Household refrigerating appliances are electrical products used for storing food and beverages at low temperatures to keep them fresh for a longer time. These appliances include refrigerators, freezers, and similar cooling equipment used in homes, offices, hotels, and shops. They help preserve food quality, reduce spoilage, and provide convenient daily storage.
Since these appliances run continuously on electricity and use cooling systems, safety
and performance are very important during their use. To ensure proper protection
against electrical hazards and provide reliable cooling performance, the Bureau of
Indian Standards has prescribed quality requirements under IS 17550 (Part 1):2024.
Manufacturers need to obtain BIS certification before selling these products in India,
which confirms that the appliances meet the required safety and quality standards.
What is IS 17550 (Part 1):2024
This is the Indian Standard that lays down general requirements and test methods for
household refrigerating appliances. It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
to ensure these products are safe, efficient, and reliable for everyday use.
The standard ensures that the product is:
- Safe from electrical hazards and operational risks.
- Able to maintain proper cooling performance.
- Built with durable and quality materials .
- Properly tested for safety, efficiency, and performance.
- Marked with important ratings, instructions, and product details.
Who Requires BIS Certification for Household Refrigerating Appliances?
BIS certification under IS 17550 (Part 1):2024 is required for businesses involved in
manufacturing, importing, and selling household refrigerating appliances in India.
It applies to:
- Manufacturers – Must obtain BIS certification before selling products made in
India.
- Importers – Need to ensure imported appliances comply with BIS requirements.
- Suppliers/Distributors – Should deal only in BIS-approved products in the
market.
This certification is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Benefit: BIS certification helps ensure safe usage, reliable cooling performance, legal
market access, and customer trust.
BIS Testing & Quality Standards for refrigerators and cooling appliances
To ensure safe operation, proper cooling performance, and reliable quality, the Bureau
of Indian Standards has prescribed testing and inspection requirements under IS 17550
(Part 1):2024. These tests are carried out during production and quality checks to
confirm that household refrigerating appliances meet required standards before sale in
India.
Safety & Electrical Checks
- Protection Against Live Parts (R): Prevents user contact with electrical parts.
- Power Input Test (R): Verifies rated power consumption.
- Leakage Current Test (R): Confirms safe leakage current limits.
- Electric Strength Test (R): Checks insulation safety under voltage stress.
- Moisture Resistance Test (S): Ensures safe operation after humidity exposure.
Cooling & Performance Checks
- Storage Test (S): Verifies stable cooling performance during storage use.
- Cooling Capacity Test (S): Confirms cooling efficiency of the appliance.
- Freezing Capacity Test (S): Checks freezing performance of freezer sections.
- Pull Down Test (S): Measures time taken to reach target cooling temperature.
- Temperature Rise Test (S): Ensures safe temperature levels during operation.
Build Quality & Mechanical Checks
- Air Tightness of Doors (R): Ensures proper door sealing to reduce cooling loss.
- Door Opening Force Test (S): Checks smooth and safe opening of doors or
lids.
- Hinges & Handle Durability (S): Confirms long-term door component strength.
- Shelf Strength Test (S): Verifies load-bearing strength of shelves and trays.
Functional & Product Checks
- Thermostat Setting Test (R): Confirms proper temperature control function.
- Volume Measurement Test (S): Verifies declared storage capacity.
- Energy Consumption Test (S): Measures power usage efficiency.
- Odour & Taste Test (S): Ensures no unwanted smell or taste transfer to stored
food.
hOW tO GET BIS LICENSE FOR REGRIGERATORS
To obtain a BIS license, manufacturers must follow the certification process prescribed
by the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS 17550(part 1). This process confirms that
the product meets required safety and quality standards for sale in India.
- Online Registration: Apply through the BIS Manak Online Portal by submitting company details, factory information, and product specifications. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Product Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories to check electrical safety, insulation strength, temperature rise, leakage current, mechanical durability, and overall operational safety of skin and hair care appliances.
- Application Submission: Submit the BIS application along with test reports, technical documents, manufacturing details, and quality control information. Foreign applicants must also submit AIR documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing unit to verify production capability, testing facilities, quality systems, and compliance with applicable standards.
- Grant of BIS License: If the product and factory meet all BIS requirements, the license is issued under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark : After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI Mark with the CM/L number, confirming compliance with BIS standards.
BIS documents Checklist for REFRIGERATION APPLIANCES
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS approval:
Basic Details: - GST Certificate
- Email ID, Contact Number
- Factory, Office Address
- Rent and Lease Agreement(if applicable)
- Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
| Product and Packing Details: - Quantity per Package
- Nature of Packing
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
Testing and Quality Control: - List of testing Equipment
- Calibration Certificates
- QC or Lab In-charge Appointment Letter
- Qualification
| Raw Material Details: - List of Row Materials
- Supplier Details
- Raw Material Invoices
- Raw Material Test Certificates
|
Manufacturing Details: - List of Machinery
- process flow chart
- Layout plan of Factory
| Brand and Certification Documents: - Trademark / Brand Certificate
- Consent Latter From BIS Recognized Laboratory
|
Production Details: - Annual Installed Capacity
- Last Year Production Value
| Additional Documents: - Weekly Off Details
- Hygiene Documents(if applicable)
- Relaxation Latter(if applicable)
- Any Other Relevant Documents
|
Management Details: - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
| Required Documents: - Agreement with AIR
- Aadhaar Card with AIR
- AIR Nomination Form
- Required Undertakings
- Scope of License
|
Foreign manufacturers must additionally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manage compliance requirements in India.
Marking Requirements And ISI labeling
When a manufacturer obtains the BIS license, the ISI mark for steel step bolts must be applied clearly and permanently on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI Mark, other important details must also be provided on the product or packaging, as specified in the table below. This ensures the product meets all quality and safety standards. .
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 17550 (Part 1) |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note:Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
BIS Licence Validity for refrigeration apploances
After obtaining BIS approval for the nickel battery, the license is valid for a fixed period and must be maintained by following BIS rules and standards.
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
bis approval Cost For household refrigerators
The cost of BIS compliance for the portable batteries includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- Marking fee depends on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-approved laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Household refrigerating appliances covered under IS 17550 (Part 1):2024 are important
products used for keeping food fresh and maintaining proper storage temperature in
daily life. This standard ensures that these refrigerating appliances are tested for safety,
cooling performance, durability, and energy efficiency. BIS Certification confirms that the
product meets these required quality standards and is suitable for sale in India.
With proper guidance, the certification process becomes easier and faster. Support from
an experienced consultant like EVTL India helps manage documentation, testing,
compliance, and approval smoothly for successful market entry.
