The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) introduced the Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, on January 16, 2025. This order aims to enhance quality standards and regulate the manufacturing and import of Household Refrigerating Appliances in India. 

Key Highlights of the Order

1. Implementation and Applicability

• The Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, shall come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
• It mandates that all Household Refrigerating Appliances must conform to Indian Standard IS 17550 (Part 1): 2021.

2. Mandatory Compliance with Standard Mark

• All refrigerating appliances must bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
• This move ensures that only high-quality products meeting safety and performance standards are available in the domestic market. 

3. Exemptions and Special Provisions

While the order enforces strict compliance, it provides certain exemptions under specific conditions:

• Imports of Components: Manufacturers certified by the BIS or those who have applied for certification can import components of refrigerating appliances, provided they submit a self-declaration to the Central Government. These components cannot be sold in the domestic market and must be exclusively used for manufacturing.
• Research and Development (R&D): A manufacturer certified by BIS or awaiting certification can import up to 200 refrigerating appliances per year for R&D purposes. These products must not be sold commercially and should be disposed of as scrap after use. The manufacturer must maintain a record of such imports.
• Exports: The order does not apply to refrigerating appliances meant exclusively for export, ensuring seamless global trade without additional regulatory hurdles. 

4. Certification and Enforcement

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the certifying and enforcement authority for Household Refrigerating Appliances.
• This ensures strict adherence to quality norms and provides a regulatory framework for manufacturers to follow. 

Impact on Industry and Consumers

• For Manufacturers: The amendment reinforces quality control, compelling manufacturers to adhere to the prescribed standards, thereby boosting consumer trust.
• For Consumers: The enforcement of BIS certification assures consumers of safer, high-quality products, reducing risks associated with substandard refrigerating appliances.
• For Importers and Exporters: The well-defined exemptions facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with national quality standards. 

The Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025, is a significant step toward strengthening quality regulations in India’s appliance industry. By enforcing strict compliance and offering exemptions where necessary, the order ensures a balance between regulatory oversight and industrial growth. As India moves towards a more quality-conscious market, such initiatives will play a crucial role in fostering innovation and consumer safety.