Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances
Warming Plates and Similar Appliances
Strategic Recommendations for Warming Plates
- Start BIS Certification Process Now
With enforcement beginning in March 2026, initiate BIS licensing immediately to avoid last-minute delays in testing or factory inspection. - Partner with Compliance Experts
ERA’s team offers technical and regulatory support to assist with BIS documentation, testing coordination, and audit readiness. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get help with ISI mark application, stock declaration, and compliance readiness across product batches. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA’s QCO Alert Service to receive updates on Indian Standard revisions, BIS clarifications, and deadline reminders. - Ensure Marking Before Sale
Every warming appliance must carry a valid ISI mark before sale or distribution in India. Verify marking, packaging, and test reports proactively.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Warming Plates and Similar Appliances |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 302 (Part 1):2024 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 1: General Requirements |
| Quality Control Order | Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025 |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 2232(E), dated 19 May 2025 Supersedes QCO 2024: S.O. 4098(E), dated 17 Sept 2024 |
| Final Enforcement Date | Large & Medium Enterprises: 19 March 2026 Small Enterprises: 19 June 2026 Micro Enterprises: 19 September 2026 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safe and reliable use of warming plates and similar heat-based appliances through mandatory BIS certification and conformity to electrical safety norms. |
| Products Covered | Electric warming plates, buffet warmers, and similar appliances used for keeping food warm, operating at ≤250V (AC) or ≤480V (DC), for domestic and commercial applications. |
| Exemptions | - Export-only products - R&D imports (up to 200 units/year) exempted - Pre-certified or applied manufacturers may clear non-marked inventory within 6 months of enforcement date (upon declaration) |
| Industries Impacted | Kitchen Appliance Manufacturers, Hospitality & Catering Equipment OEMs, Retailers & Restaurant Supply Chains, Buffet & Food Service Equipment Providers |
| Mandatory Compliance | - Must conform to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 - BIS license required under Scheme-I - ISI mark must be printed on the product and packaging |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Submit BIS license application, Test samples in BIS-approved labs, Apply ISI mark on all stock before enforcement, Declare non-marked stock for clearance |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which holds inspection and certification authority |
| Penalties | - Seizure of non-compliant goods - Suspension or cancellation of BIS license - Legal action including fines and/or imprisonment |
| Conclusion | From 19 March 2026, all warming plates and similar appliances must be BIS-certified under IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and carry the ISI mark to be sold legally in India. |
| References/Annexures | - QCO 2025: S.O. 2232(E) [19 May 2025] - Superseded QCO 2024: S.O. 4098(E) [17 Sept 2024] |
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Notification
Warming Plates and Similar Appliances have been notified under the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025, via S.O. 2232(E) dated 19 May 2025. Issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the BIS Act, 2016, this Order supersedes the earlier S.O. 4098(E) from 2024 and mandates BIS certification for specified appliances.
Overview
Warming plates are electrical appliances used to maintain the temperature of cooked food over time. These devices are commonly used in homes, hotels, buffets, and restaurants. Given their heat-based operation, proper insulation, overheat protection, and electrical safety are critical — which this regulation aims to standardize.
Objective & Scope
The primary objective of the QCO is to minimize risks such as overheating, fire, or electric shock while using warming appliances. IS 302 (Part 1):2024 lays down detailed safety requirements for construction, temperature control, electrical insulation, and mechanical durability.
Products Covered
- Warming plates, buffet hot plates, and similar surface-heating devices
- Applicable to single-phase AC devices (≤250V) and DC/three-phase units (≤480V)
- Designed for keeping food warm in domestic kitchens or commercial setups
Exemptions Provided
- Products manufactured solely for export are exempt
- Imports up to 200 units/year allowed for R&D purposes only
- Non-marked stock manufactured/imported before the deadline can be sold within 6 months if declared by a certified/applicant manufacturer
Industries Impacted
- Kitchen Equipment and Small Appliance Manufacturers
- OEMs/ODMs for Hospitality Equipment
- Restaurant Chains, Hotels, Catering Businesses
- Retail & E-commerce Platforms Selling Heating Appliances
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From the notified implementation date, all warming plate appliances must:
- Adhere to IS 302 (Part 1):2024
- Be BIS-certified under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
- Bear the ISI mark clearly on the unit and its retail packaging
Enforcement Timeline
- Large & Medium Enterprises: 19 March 2026
- Small Enterprises: 19 June 2026
- Micro Enterprises: 19 September 2026\
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for a BIS license under IS 302 (Part 1):2024
- Submit products for testing at BIS-accredited laboratories
- Affix ISI mark to all compliant products before sale
- Declare any existing non-marked inventory to BIS for post-deadline clearance within 6 months
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
This regulation is implemented and enforced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the BIS Act, 2016. Non-compliance may result in:
- Seizure of non-compliant stock from warehouses, distributors, or points of sale
- Suspension or cancellation of the BIS license
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, as per the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016
Conclusion
From 19 March 2026 onwards, warming plates and similar electrical appliances must comply with IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and be BIS-certified. Timely action is necessary to maintain market access and avoid enforcement penalties.
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.