Household Electrical goods
Switches for Domestic and Similar Purposes
Strategic Recommendations for Switches for Domestic and Similar Purposes IS 3854.
- Begin BIS Certification Immediately
Manufacturers and importers must apply for BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence for IS 3854 before placing switches on the domestic market. - Consult Compliance Professionals (ERA)
Engage ERA (or equivalent) to manage BIS application, Product Manual testing, factory audit readiness and dossier preparation. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 95992 96331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For assistance with test planning, accredited labs, and certification timelines. - Track QCO Amendments & Exemptions
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for Monitor Gazette notifications and QCO amendments (including the S.O. 2604(E) proviso revision) to remain compliant on exemptions and obligations. - Ensure Marking & Documentation
Affix ISI mark only after licence grant; maintain batch traceability, test reports and QA records for inspections.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Switches for Domestic and Similar Purposes |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 3854 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Switches for Domestic and Similar Purposes — Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Electrical Wires, Cables, Appliances and Protection Devices and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2003 |
| Notification & Amendments | Included in the QCO notified by S.O. 189(E) dated 17 Feb 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) (2010 amendment modified proviso wording). |
| Final Enforcement Date | Effective from 17 February 2003 (date of QCO publication). |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safety, durability and electrical performance of switches used in household and similar installations so as to reduce shock, fire and malfunction risks. |
| Products Covered | Mechanical and electrical switches intended for domestic and similar purposes (including wall switches, rocker/push-button types, multi-way switches and similar low-voltage switchgear covered by IS 3854). |
| 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 | Switch manufacturers, electrical accessories OEMs, component suppliers, importers, distributors, retailers, electrical contractors and e-commerce sellers. |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) product certification required for domestic manufacture/import/sale; ISI mark mandatory on product/nameplate/packaging; testing per Product Manual in BIS-recognised labs. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply to BIS for Standard-Mark licence (Scheme-I) for IS 3854; arrange type/routine/acceptance testing in BIS-recognised labs; implement QA, traceability and correct marking. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the QCO using BIS statutory powers; current enforcement 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) as per BIS Act provisions. |
| Conclusion | IS 3854 switches are subject to mandatory BIS certification since 17 Feb 2003 under the QCO; manufacturers/importers must secure licences, complete Product Manual testing and affix ISI mark before domestic sale. |
| References / Annexures | IS 3854 (BIS entry / standard document); 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
 Switches for domestic and similar purposes (IS 3854) 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 Order was later 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) — the 2010 amendment changed the proviso wording relating to exemptions.
Enforcement Timeline
 The QCO has been in force since 17 February 2003. From that date, manufacture, import, storage, distribution or domestic sale of switches covered by IS 3854 requires BIS certification and ISI marking unless an export exemption applies under the QCO proviso.
Overview
 IS 3854 prescribes mechanical, electrical and safety requirements for switches intended for domestic and similar purposes. The standard covers construction, insulation, contact performance, mechanical endurance, temperature rise, creepage/clearances, and marking to ensure safe, reliable operation in household installations.
Objective & Scope
 To protect consumers and installations from electrical hazards and fire by mandating minimum safety, performance and marking requirements for switches used in households and similar environments.
Products Covered
 Domestic wall switches, rocker/push-button switches, multi-way switches and similar low-voltage mechanical switches for household and similar use as defined in IS 3854.
Exemptions Provided
 Export-only consignments may be exempt per the QCO proviso (subject to Central Government approval and conditions). There is no blanket domestic exemption for non-ISI switches.
Industries Impacted
 Switch manufacturers, electrical accessories OEMs, suppliers of plastics/contacts, importers, wholesalers, retailers, electrical contractors and online marketplaces will be directly affected by compulsory certification.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
 Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS Standard-Mark (Scheme-I) licence for IS 3854; products must undergo type, routine and acceptance testing in BIS-recognised laboratories; ISI mark and licence details must appear on the product/nameplate and packaging prior to domestic sale.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Apply to BIS for a Standard-Mark licence (Scheme-I), commission product testing per the BIS Product Manual in BIS-recognised labs, implement in-process and routine QA tests, update labels and procurement specifications to require ISI-marked switches.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
 The QCO is enforceable under the Bureau of Indian Standards authority and presently under the BIS Act, 2016 and 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 or repeated offences.
Conclusion
 Since 17 February 2003, IS 3854 switches are part of the mandatory BIS certification regime. Manufacturers, importers and traders must prioritise certification, testing and ISI marking to lawfully manufacture, import and sell switches 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.