On March 5, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Electrical Appliance for Domestic Clothes Washing (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This order mandates that all domestic clothes washing machines manufactured, imported, or sold in India adhere to stringent quality standards, enhancing safety, performance, and compliance with Indian standards. 

If you are involved in the manufacturing, importing, or sale of domestic clothes washing machines, this regulation will have direct implications for your business. The order, implemented after consulting with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is issued in the public interest under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. 

Key Provisions of the Electrical Appliance for Domestic Clothes Washing (Quality Control) Order, 2023 

1. Title and Implementation Timeline 

Officially titled the Electrical Appliance for Domestic Clothes Washing (Quality Control) Order, 2023, the regulation will take effect as per the following schedule:

·   Medium and Large Enterprises: Compliance is required six months after the order’s publication in the Official Gazette, beginning 5th September 2024.

·   Small Enterprises: Compliance is required nine months after publication, from 5th December 2024.

·   Micro Enterprises: Compliance becomes mandatory twelve months post-publication, starting 5th March 2025. 

2. Mandatory BIS Certification 

The core requirement of this order is the mandatory use of the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark). Domestic clothes washing machines must conform to Indian Standard IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7): 2010 and bear the BIS certification.

·  Manufacturers are required to obtain a BIS license to use the ISI Mark, ensuring that their products meet established quality and safety benchmarks.

·  This certification requirement applies only to products intended for the domestic market; washing machines manufactured exclusively for export are exempt.

3. BIS as the Certifying Authority 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) serves as the exclusive certifying and enforcement authority for this order. BIS’s responsibility is to ensure that only certified washing machines meeting the designated Indian standards are sold within the country, thereby safeguarding consumers and maintaining market integrity.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Non-compliance with the Electrical Appliance for Domestic Clothes Washing (Quality Control) Order, 2023 carries serious consequences. Any individual or entity found violating this order’s provisions will face penalties as stipulated in the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This regulatory framework underscores the government’s commitment to deterring non-compliance and ensuring that all domestic washing machines meet essential quality standards. 

This order represents a significant advancement in maintaining high-quality standards for domestic clothes washing machines, ensuring the safety, performance, and reliability of products available in the Indian market. It supports consumer protection and industry transparency, aligning with the government’s goal of elevating product quality across essential household appliances. 

Stay compliant and prepare your business for these important regulatory changes to continue operating within the guidelines of the industry!

Implementation Dates: Date of implementation for General (Medium & Large-Scale Enterprises): 5th September 2024

- Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 5th December 2024.