Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls
Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioners
Strategic Recommendations for Finned Type Heat Exchangers (IS 11329:2018)
- Start BIS Licensing Early
Apply for BIS certification under IS 11329:2018 well in advance and complete mandatory testing in BIS-recognized laboratories. - Leverage Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA Compliance Team for support on BIS license applications, exemption handling, lab coordination, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Dedicated support available for exemption filings, testing schedules, and regulatory clarifications. - Track Amendments & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on QCO amendments (2020–2025), including capacity-based exemptions and stock declaration provisions. - Conduct a Gap Analysis
Audit product designs, labeling, ISI marking, and packaging processes against IS 11329:2018 to ensure full compliance before BIS inspections.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Finned Type Heat Exchanger for Room Air Conditioners |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 11329:2018 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Finned Type Heat Exchangers for Room Air Conditioners – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019 |
| Notification & Amendments | Original: S.O. 4354(E), dated 5 Dec 20191st Amendment: S.O. 1518(E), dated 18 May 20202nd Amendment: S.O. 4671(E), dated 22 Dec 20203rd Amendment: S.O. 5095(E), dated 8 Dec 20214th Amendment: S.O. 5972(E), dated 21 Dec 20225th Amendment: S.O. 32(E), dated 2 Jan 20246th Amendment: S.O. 695(E), dated 11 Feb 20257th Amendment: S.O. 1815(E), dated 17 Apr 2025 |
| Final Enforcement Date | Originally 1 June 2020 → extended to 1 Jan 2021, then 1 Jan 2022, 1 Jan 2023, and finally 1 Oct 2023 |
| Objective & Scope | To standardize the quality, durability, and performance of finned type heat exchangers used in room air conditioners. |
| Products Covered | All finned type heat exchangers (evaporators and condensers) used in unitary and split room air conditioners. |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively for export.- Capacity-based exemption: Heat exchangers below a specified capacity (≤ certain tonnage as per amendments) exempted.- R&D imports up to 200 units/year (non-commercial use).- Declared pre-certified stock allowed sale till 31 Mar 2024. |
| Industries Impacted | - Air conditioner manufacturers (using heat exchangers)- Component suppliers/OEMs- Importers of heat exchangers- HVAC system integrators |
| Mandatory Compliance | Conformity to IS 11329:2018, ISI marking required, BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license; test exchangers in BIS-approved labs; update ISI marking on components; declare exempt stock with 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 | From 1 October 2023, all finned type heat exchangers for room ACs must comply with IS 11329:2018 and carry BIS certification. |
| 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
Finned type heat exchangers for room ACs are covered 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 (2020–2025) revised enforcement dates and exemptions.
Enforcement Timeline
- The original deadline of 1 June 2020 was postponed several times, with the final enforcement date set as 1 October 2023.
Overview
Heat exchangers (evaporator and condenser coils) are key components in air conditioners, directly affecting cooling efficiency, durability, and energy consumption. Ensuring compliance eliminates low-quality imports and standardizes component safety and reliability.
Objective & Scope
IS 11329:2018 specifies design, construction, performance, corrosion resistance, and safety standards for finned type heat exchangers used in room air conditioners. The QCO mandates compliance to ensure uniform quality and consumer safety.
Products Covered
All finned type heat exchangers used in unitary and split-type room ACs (domestic and commercial) are covered under the standard.
Exemptions Provided
- Export-only products are exempt.
- Heat exchangers below specified capacity are exempt as per amendments.
- R&D imports up to 200 units annually are exempt if not sold commercially.
- Declared stock manufactured/imported before enforcement may be sold till 31 March 2024.
Industries Impacted
- AC manufacturers (assemblers of unitary and split ACs).
- OEM component suppliers (heat exchangers).
- Importers bringing foreign coils into India.
- HVAC integrators and service providers.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers/importers must obtain a BIS license under Scheme-I, ensuring products conform to IS 11329:2018. Testing must be carried out in BIS-recognized laboratories, and ISI marking must be affixed before sale or distribution.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS license;
- Test exchangers in BIS-approved labs;
- Update ISI marking on components;
- Declare exempt stock with BIS.
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, all finned type heat exchangers used in room air conditioners must be BIS certified as per IS 11329:2018. This ensures improved safety, performance, and reliability in India’s fast-growing air conditioning market.
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.