Plugs and Socket-Outlets and Alternating Current Direct Connected Static Prepayment Meters for Active Energy
Plugs & Socket-Outlets
Strategic Recommendations for Plugs & Socket-Outlets (IS 1293:2005)
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
BIS certification under IS 1293:2005 has been mandatory since 1st June 2022. Ensure all product lines remain compliant. - Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS license (if pending) and complete sample testing in BIS-approved laboratories. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Consult ERA Compliance Team for support on certification, ISI marking, and exemption handling. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get assistance for license filing, lab coordination, and inspection readiness. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on QCOs, including timeline changes and amendments. - Do a Gap Assessment
Identify non-ISI marked SKUs and audit packaging, labeling, and testing compliance to avoid penalties.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Plugs & Socket-Outlets |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 1293:2005 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Plugs and socket-outlets of Rated Voltage up to and including 250 Volts and Rated Current up to and including 16 Amperes – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Plugs and Socket-Outlets and Alternating Current Direct Connected Static Prepayment Meters for Active Energy (Quality Control) Order, 2021 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 4353(E), dated 4 December 2019 (QCO 2019) Amended via S.O. 1517(E), dated 18 May 2020 (QCO 2020 Amendment) Superseded by S.O. 2166(E), dated 7 June 2021 (QCO 2021) |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 June 2022 (for all enterprises) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safety, reliability, and standardization of plugs and socket-outlets by mandating BIS certification under IS 1293:2005 |
| Products Covered | Plugs and socket-outlets up to 250 Volts and up to 16 Amperes |
| Exemptions | Products manufactured exclusively for export |
| Industries Impacted | - Electrical appliance manufacturers - Domestic & industrial wiring accessories producers - Consumer electrical goods market - Power distribution and safety device manufacturers |
| Mandatory Compliance | Conformity to IS 1293:2005; ISI marking required; BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS license - Complete testing in BIS-recognized labs - Ensure ISI marking on all products before sale/import - Declare non-compliant stock for exemption (if for export) |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 by BIS; includes inspections, certification control, and penalties |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant meters, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both |
| Conclusion | BIS certification under IS 1293:2005 is mandatory for all plugs and socket-outlets. The QCO 2021 supersedes QCO 2019 and its 2020 amendment, ensuring safety and consumer protection |
| References / Annexures | - QCO 2019: S.O. 4353(E) [4 Dec 2019] - Amendment 2020: S.O. 1517(E) [18 May 2020] - QCO 2021: S.O. 2166(E) [7 June 2021] |
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Notification
Plugs and socket-outlets have been notified under the Plugs and Socket-Outlets and Alternating Current Direct Connected Static Prepayment Meters for Active Energy (Quality Control) Order, 2021, issued via S.O. 2166(E) dated 7 June 2021 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the BIS Act, 2016.
This Order superseded the earlier QCO of 2019 (S.O. 4353(E), dated 4 December 2019) and its 2020 amendment (S.O. 1517(E), dated 18 May 2020).
Enforcement Timeline
- Enforcement applicable from 1 June 2022 for all enterprises (large, medium, small, micro).
Overview
Plugs and socket-outlets of rated voltage up to 250 Volts and rated current up to 16 Amperes are widely used in households, offices, and industries. Ensuring standardization and safety of these devices is critical to prevent electrical hazards, overheating, and accidents. IS 1293:2005 specifies performance, construction, safety, and testing requirements.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 1293:2005 is to ensure safe, reliable, and standardized plugs and socket-outlets by mandating BIS certification and ISI marking. The standard defines requirements for:
- Electrical performance (rated voltage/current)
- Material and insulation quality
- Safety parameters against fire and shock
- Durability and mechanical strength
Products Covered
- Plugs and socket-outlets of rated voltage up to and including 250 Volts, and rated current up to and including 16 Amperes.
Exemptions Provided
- Plugs and socket-outlets manufactured exclusively for export.
Industries Impacted
- Electrical appliance manufacturers – must integrate certified plugs into appliances.
- Consumer goods & wiring accessories producers – affected across domestic and industrial markets.
- Power safety and distribution equipment suppliers – must comply for plug-and-socket assemblies.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- BIS certification under IS 1293:2005 is mandatory.
- ISI mark must be visible on every product/packaging.
- Certification under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- File BIS license application with required documents.
- Submit samples to BIS-recognized laboratories for testing.
- Implement ISI marking on packaging.
- Declare/export-specific non-compliant stock separately.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
- Governed under the BIS Act, 2016.
- BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority.
- Penalties for non-compliance include:
- Seizure of products
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years (or both)
Conclusion
From 1 June 2022, all plugs and socket-outlets must conform to IS 1293:2005 and carry BIS certification with ISI marking. The QCO 2021 supersedes the 2019 QCO and its 2020 amendment, setting strict benchmarks for electrical safety and consumer protection in India.
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.