC & Cooling System Manufacturers
- Construction & Infrastructure Firms (installing centralized ACs)
- Commercial Building Management & Industrial Facilities
- OEMs & Maintenance Service Providers
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Compliance requires BIS certification under Scheme-I, ISI marking on products and packaging, and testing through BIS-approved laboratories.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- File BIS license applications with supporting documentation.
- Get product samples tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure ISI mark on every product before market release.
- Maintain separate declarations for export-only stock.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
- The Order is legally binding under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is empowered to seize non-compliant goods, suspend/cancel licenses, impose fines, and initiate prosecution
- Penalties include:
- Seizure of products
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Monetary fines or imprisonment up to 2 years
Conclusion
From 1 October 2023, ducted and packaged air conditioners must comply with IS 8148:2018 and carry the ISI mark. Manufacturers must ensure timely certification and marking to avoid enforcement penalties.
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.