Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use – Part 2: Particular Requirements for Temperature Sensing Controls

Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use – Part 2: Particular Requirements for Temperature Sensing Controls QCO Overview

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, has issued amendments under the Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, through the Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026.

Under this notification, Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use – Part 2: Particular Requirements for Temperature Sensing Controls covered under IS/IEC 60730 (Part 2) Section 9: 2011 are subject to mandatory BIS certification requirements.

As per the notification, manufacturers of Temperature Sensing Controls shall ensure that their products conform to the specified Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence granted in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

What is IS/IEC 60730 (Part 2) Section 9: 2011?

IS/IEC 60730 (Part 2) Section 9: 2011 is the Indian Standard for Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use – Part 2: Particular Requirements for Temperature Sensing Controls.

The standard specifies requirements relating to the design, construction, electrical safety, temperature sensing performance, operational reliability, testing procedures, marking, inspection, packaging, and quality control of temperature sensing controls used in household and similar applications.

The standard ensures that temperature sensing controls meet prescribed requirements for accuracy, durability, reliability, thermal protection, electrical safety, performance consistency, and operational efficiency for use in air conditioners, refrigeration systems, heat pumps, water heaters, cooking appliances, HVAC equipment, and other temperature-regulating applications.

Latest Amendment under the QCO, 2026

The Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 came into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette on 8 May 2026. The amendment introduces revised provisions concerning the import of certain hermetic compressors used in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump applications.

Under the amended framework, manufacturers of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including related components, are permitted to import specified categories of compressors within defined limits linked to their import volumes during the financial year 2024–25. These temporary import concessions will remain available until 31 March 2027.

For the financial year 2026–27, the permissible import limits are as follows -

• Up to 40% of the quantity imported during FY 2024–25 for reciprocating hermetic compressors of fixed speed and inverter technology having a rated capacity below two tons of refrigeration, intended for refrigerators and similar refrigeration appliances.
• Up to 30% of the quantity imported during FY 2024–25 for rotary hermetic compressors of fixed speed and inverter technology with a rated capacity below two tons of refrigeration, designed for air conditioners and heat pump applications.
• Up to 90% of the quantity imported during FY 2024–25 for scroll and rotary hermetic compressors of fixed speed and inverter technology having a rated capacity of two tons of refrigeration and above, used in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems.
• Up to 100% of the quantity imported during FY 2024–25 for rotary hermetic compressors having a rated capacity of two tons of refrigeration and above, specifically intended for Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air-conditioning systems.

The amendment also places certain compliance obligations on manufacturers. Companies availing these import relaxations must maintain a monthly record of imported goods, submit the information to the concerned authorities on their official letterhead duly authenticated by an authorised signatory, and furnish a comprehensive indigenisation plan to the Central Government outlining their strategy for increasing domestic manufacturing capabilities.

This amendment does not alter the mandatory BIS certification requirements for Temperature Sensing Controls covered under IS/IEC 60730 (Part 2) Section 9: 2011. Instead, it provides limited import flexibility for specified compressor categories while continuing to promote long-term domestic manufacturing and quality compliance objectives.

Exemptions Under the Order

The QCO generally does not apply to -

• Products manufactured domestically for export purposes.
• Products imported as components of finished goods.
• Products imported for research and development activities subject to prescribed conditions.
• Products imported by manufacturers for export-oriented production under specified conditions.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Automatic Electrical Controls for Household and Similar Use – Part 2: Particular Requirements for Temperature Sensing Controls covered under IS/IEC 60730 (Part 2) Section 9: 2011.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Any manufacturer, importer, distributor, or seller violating the provisions of this Order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.