Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Counters

Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Counters 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, Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Counters covered under IS 18801:2023 have been brought under mandatory BIS certification requirements.

As per the notification, manufacturers of Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Counters 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 18801:2023?

IS 18801:2023 is the Indian Standard for Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Counters for Professional Use. The standard specifies the requirements relating to classification, construction, performance, energy consumption, testing methods, inspection, marking, and quality control of refrigerated storage cabinets and counters used in commercial food storage and service applications.

The standard ensures that refrigerated storage cabinets and counters meet prescribed requirements for temperature control, energy efficiency, hygiene, durability, performance, and operational safety for use in hotels, restaurants, commercial kitchens, catering facilities, food service establishments, supermarkets, and other professional environments.

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 18801:2023.
• 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 Refrigerated Storage Cabinets and Counters 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.