BIS QCO For Fire Resisting Record Protection Cabinets
IS 14203:2023
CONCERN MINISTRY: Bureau of Indian Standards
Dear Viewer,
Important update regarding the Indian Standard applicable to all existing licence holders, new applicants, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers of Fire Resisting Record Protection Cabinets.
Fire Resisting Record Protection 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 Fire-resistant Cabinets (Quality Control) Order, 2025.
Under this notification, Fire Resisting Record Protection Cabinets covered under IS 14203:2023 have been brought under mandatory BIS certification requirements.
As per the notification, manufacturers are required to ensure that their products conform to the applicable Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence granted in accordance with Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
What is IS 14203:2023
IS 14203:2023 is the Indian Standard for Fire Resisting Record Protection Cabinets. These cabinets are designed to protect important records, documents, certificates, legal papers, financial records, and other valuable information from damage caused by fire.
The standard specifies requirements related to construction, fire resistance performance, testing methods, marking requirements, and overall quality to ensure reliable protection of records during fire incidents.
Implementation Dates Under QCO
The Quality Control Order will come into force from the following dates:
| Category | Implementation Date |
| General (Other than Micro and Small Enterprises) | 6 Months from the date of notification in e-Gazette |
| Small Enterprises | 9 Months from the date of notification in e-Gazette |
| Micro Enterprises | 12 Months from the date of notification in e-Gazette |
Key Requirements Under the QCO
- Products must comply with the requirements of IS 14203:2023.
- Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling products in the Indian market.
- Certified products must bear the ISI Mark.
- BIS shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for these products.
- Manufacturers must comply with the latest version of the standard, including amendments issued by BIS from time to time.
- Non-compliance may attract action under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.
Products Covered Under the Order
The notification covers the following standards:
| Product | Indian Standard |
| Fire Resisting Record Protection Cabinets | IS 14203:2023 |
| Fire Resisting (Insulating) Filing Cabinets | IS 14561:2014 |
Exemptions Under the Order
The QCO does not apply to:
- Products manufactured in India exclusively for export purposes.
Certification and Enforcement Authority
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certification and enforcement authority for Fire Resisting Record Protection Cabinets covered under this Quality Control Order.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Any manufacturer, importer, distributor, or seller found violating the provisions of this Order shall be liable for action and penalties under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
Notification Details
| Title | Issue Date | View Order |
| QCO Order | 2025 | View |
Bureau of Indian Standards
Manak Bhawan 9, B.S. Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002
+91-11-23231903
Important Disclaimer
The contents provided in this update are solely meant for general informational purposes. Before you make decisions or take action based on the information provided, it is advised to seek professional legal consultation.