Household Electrical goods
Room Heaters
Strategic Recommendations for Room Heaters IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30)
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Manufacturers and importers must apply for BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence for IS 302 (Pt 2/Sec 30) before domestic marketing. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Engage ERA (or equivalent) to manage BIS application, Product Manual test planning, factory audit readiness and dossier preparation. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For assistance with test planning, 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 stay current on proviso/exemption conditions. - Ensure Marking & Documentation
Affix ISI mark only after licence grant; maintain batch traceability, test reports and QA records for audits and inspections.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Room Heaters |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30) |
| Title of Indian Standard | Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Part 2: Particular Requirements — Section 30: Room 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 via 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 wording). |
| Final Enforcement Date | Effective from 17 February 2003 (date of QCO publication). |
| Objective & Scope | To prescribe safety requirements and tests for room heaters to protect users from electric shock, excessive surface temperature, fire and other hazards associated with domestic and similar-use heating appliances. |
| Products Covered | Portable and fixed room heaters intended for household and similar use (including convector, radiant, fan-assisted and infrared room heaters as defined in the relevant IS section). |
| 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 (room-heater OEMs), heating-element suppliers, importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality suppliers, and accredited testing laboratories. |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) product certification required; ISI mark mandatory on product/nameplate/packaging; testing (type, routine, acceptance) in BIS-recognised labs; factory inspection as per Product Manual. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS licence (Scheme-I) for IS 302 (Pt 2/Sec 30); arrange Product Manual/type testing in BIS-recognised labs; implement QA, routine testing and traceability; update packaging/marking. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the QCO issued by the Central Government under BIS powers; enforcement presently under BIS Act, 2016 and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 — authorised officers can inspect and enforce. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-conforming goods, suspension/cancellation of BIS licence, monetary fines and prosecution (including imprisonment where applicable) under BIS Act provisions. |
| Conclusion | Room heaters covered by IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30) are in the mandatory QCO regime since 17 Feb 2003; manufacturers/importers must obtain BIS licence, complete Product Manual testing and affix ISI mark for domestic sale. |
| References / Annexures | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30) (standard entry on BIS); 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). |
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Notification
 Room heaters are included in the Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003, notified via S.O. 189(E) on 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 modified 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 room heaters in India requires BIS certification and ISI marking unless an export exemption applies under the QCO proviso.
Overview
 IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30) prescribes particular safety requirements and test methods for room heaters intended for household and similar use. The standard addresses construction, insulation, protection against electric shock, surface temperature limits, stability, thermal cut-outs/overheat protection, and test procedures to ensure safe operation.
Objective & Scope
 To protect users and property by ensuring room heaters meet minimum safety and performance standards — preventing electric shock, fire, burns and hazards arising from abnormal operation or misuse.
Products Covered
 Portable and fixed room heaters for domestic and similar applications (convector, radiant, fan-assisted, infrared types and other variants covered by the IS section).
Exemptions Provided
 Export-only consignments may be treated under the QCO proviso (subject to Central Government approval and conditions). There is no general domestic exemption for non-ISI room heaters.
Industries Impacted
 Manufacturers of room heaters, heating-element and control suppliers, importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality equipment suppliers and accredited testing labs.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
 BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) product certification is mandatory. Products must undergo type, routine and acceptance testing only in BIS-recognised laboratories as per the Product Manual; factory inspection and ISI marking on product and packaging are required before domestic sale.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
 Manufacturers/importers should apply for BIS licence, commission Product Manual/type testing in BIS-recognised labs, implement QA and traceability systems, update labelling and procurement specifications to require ISI-marked heaters.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is enforceable under the Bureau of Indian Standards framework and currently through the BIS Act, 2016 and the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Authorised officers may inspect premises, seize non-conforming stock and initiate prosecution. Penalties include fines, licence suspension/cancellation and imprisonment for serious/repeated offences.
Conclusion
 Since 17 February 2003, room heaters covered by IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30) have been subject to mandatory BIS certification and ISI marking. Manufacturers, importers and distributors must prioritise certification, testing and traceability to lawfully supply the Indian market.