Blast Chiller and Freezer Cabinets

Blast Chiller and Freezer Cabinets QCO Overview

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, has issued the draft Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Counters & Blast Chiller and Freezer Cabinets (Quality Control) Order, 2025.

Under this notification, Blast Chiller and Freezer Cabinets covered under IS 18802:2023 have been brought under mandatory BIS certification requirements.

As per the notification, manufacturers of Blast Chiller and Freezer Cabinets 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 18802:2023?

IS 18802:2023 is the Indian Standard for Blast Chiller and Freezer Cabinets for Professional Use. The standard is aligned with ISO 22042:2021 and specifies the classification, performance requirements, construction requirements, testing methods, operating conditions, energy performance, safety requirements, marking, inspection, and quality control requirements for blast chiller and freezer cabinets used in professional food service applications.

The standard ensures that blast chiller and freezer cabinets meet prescribed requirements relating to rapid cooling and freezing performance, temperature control, energy efficiency, food safety, hygiene, durability, reliability, and operational effectiveness. These products are widely used in hotels, restaurants, commercial kitchens, catering facilities, food processing units, hospitals, bakeries, and other professional food service establishments.

Implementation Dates Under QCO

The Quality Control Order will come into force from the following dates:

Key Requirements Under the QCO

• Products must comply with the requirements specified under IS 18802:2023.
• Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling products in the Indian market.
• Certified products must bear the ISI Mark.
• BIS will act as the certification and enforcement authority for these products.
• Non-compliance may result in penalties under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

Exemptions Under the Order

The QCO does not apply to:

• Products manufactured domestically for export purposes.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Blast Chiller and Freezer Cabinets covered under this Quality Control Order.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

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