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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has updated the Indian standard for the safety of household and similar electrical appliances. The existing standard, IS 302-1: 2008, titled Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances: Part 1 - General Requirements (Sixth Revision), has been revised and replaced with IS 302 (Part 1): 2024/IEC 60335-1: 2020, titled Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety: Part 1 - General Requirements (Seventh Revision).

Both standards, IS 302 (Part 1): 2008 and IS 302 (Part 1): 2024/IEC 60335-1: 2020, will remain valid and operate concurrently until 23rd February 2026.

Overview of the Quality Control Order (QCO), 2024

The QCO mandates BIS certification for all electrical appliances used in households, commercial spaces, or similar applications. This applies to appliances with voltage not exceeding 250V for single-phase alternating current and 415V for three-phase alternating current. Appliances already covered under other Quality Control Orders issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are excluded. A detailed list of excluded appliances is available in Annexure-I.

Revised Safety Standard: IS 302 (Part 1)

The safety standard IS 302 (Part 1) has been updated from the 2008 version to IS 302 (Part 1): 2024/IEC 60335-1: 2020. Both versions will run concurrently until February 23, 2026, to facilitate a smooth transition for manufacturers. After February 23, 2026 the standard 302 Part 1:2008 will be suspended and only 302 Part 1:2024 will be operative.

What Manufacturers Need to Know

Manufacturers can apply for BIS certification under either the old or revised standard during the transition period. Depending on whether their product falls under the IS 302 (Part 2) series, specific compliance requirements will apply. Products not covered under Part 2 standards will rely solely on the applicable IS 302 (Part 1) standard for certification.

Existing license holders with voluntary BIS certifications can transition their licenses to align with IS 302 (Part 1): 2008 or opt for separate licenses. Compliance with the revised standard is mandatory by the end of the concurrent period. 

Key Steps for Compliance

Manufacturers must submit updated test reports from BIS-recognized third-party labs for additional requirements in the revised standards. BIS will verify the implementation during subsequent inspections. All necessary changes should be completed before the concurrent period ends to avoid issues.

Product Manuals and Transition Guidelines

Updated product manuals for both the 2008 and 2024 standards are available on the BIS website. These manuals provide guidance on the revised requirements and ensure smooth implementation of the updated standards.

Key Revisions in IS 302 (Part 1): 2024

The updated standard includes changes to licensing scope, inspection and testing schemes, marking requirements, and grouping guidelines. These revisions align the Indian standard with international standards, specifically IEC 60335-1: 2020. Detailed revisions can be found in Annexure-III.

Implementation Timeline

BIS officers will oversee the implementation of the revised standards to ensure compliance. Any challenges must be reported within 30 days of issuing these guidelines. By the end of the concurrent period, all licenses must align with the 2024 standard, or they will be handled under prevailing BIS guidelines.

For New Applications

Applications submitted before sample testing can follow the old standard, but post-concurrent period submissions must comply with the revised standard. Manufacturers are encouraged to transition early to avoid disruptions.

Application Submission: Manufacturers can submit applications for a grant of licence either according to IS 302 (Part 1): 2008 or the revised IS 302 (Part 1): 2024/IEC 60335-1: 2020, until the end of the concurrent running period.

Compliance with IS 302 (Part 2):

• If an application is based on IS 302 (Part 1): 2008 and the relevant product standard is available in IS 302 (Part 2), the licence will be granted after compliance with both IS 302 (Part 1) and the relevant IS 302 (Part 2) standard.
• If the relevant standard is not available in IS 302 (Part 2), the licence will be granted based on IS 302 (Part 1): 2008.

Application based on IS 302 (Part 1): 2024:

• If the application is based on IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 and the relevant standard exists in IS 302 (Part 2), the licence will be granted after compliance with both IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 and the corresponding IS 302 (Part 2).
• If the relevant standard is not available, the licence will be granted based on IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 and relevant IEC standards.

For existing licensees:

1.Manufacturers with a voluntary licence for electrical appliances under IS 302 (Part 2) series or relevant product standards can choose to switch their licence to IS 302 (Part 1): 2008.

2.Alternatively, they can apply for a separate licence under IS 302 (Part 1): 2008.

3.In both cases, the new licence will cover the same scope as the existing licence without the need for additional testing or inspection.

Significance of These Updates

These updates aim to improve appliance safety, align with international benchmarks, and enhance consumer trust in certified products. Stakeholders are urged to act promptly to meet the new requirements and ensure seamless compliance.

For further information, visit the BIS website or consult the relevant annexures and product manuals.