Household Electrical goods
Electric Immersion Water-Heaters
Strategic Recommendations for Electric Immersion Water-Heaters
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Manufacturers and importers must secure BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence for IS 302 (Pt 2/Sec 201) prior to domestic marketing. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Engage ERA (or similar specialists) to support BIS application, product testing, factory audit readiness and dossier preparation. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For assistance with Product Manual testing, lab referrals and certification timelines. - Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for Monitor Gazette notifications and QCO amendments (notably S.O. 2604(E), 2010) to remain current on proviso/exemption conditions. - Ensure Marking & Documentation
Affix ISI mark only after licence grant; maintain batch traceability, test reports and QA records for inspections.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Electric Immersion Water-Heaters |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201):2008 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Safety of household and similar electrical appliances – Part 2: Particular Requirements — Section 201: Electric immersion water-heaters |
| Quality Control Order | Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 189(E) dated 17 February 2003; QCO subsequently amended by S.O. 165(E) (5 Feb 2004), S.O. 1172(E) (22 Aug 2005), S.O. 512(E) (19 Feb 2009), S.O. 2058(E) (7 Aug 2009) and S.O. 2604(E) (19 Oct 2010) (amendment to proviso language). |
| Final Enforcement Date | Effective from 17 February 2003 (date of QCO publication). |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure electrical, thermal and mechanical safety of immersion heaters used in household and similar applications and to prevent hazards such as electric shock, overheating and fire. |
| Products Covered | Electric immersion water-heaters intended for household and similar use (portable immersion heaters / direct-immersion types as covered under Section 201). |
| Exemptions | Export-only consignments may be exempt under the QCO proviso (subject to Central Government approval and applicable conditions); no blanket domestic exemption. |
| Industries Impacted | Appliance manufacturers, immersion heater OEMs, component suppliers, importers, distributors, retailers and e-commerce sellers. |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) product certification mandatory; ISI mark required on product/nameplate/packaging; testing only in BIS-recognised laboratories; factory inspection per Product Manual. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence (Scheme-I); conduct type/routine/acceptance testing per IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201) in BIS-recognised labs; implement QA, traceability and correct marking. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the QCO issued under BIS statutory powers; current enforcement under BIS Act, 2016 and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 — authorised officers may inspect, seize and prosecute. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure/destruction of non-conforming stock, suspension/cancellation of BIS licence, monetary fines and prosecution (including imprisonment where applicable) under the BIS Act. |
| Conclusion | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201) immersion heaters have been in the mandatory BIS regime since 17 Feb 2003; manufacturers/importers must secure BIS licence and ensure ISI marking for domestic sale. |
| References / Annexures | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201):2008; QCO S.O. 189(E) [17 Feb 2003] and amendments S.O. 165(E), S.O. 1172(E), S.O. 512(E), S.O. 2058(E), S.O. 2604(E). |
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.
Get in touch with us today
Notification
Electric immersion water-heaters are included under the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003, notified via S.O. 189(E) dated 17 February 2003. The QCO was later amended by S.O. 165(E) (5 Feb 2004), S.O. 1172(E) (22 Aug 2005), S.O. 512(E) (19 Feb 2009), S.O. 2058(E) (7 Aug 2009) and S.O. 2604(E) (19 Oct 2010) (the 2010 amendment changed the proviso wording relating to exemptions).
Enforcement Timeline
The Order took effect on 17 February 2003. From that date, manufacture, import, storage, distribution or sale of immersion heaters in India requires BIS certification and ISI marking unless an export exemption applies.
Overview
RCCBs are residual-current protective devices that automatically disconnect the supply when earth-fault/leakage current exceeds a set threshold, providing protection against electric shock and fire in household and similar installations.
Objective & Scope
To ensure immersion heaters placed on the Indian market are safe and reliable, preventing electrical and thermal hazards to users and property by prescribing design, testing and marking requirements under BIS certification.
Products Covered
Household and similar-use electric immersion water-heaters (portable/direct immersion types) as defined in Section 201 of IS 302 Part 2.
Exemptions Provided
Export-only consignments may be exempt under the QCO proviso (subject to approval and conditions). There is no general exemption for domestic sale of non-ISI immersion heaters.
Industries Impacted
Manufacturers of immersion heaters, appliance OEMs, suppliers of heating elements and controls, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and online marketplaces.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) product certification is mandatory. Products must be tested (type, routine, acceptance) only in BIS-recognised laboratories; nameplate, packaging and documentation must display ISI mark and licence details. Factory inspection and Product Manual compliance are required.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers should immediately apply for BIS licence, commission required testing in BIS-recognised labs as per the Product Manual, implement factory QA and traceability, and ensure ISI marking before any domestic sale.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Order is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. Contraventions (e.g., manufacture/sale of non-conforming or non-marked goods) attract actions including search/seizure and prosecution. Section 29(3) prescribes penalties up to two years’ imprisonment and fines (with specified minimums and escalation for repeat offences).
Conclusion
Since 17 February 2003, electric immersion water-heaters under IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 201) have been subject to mandatory BIS certification and ISI marking. Stakeholders must comply with Product Manual testing, factory inspection and marking requirements to lawfully manufacture, import or sell these products 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.