The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) has issued the Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 on 11th February 2025. This order brings new regulations to ensure that air conditioners and their components meet the required quality standards. 

If you are a manufacturer, importer, or part of the air conditioning and refrigeration industry understand these updates simply. 

What is This Amendment About?

The amendment mandates that room air conditioners (unitary air conditioners) must comply with Indian Standard IS 1391 (Part 1): 2017 and carry the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). However, the order also provides certain exemptions and timelines for compliance. 

Key Highlights of the Amendment

1. Mandatory BIS Certification: All unitary air conditioners must conform to IS 1391 (Part 1): 2017. These products must bear the Standard Mark under a license from BIS. 

2. Temporary Exemption for Large Compressors
• Hermetic compressors with a capacity of more than 7000W (2 TR) are exempt from this order for one year from the amendment's commencement.
• This exemption applies to manufacturers of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and related parts. 

3. Exemption for Research & Development (R&D) Imports
• Manufacturers can import up to 200 units per year for research and development purposes.
• These products cannot be sold commercially and must be disposed of as scrap.
• Manufacturers must maintain records of these imports and provide them to the government if required. 

4. Allowance for Previously Manufactured or Imported Goods
   • Products manufactured or imported before the amendment date can still be sold until March 31, 2024.
   • This applies to manufacturers certified by BIS or those who have applied for certification.
   • Such manufacturers must declare their stock to the Bureau.

   5. Exemptions for Maintenance and Sales

   • Up to 6,000 hermetic compressors and heat exchangers per year can be manufactured or imported for maintenance and sales.
   • This exemption is valid for three years from the amendment date.
   • Manufacturers must declare and maintain records of these products and submit them to the Central Government.

    6. Exemption for Export-Oriented Manufacturing

   • Compressors and heat exchangers imported by domestic manufacturers specifically for export-oriented production are exempt from this order.
   • The export order must clearly mention that these components are meant for international sales. 

   What Does This Mean for Manufacturers and Importers?

   • Stricter quality standards: All air conditioners must meet IS 1391 (Part 1): 2017 and obtain BIS certification.
   • More time to comply: Large compressors (>7000W) get one year of exemption.
   • R&D flexibility: Testing and product development can continue without immediate certification hurdles.
   • Clear deadlines: Previously manufactured/imported products can be sold only until March 31, 2024.
   • Maintenance support: Up to 6,000 compressors and heat exchangers per year can be used for repairs and after-sales support.
   • Encouragement for exports: Components used for export-oriented production remain exempt.

   The 2025 amendment aims to ensure that air conditioners meet high-quality standards while allowing businesses enough time to transition. By understanding these changes, manufacturers and importers can plan ahead, stay compliant, and continue delivering reliable products to consumers.

   Implementation Dates: 

   Date of implementation for Large Enterprises: 10th august 2025.

   Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 10th November 2025.

   Date of implementation for Micro Enterprises: 10th February 2026.