BIS Certification for Room Heaters: ISI Mark Process, Fees and Validity (2026)

• Listed in the 2026 QCO: Thermal Storage Room Heaters are covered under Serial No. 61, while other heating appliances may fall under separate entries.
• Implementation deadlines: 1 October 2026 for general manufacturers, 1 January 2027 for small enterprises and 1 April 2027 for micro enterprises, subject to the applicable provisions.
• Applicable standards: IS 302 (Part 1):2024 is referenced under the order. Room heater testing may also involve the particular requirements of IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30):2007, as applicable to the product.
• Confirm the applicable QCO: Appliances covered by another Quality Control Order may be excluded from this order. Verify the product classification and applicable requirements before beginning certification.

Introduction

BIS Certification for Room Heaters is the authorization to use the ISI Mark under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 1739(E)) lists Thermal Storage Room Heaters under Serial No. 61.

The implementation dates are 1 October 2026 for general manufacturers, 1 January 2027 for small enterprises and 1 April 2027 for micro enterprises, subject to the applicable provisions. Testing may also involve the room-heater-specific requirements of IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30):2007, alongside IS 302 (Part 1):2024, as applicable. Other heater types should be assessed separately to identify the correct product classification, applicable standard and mandatory certification route.

What Is BIS Certification for Room Heaters?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India's national standards body. BIS Certification for Room Heaters authorizes a manufacturer to use the ISI Standard Mark after the product meets the applicable Indian Standard and the manufacturing facility satisfies the relevant conformity assessment requirements.

Under the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026, the applicable certification route is Scheme-I under Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. This is a factory-based certification route and differs from the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) used for certain electronic products.

Three key elements determine compliance:

• General safety standard: IS 302 (Part 1):2024, aligned with IEC 60335-1:2020, specifies general safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances.
• Room heater-specific standard: IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30):2007 addresses particular safety requirements for room heaters, where applicable to the product.
• BIS license and ISI Mark: The manufacturer must obtain the applicable license after completing the required testing and factory assessment. The ISI Mark must be used in accordance with the license conditions.

Why Room Heater Brands Need to Plan Early for Winter

Room heater sales are highly seasonal, with demand typically increasing during the colder months. Manufacturers and importers therefore need to ensure their products are tested, certified where required and ready for sale before the winter season begins. A delay in certification can affect product launches, inventory planning and seasonal revenue.

The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026, notified through S.O. 1739(E) on 6 April 2026, introduces requirements for specified electrical appliances, including certain heating products. The applicable implementation dates depend on the manufacturer's enterprise classification and the product entry covered by the order.

This guide explains the 2026 regulatory framework for room heater manufacturers, importers and brand owners in India. It covers product classification, applicable standards, testing requirements, documentation, certification costs and licence validity. For a broader overview of the order, refer to our guide to BIS Certification for Electrical Appliances.

2026 Regulatory Update: Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (QCO), 2026

The following summary outlines the provisions described in the 2026 order. Before making compliance decisions, verify the exact wording of the official Gazette notification and confirm which entry applies to your product.

Order details

Clause 1: Application

The order's application provisions establish the following scope:

• Product coverage: Electrical appliances intended for household, commercial or similar applications, subject to the conditions specified in the order.
• Voltage limits: Up to 250 V for single-phase appliances and 480 V for other appliances, including covered direct-current and battery-operated appliances.
• Exclusions: Appliances covered by another Quality Control Order under the BIS Act, or notified for mandatory BIS certification under another Act, may fall outside this order's scope.

Clause 2: Compulsory use of the Standard Mark

Products listed in Column (2) of the order's Table must conform to the corresponding Indian Standard in Column (3) and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS license issued through Scheme-I of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, where applicable.

The general safety standard specified in the order is IS 302 (Part 1):2024, covering general safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances. The applicable edition and any additional product-specific standard must be confirmed for the particular heater model.

The order also provides that the latest version of the relevant Indian Standard applies for its purposes, as specified in the notification.

Implementation dates

These dates should be applied only after confirming the relevant product entry and the manufacturer's classification under the applicable MSME provisions.

Exemptions and provisos under Clause 2

• Goods manufactured for export: The order provides an exemption for goods manufactured domestically for export, subject to the notification's terms.
• Micro and small enterprises: Eligible enterprises must comply from the implementation dates specified for their respective categories.
• Research and development imports: The order provides for the import of up to 200 units per year for research and development, subject to its conditions. Such units cannot be sold commercially, and the required annual records must be maintained.
• Existing stock: Certain goods manufactured domestically or imported before the applicable implementation date may qualify for a limited sell-off period of up to six months, subject to the specified certification or application conditions and the required declaration to BIS.

Do not assume that every existing shipment or inventory item qualifies for transitional relief. Confirm the exact conditions and relevant implementation date before selling, displaying or offering stock for sale.

Clause 3: Certification and enforcement authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcing authority for products covered by the order.

Clause 4: Penalty

Contraventions of the order may attract penalties under the applicable provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

Heating appliances listed in the Table

The following entries are relevant when assessing heating-related products. Confirm the serial numbers and descriptions against the current Gazette before publication or making a compliance decision.

Is Your Room Heater Covered by the 2026 Order? Check Before Applying

Correct product classification is an essential first step in the BIS certification process. The order specifically identifies Thermal Storage Room Heaters, but other products that consumers commonly call room heaters may not appear under that exact description.

For example, fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, radiant heaters, halogen heaters and convection heaters should not automatically be treated as either covered or exempt merely because their names do not appear in the Table. Their regulatory status must be assessed against the applicable QCOs, product definitions and relevant standards.

Water heaters and geysers are a separate product category and may be governed by their own applicable regulatory requirements. They should not be automatically included in a room heater certification assessment.

Before ordering samples or beginning laboratory testing, prepare a model list containing each heater's product type, heating technology, rated voltage, power rating and key electrical components. Share it with your laboratory or compliance consultant to establish the appropriate certification route.

What Do Laboratories Check on a Room Heater?

Room heater testing may involve IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and the applicable particular requirements of IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 30):2007, which addresses the safety of room heaters. The precise standards, editions and tests depend on the product classification and applicable certification requirements.

In general, laboratory evaluation may cover the following areas:

• Protection against electric shock: Protection against access to live parts.
• Power input and current: Verification of electrical operating parameters.
• Leakage current and electric strength: Assessment of electrical insulation and safety under applicable test conditions.
• Heating and temperature rise: Evaluation of internal temperatures and accessible surfaces.
• Moisture resistance: Assessment of safety under relevant moisture-related test conditions.
• Abnormal operation: Examination of safety under specified fault conditions, such as restricted airflow or control failures, where applicable.
• Stability and mechanical hazards: Assessment of stability, construction and relevant mechanical risks.
• Construction and internal wiring: Review of wiring arrangements, electrical connections and critical components.
• Supply connections and flexible cords: Verification of applicable connection and cord requirements.
• Earthing: Assessment of protective earthing provisions for applicable models.
• Clearances and insulation: Evaluation of clearances, creepage distances and solid insulation.
• Resistance to heat, fire and corrosion: Assessment of materials and construction against the applicable requirements.

Routine production checks

A manufacturer operating under a BIS license must also maintain appropriate production controls and quality records. Depending on the applicable requirements and the factory's quality plan, routine checks may include earth continuity, electric strength and functional testing.

The list above is a general overview, not an exhaustive test plan. The laboratory's applicable test requirements and report should be used to establish the precise testing scope for each room heater model.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Room Heaters

Obtaining BIS Certification for Room Heaters helps manufacturers and importers meet applicable regulatory requirements and demonstrate product safety. Key benefits include:

• Legal Compliance: Selling a heater covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order without the required certification can result in enforcement action under the BIS Act, 2016.
• Import Compliance: Ensuring the required BIS licence and marking are in place helps reduce compliance-related delays when importing covered products.
• Improved Product Safety: Room heaters operate at high temperatures and may run for extended periods. Relevant safety testing helps assess risks involving overheating, electric shock, insulation failure and stability.
• Greater Retailer Confidence: Retailers and distributors may prefer appropriately certified products when sourcing heaters for the winter season.
• Reduced Product Failures: Identifying safety or performance issues during testing can help manufacturers address problems before products reach customers.
• Stronger Brand Credibility: Proper certification and authorised use of the ISI Mark can help distinguish compliant products in a competitive market.

Who Can Apply for BIS Certification for Room Heaters?

Eligibility and the application route depend on the product, manufacturing arrangement and applicable BIS certification requirements.

For products covered by the 2026 order, the specified implementation dates are 1 January 2027 for small enterprises and 1 April 2027 for micro enterprises. Keep your Udyam registration and supporting enterprise documents ready where needed to establish eligibility.

Requirements for BIS Certification

Before applying for BIS Certification for Room Heaters, manufacturers should review the following requirements:

• Product conformity: The heater must meet the applicable Indian Standard and any relevant particular requirements identified for its product category.
• Laboratory testing: Testing must follow the applicable BIS certification procedure and use an authorised laboratory or another permitted testing arrangement, where available.
• Factory readiness: Maintain suitable quality-control procedures, calibrated test equipment, incoming component inspections and required routine production tests.
• Critical component records: Maintain details of heating elements, thermostats, thermal cut-outs, switches, fans, internal wiring, supply cords and plugs, including their ratings and manufacturers.
• Marking and labelling: Ensure the ISI Mark, licence details and required product-rating information comply with the applicable standard and licence conditions.
• Production records: Maintain accurate production and marking records to support compliance, surveillance and applicable marking-fee calculations.

The exact requirements should be confirmed for the heater type and the certification route applicable to the product.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

BIS may request additional documents depending on the product category, factory arrangement and application. The following checklist covers commonly required information.

Preparing these documents before submitting the application can help reduce clarification requests and avoidable delays.

BIS Certification Process for Room Heaters: Step by Step

The certification process generally involves the following stages, subject to the applicable Scheme-I requirements.

1. Confirm the applicable QCO and standard. Map each heater model to the relevant product entry and establish which order and Indian Standards apply.
2. Finalise the models and critical components. Prepare the model list and bill of critical components before testing. Changes to safety-related components may require further evaluation or testing.
3. Arrange product testing. Submit representative samples for testing against the applicable Indian Standards through the permitted testing process.
4. Submit the online application. Complete the applicable BIS application, provide the required documents and pay the prescribed fees through the designated process.
5. Prepare for factory assessment. BIS assesses relevant manufacturing facilities, quality-control systems and testing arrangements. Overseas factories may be inspected under the applicable foreign-manufacturer procedure.
6. Complete any required sample verification. Where required, samples may be drawn or verified to establish that production models conform to the assessed product.
7. Obtain the licence. The application must satisfy the applicable requirements before BIS grants the licence. Pay the prescribed licence and marking fees according to the applicable payment instructions.
8. Apply the ISI Mark and maintain compliance. Mark products only as authorised by the licence. Maintain required records, meet fee obligations and comply with applicable surveillance and renewal requirements.

Following a structured process helps manufacturers prepare for certification, identify potential issues early and plan production around the applicable regulatory deadlines.

How Long Does BIS Certification for Room Heaters Take?

The timeline for BIS Certification for Room Heaters depends on laboratory availability, document readiness, sample testing and factory inspection scheduling. The following estimates are indicative and are not guaranteed timelines from BIS.

Room heater sales are seasonal, so manufacturers should plan certification well ahead of winter. Laboratory queues and inspection scheduling may take longer during peak periods. Arranging testing early can help reduce the risk of missing the intended launch date.

BIS Certification Fees for Room Heaters

The cost of BIS certification depends on the applicable fee schedule, testing requirements, number of models, factory location and marking fees. The amounts below are indicative and should be verified against the latest BIS requirements before budgeting.

Important: BIS fees, concessions and payment procedures may change. Confirm the latest applicable fee schedule and regulations before relying on specific amounts. Laboratory testing and consultancy charges are separate from statutory BIS fees.

Where permitted under BIS model-grouping guidelines, similar room heater models may be considered together. Models that differ only in colour or cosmetic housing details may be suitable candidates, while differences in heating elements, thermostats, thermal cut-outs or other safety-related components may require additional evaluation.

BIS License Validity and Renewal

The validity and renewal requirements for a room heater BIS license depend on the applicable conformity assessment regulations and the conditions specified in the license.

A longer license validity period does not remove ongoing compliance obligations. Manufacturers must maintain accurate production records, meet applicable fee requirements, comply with surveillance provisions and use the ISI Mark only as authorized.

Importing Room Heaters: What Changes?

Importers and overseas manufacturers should consider the following points when planning BIS compliance for room heaters.

• Foreign manufacturer route: Overseas manufacturers must follow the applicable BIS certification procedure, including the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), where applicable. An authorized Indian representative is required under the relevant procedure. Covered products must meet the applicable licensing and marking requirements before commercial sale.
• Existing stock manufactured or imported before implementation: Certain products may qualify for a transitional sell-off period of up to six months, subject to the exact conditions in the 2026 order. Eligibility depends on factors such as the applicable implementation date, the manufacturer's certification or application status and the required declaration to BIS. For products subject to the general implementation date of 1 October 2026, the six-month period would extend to 1 April 2027, if the provision applies. Small and micro enterprises should verify the calculation against their respective implementation dates.
• Research and development samples: The order provides a conditional exemption for importing up to 200 units per year for research and development. These units cannot be sold commercially, and the required year-wise records must be maintained.
• Plan supplier agreements early: Include applicable BIS certification requirements in purchase orders and supplier agreements. Confirm certification status, marking arrangements and shipment timelines before dispatch to reduce the risk of delays during the winter sales season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Manufacturers and importers should avoid these common mistakes when seeking BIS Certification for Room Heaters:

• Assuming the 2026 Table covers every room heater type. The order names specific products; other heater types must be assessed under the applicable regulatory framework.
• Choosing the wrong certification route. Confirm whether Scheme-I applies instead of assuming the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is appropriate.
• Testing one model and selling materially different variants with different heating elements, thermostats, thermal cut-outs or other safety-related components without checking whether additional testing or approval is required.
• Starting certification too late. Delays in laboratory testing or factory inspection can affect seasonal product launches.
• Misusing the transitional stock provision. It applies only where the relevant conditions are met and does not provide blanket permission for new production after the implementation date.
• Budgeting only for the application fee. Account for testing, sample transportation, inspection and applicable marking fees.
• Confusing room heaters with water heaters. These are different product categories and may be governed by separate regulatory requirements.

Early product classification, accurate documentation and timely laboratory coordination can help manufacturers prepare for certification and plan their room heater launches more effectively.

Why Choose Silvereye Certifications?

BIS certification projects can face delays because of incorrect product classification, missing critical component records or inadequate factory preparation before inspection. Silvereye Certifications provides regulatory compliance support for BIS, CDSCO, WPC and related approvals, helping manufacturers and importers navigate the certification process with greater clarity.

Here's how we can support your room heater certification project:

• Accurate Regulatory Scoping: Identify the applicable Quality Control Order and product entry for each heater type before testing begins.
• Laboratory Coordination: Assist with sample submission, testing schedules and eligible model grouping to help manage costs and minimise delays.
• Application and Documentation Support: Help prepare the required documents, submit applications and track progress throughout the process.
• Factory Audit Preparation: Provide a pre-inspection checklist to help your manufacturing facility prepare for the BIS assessment.
• Importer Support: Guide overseas manufacturers and importers on applicable FMCS requirements, Indian representative coordination and eligible transitional stock declarations.
• Post-Certification Assistance: Support renewal planning, marking-fee compliance and the addition of eligible models to the licence scope.

Need to know which of your room heaters require the ISI Mark and what certification may cost? Contact Silvereye Certifications with your product details and model list to discuss the applicable requirements and next steps.

Conclusion

BIS Certification for Room Heaters is an important compliance requirement for businesses manufacturing or importing products covered by mandatory Quality Control Orders. The 2026 order identifies thermal storage room heaters and several other heating appliances, with implementation dates that vary according to the applicable product entry and enterprise category.

To prepare effectively, confirm which order governs each heater type, identify the applicable Indian Standards, finalize critical components, arrange the required testing and submit a complete application. Manufacturers should also plan for factory assessment, applicable marking fees, license maintenance and renewal.

Starting early is particularly important for seasonal products such as room heaters, where certification delays can affect winter sales. With accurate product classification and proper preparation, businesses can reduce avoidable delays and work towards meeting the applicable BIS requirements.

Silvereye Certifications can assist with product scoping, documentation, laboratory coordination and certification support, helping manufacturers and importers approach the process with greater confidence.

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