In recent years, there has been a focus on ensuring the safety and quality of electrical appliances used in homes, commercial spaces, and similar environments. With growing concerns about electrical hazards and equipment malfunctions, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has introduced the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This order sets strict guidelines to regulate the manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, ensuring that products meet safety standards that protect consumers from electrical accidents. Regulations are necessary not only for safety but also to enhance the overall quality of electrical goods on the market.

What is the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025?

The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is a regulatory framework introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to ensure the safety of electrical appliances in India. This updated version of the 2024 Quality Control Order requires that all electrical equipment manufactured for domestic, commercial, or similar use meet specific safety standards. 

This applies to equipment with rated voltages up to 250 V for single-phase and 480 V for other equipment. The order requires manufacturers to obtain BIS registration and certification to sell these products in the country. BIS certification guarantees that equipment meets the necessary safety and quality standards, reducing the risk of accidents such as electric shocks and fires. The mandate aims to improve product safety, enhance consumer protection and ensure that electrical appliances in India are reliable and trustworthy for everyday use.

--------------Blog Contact Form-------------

Objective of the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025

The key objectives behind the implementation of this order are as follows:

• Consumer Protection: Ensuring electrical equipment meets safety standards to prevent accidents such as electric shock, fire, and other potential hazards.
• Uniform Quality Standards: By implementing BIS certification, the mandate ensures that all manufacturers adhere to a uniform set of quality control standards, making it easier for consumers to trust the quality of electrical appliances.
• Promoting Domestic Manufacturing: The order also encourages domestic manufacturers to follow international standards, which can help them increase product quality and increase exports.
• Environmental Considerations: Regulations are not only about safety but also about the environmental impact of electrical equipment, ensuring that they do not harm the environment when in use or disposal.

Key Provisions of the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances QCO, 2025

Several key provisions are outlined in this order, designed to regulate the electrical appliance market:

Short Title, Application, and Commencement: This order is called the Safety of Household, Commercial, and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025. It is applicable on electrical appliances used in household, commercial, or similar applications. The order comes into effect on March 19, 2026.

Compulsory Standard Mark: Appliances covered by this order must conform to the relevant Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS license as per Scheme-1 of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

Exemptions:

Goods manufactured for export are exempt from these regulations.

Small and micro enterprises will have extended timeframes to comply with the standards (up to six months).

Appliances manufactured or imported before the implementation date of the order can still be sold, provided they are declared and accounted for.

BIS Certification: BIS registration and certification are mandatory for electrical appliances to be legally sold in India.

Research and Development Exemption: Small quantities of goods imported for research and development purposes are exempt, provided they are not sold commercially.

Table of Electrical Appliances Covered under the Order

The following table lists electrical appliances that fall under the scope of the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025:

Impact on the Electronics Industry

The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances Quality Control Order, 2025 has a significant impact on the electronics industry. By applying BIS certification, it ensures that manufacturers adhere to stringent safety and quality standards. This can lead to:

• Increased Manufacturing Costs: Manufacturers may face initial costs related to obtaining BIS registration and certification. However, in the long run, these standards can improve product quality and reduce the number of defective devices on the market.
• Global Competitiveness: As Indian manufacturers follow international safety standards, they can enhance the global competitiveness of their products. This can open up export opportunities, as products with BIS certification are often considered trustworthy and safe.
• Incentives for Innovation: With a focus on safety and quality, manufacturers can be incentivized to innovate and improve the design of their devices to meet new standards, which will ultimately benefit consumers.
• Consumer Confidence: The mandatory use of the BIS standard mark increases consumers’ confidence in the safety and reliability of electrical equipment.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025 may result in severe penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Any person found to have violated the provisions of this Order may face fines, penalties or other legal action depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Ensuring compliance with BIS certification is essential to avoid such penalties and maintain business operations within the legal framework.

Conclusion

The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is an important step towards enhancing the safety and quality of electrical appliances in India. By ensuring equipment meets stringent safety standards through mandatory BIS certification, the government aims to protect consumers, encourage fair competition and support domestic manufacturing. 

As the industry adapts to these new regulations, manufacturers will need to invest in quality control measures and obtain the necessary certifications. In turn, consumers can expect high-quality and safe electrical appliances on the market. For manufacturers and suppliers, obtaining BIS certification is no longer an option but a requirement to ensure that products meet national and international standards, thereby maintaining a foothold in a competitive market.