BIS Issues Guidance on Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
Short description
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidance document outlines the legal foundation and purpose of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) under the BIS Act, 2016. It mandates BIS certification for specified products to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. These QCOs apply uniformly to both domestic and imported goods, promoting fair trade practices. Enforcement is enforced by strict licensing requirements, penalties, and regular updates. BIS also publishes a list of upcoming QCOs with enforcement timelines.
Introduction
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released a comprehensive guidance document to help industries understand and implement Quality Control Orders (QCOs). These orders function as mandatory technical regulations, ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with Indian Standards across multiple sectors.
1. Objective and Legal Basis of the Guidance Document
This guidance document provides a clear and structured explanation of QCOs, designed to enhance understanding and implementation by stakeholders. It is issued by BIS, India’s national standards body, under the legal authority conferred by the BIS Act, 2016. The QCOs are notified by the Central Government after consultation with BIS. These orders bring certain products under compulsory BIS certification schemes, ensuring third-party assurance of quality and safety. The guidance also explains the legal references and obligations stakeholders must follow, thereby supporting better regulatory compliance across industries.
2. BIS Certification and Mandatory Use of Standard Mark
Although BIS certification is generally voluntary, the Central Government mandates it for certain products to ensure public safety, environmental protection, fair trade, and national security. In such cases, a BIS licence or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and the use of the Standard Mark become compulsory through Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
Under QCOs:
- Products must comply with the applicable Indian Standard.
- Manufacturers must obtain a BIS Licence or Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
- Compliant products must display the BIS Standard Mark.
- QCOs specify the enforcement date and allow time to prepare necessary infrastructure.
This mandatory framework ensures consistency, quality, and accountability across regulated product categories.
3. Applicability to Domestic and Imported Products
QCOs are equally applicable to domestically produced goods and imported products. Unless exempted, foreign manufacturers must also comply with Indian Standards. They must apply for BIS certification through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). Exemptions, such as for products meant solely for export or special use cases, are detailed in individual QCOs and are managed by the concerned Line Ministry. This ensures a level playing field between local and foreign manufacturers and safeguards Indian consumers from substandard or non-compliant goods entering the market.
4. Enforcement, Updates, and Clarifications
Once a QCO is enforced, it becomes illegal to manufacture, sell, import, store, or distribute non-compliant products without a valid BIS Licence or CoC. Violations are punishable under the BIS Act, 2016, and can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. BIS also updates stakeholders about amendments to Indian Standards, allowing time for transition. Clarifications regarding product applicability, exemptions, or implementation delays can be sought from the issuing ministry or BIS. As both certifying and enforcing authority, BIS ensures that all obligations under QCOs are effectively implemented and regulated.
5. Upcoming QCOs – Notified and Due for Implementation
To help industries prepare in advance, BIS regularly publishes a list of upcoming QCOs with specified enforcement dates. This ensures timely infrastructure setup and regulatory compliance.
Table 1: Upcoming QCOs – Notified and Due for Implementation
| S. No. | Department / Ministry | Product | Indian Standard (IS) / IEC Standard | Date of Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Low – Voltage Switchgear and Control gear: Part 4 Contactors and Motor – Starters: Sec 2 Semiconductor Motor Controllers and Starters and Soft Starters (Second Revision) | IS/IEC 60947: Part 4: Sec 2: 2020 | 10 May 2025 |
| 2. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Low-Voltage Switchgear and Control gear Part 4 Contactors and Motor-Starters Section 3 Semiconductor Controllers and Semiconductor Contactors for Non-Motor Loads (Third Revision) | IS/IEC 60947: Part 4: Sec 3: 2020 | 10 May 2025 |
| 3. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Low-Voltage Switchgear andControl gear Part 5 Control CircuitDevices and Switching ElementsSection 2 Proximity Switches (FirstRevision) | IS/IEC 60947: Part 5: Sec 2: 2019 | 10 May 2025 |
| 4. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Textiles — High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/ Polypropylene (PP) Woven Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement | IS 11652: 2017 | 06 June 2025 |
| 5. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Textiles — Polypropylene (PP)/ High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Laminated Woven Sacks for Mail Sorting, Storage, Transport and Distribution | IS 17399: 2020 | 06 June 2025 |
| 6. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Textiles — Polypropylene (PP) Woven, Laminated, Block Bottom Valve Sacks for Packaging of 50 kg Cement | IS 16709: 2017 | 06 June 2025 |
| 7. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Polypropylene (PP) Materials for Moulding and Extrusion | IS 10951: 2020 | 24 June 2025 |
| 8. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers | IS 17658:2021 | 24 June 2025 |
| 9. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Poly- Laminated aluminum cable wrap | IS 16012: 2012 | 01 July 2025 |
| 10. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Stainless Steel Butt Hinges | IS 12817:2020 | 01 July 2025 |
| 11. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Steel Butt Hinges | IS 1341:2018 | 01 July 2025 |
| 12. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Non-ferrous metal butt Hinges | IS 205:1992 | 01 July 2025 |
| 13. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Tee and Strap Hinges | IS 206:2010 | 01 July 2025 |
| 14. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Parliament Hinges | IS 362:1991 | 01 July 2025 |
| 15. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Continuous (Piano) Hinges | IS 3818:1992 | 01 July 2025 |
| 16. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Steel back flap Hinges | IS 3843:1995 | 01 July 2025 |
| 17. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Double-acting Spring Hinges | IS 453:1993 | 01 July 2025 |
| 18. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Cabinet Hinges | IS 18297:2023 | 01 July 2025 |
| 19. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Flashlight – Specification | IS 2083:2024 | 28 July 2025 |
| 20. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Stainless Steel Seamless pipes and tubes for general service | IS 17875:2022 | 01 August 2025 |
| 21. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Stainless Steel Seamless pipes and tubes for general service | IS 17876:2022 | 01 August 2025 |
| 22. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Acetic Acid | IS 695: 2020 | 03 August 2025 |
| 23. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Methanol | IS 517: 2020 | 03 August 2025 |
| 24. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Aniline | IS 2833: 2019 | 03 August 2025 |
| 25. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | H Acid | IS 8637: 2020 | 13 August 2025 |
| 26. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Vinyl Sulphone | IS 18340: 2023 | 13 August 2025 |
| 27. | Ministry of Textile | Cotton Bales | IS 12171:2019 | 27 August 2025 |
| 28. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Polycarbonate | IS 14434: 1998 | 12 September 2025 |
| 29. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Ethylene Dichloride | IS 869:2020 | 12 September 2025 |
| 30. | Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals | Vinyl Chloride Monomer | IS 17442:2020 | 12 September 2025 |
| 31. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Aluminum alloy tubes for irrigation purposes -welded tubes | IS 7092 (Part 1):1992 | 01 October 2025 |
| 32. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Aluminium alloy tube for irrigation purposes – extruded tube | IS 7092 (Part 2):1987 | 01 October 2025 |
| 33. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | EC Grade Aluminium Rod produced by Continuous Casting and Rolling | IS 5484:1997 | 01 October 2025 |
| 34. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy bars, rods and sections (For General Engineering Purposes) | IS 733:1983 | 01 October 2025 |
| 35. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys, forging stock and forgings for general engineering purposes | IS 734:1975 | 01 October 2025 |
| 36. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy plate for general engineering purposes | IS 736:1986 | 01 October 2025 |
| 37. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip for general engineering purposes | IS 737:2008 | 01 October 2025 |
| 38. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy wire for general engineering purposes | IS 739:1992 | 01 October 2025 |
| 39. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy rivet stock for general engineering purposes | IS 740:1977 | 01 October 2025 |
| 40. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy bars, rods, tubes, sections, plates and sheets for electrical applications | IS 5082:1998 | 01 October 2025 |
| 41. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Aluminium and aluminium alloy foil for pharmaceutical packaging | IS 16011:2012 | 01 October 2025 |
| 42. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Aluminium composite panel | IS 17682:2021 | 01 October 2025 |
| 43. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys- Extruded round tube and hollow section for general engineering purposes | IS 1285:2002 | 01 October 2025 |
| 44. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought Aluminium Wire for Electrical Purposes | IS 2067:1975 | 01 October 2025 |
| 45. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for manufacture of utensils | IS 21:1992 | 01 October 2025 |
| 46. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Corrugated Aluminium Sheet | IS 1254:2007 | 01 October 2025 |
| 47. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Aluminium alloy forging stock and forgings (Alloy 24345) for aerospace applications | IS 7902:2001 | 01 October 2025 |
| 48. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Safety of household and similar electrical appliances particular requirements – commercial dispensing appliances and vending machine | IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 75): 2018 | 01 October 2025 |
| 49. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers | IS 13601:1993 | 03 October 2025 |
| 50. | Ministry of Mines | Refined Nickel | IS 2782: 2023 | 17 October 2025 |
| 51. | Ministry of Mines | Primary Lead | IS 27: 2023 | 17 October 2025 |
| 52. | Ministry of Mines | Refined Zinc | IS 209: 2024 | 17 October 2025 |
| 53. | Ministry of Mines | Tin Ingot | IS 26: 2024 | 17 October 2025 |
| 54. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Styrene (Vinyl Benzene) | IS 4105:2020 | 24 October 2025 |
| 55. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Acrylonitrile | IS 12540:1988 | 24 October 2025 |
| 56. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Maleic Anhydride, Technical | IS 5149:2020 | 24 October 2025 |
| 57. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Lauric Acid | IS 10931: 1984 | 24 October 2025 |
| 58. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Acid Oil | IS 12029:1986 | 24 October 2025 |
| 59. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Palm Fatty Acids | IS 12067: 1987 | 24 October 2025 |
| 60. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Rice Bran Fatty Acids | IS 12068: 1987 | 24 October 2025 |
| 61. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Coconut Fatty Acids | IS 12069: 1987 | 24 October 2025 |
| 62. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids | IS 12361: 1988 | 24 October 2025 |
| 63. | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | Digital Television Receiver for Satellite Broadcast Transmission | IS 18112:2022 | 26 October 2025 |
| 64. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | p-Xylene | IS 17370: 2020 | 19 December 2025 |
| 65. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Polyurethanes | IS 17397 (Part 1): 2020/ISO 16365-1:2014 | 19 December 2025 |
| 66. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Toluene | IS 537:2011 | 22 December 2025 |
| 67. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Work chair | IS 17631:2022 | 14 February 2026 |
| 68. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | General purpose chairs and stools | IS 17632:2022 | 14 February 2026 |
| 69. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Tables and desks | IS 17633:2022 | 14 February 2026 |
| 70. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Storage units | IS 17634:2022 | 14 February 2026 |
| 71. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Beds | IS 17635:2022 | 14 February 2026 |
| 72. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | Bunk Beds | IS 17636:2022 | 14 February 2026 |
| 73. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Beta Picoline | IS 16112:2013 | 13 March 2026 |
| 74. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Anhydrous, Technical | IS 6100:1984 | 13 March 2026 |
| 75. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Pyridine | IS 8058:2018 | 13 March 2026 |
| 76. | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade | All electrical appliances intended for household, commercial, or similar applications (DC/battery operated also included) such as vacuum cleaners, spin extractors, ovens, shavers, fryers, massage appliances, dishwashers, fabric steamers, foot warmers, air purifiers, etc. | IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020 | 19 March 2026 |
| 77. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Ethyl Acrylate | IS 14708:1999 | 31 March 2026 |
| 78. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Vinyl Acetate Monomer | IS 12345:1988 | 31 March 2026 |
| 79. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | Methyl Acrylate | IS 14707:1999 | 31 March 2026 |
| 80. | Department Of Chemicals And Petrochemicals | K Acid | IS 11557:1986 | 13 May 2026 |
| 81. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Electrical Emergency Stop Devices (button type actuators) | IS/IEC 60947-5-5:2016 | 10 May 2025 |
| (all actuators) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| 82. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Electromechanical Control Circuit Devices (up to 440V AC) | IS/IEC 60947-5-1:2016 | 10 May 2025 |
| (up to 440V AC, with EMC) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (above 440V AC) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (all DC ratings) | 10 May 2027 | |||
| 83. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | AC Circuit Breakers (Category A) – up to 630A, 440V AC | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | 10 May 2024 |
| (With EMC) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (Above 630A, without EMC) | 10 May 2025 | |||
| (Above 630A, with EMC) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| AC Circuit Breakers (Category B) – up to 2000A (without EMC) | 10 May 2025 | |||
| (With EMC) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (Above 440V AC) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (Category B – above 2000A) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (Category B – above 440V AC) | 10 May 2027 | |||
| DC Circuit Breakers (Category A & B) | 10 May 2027 | |||
| 84. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Switches, Disconnectors, Switch-Disconnectors and Fuse Units (up to 250A, 440V AC without EMC) | IS/IEC 60947-3:2020 | 10 May 2025 |
| (With EMC) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (Up to 630A) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (Above 630A, up to 440V AC) | 10 May 2027 | |||
| (Above 440V AC) | 10 May 2028 | |||
| (DC ratings) | 10 May 2028 | |||
| 85. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Electromechanical Contactors and Motor-Starters (Contactors up to 32A without EMC) | IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 | 10 May 2025 |
| (With EMC) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| (Above 32A) | 10 May 2026 | |||
| Starters (Direct-On-Line) | 10 May 2027 | |||
| Other Starters | 10 May 2028 | |||
| All DC utilization categories | 10 May 2028 | |||
| 86. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Pumps for handling liquids | IS 16189:2018 / ISO 12100:2010 | 28 August 2025 |
| 87. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Compressors and assemblies | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 88. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Machinery for thermal treatment of material | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 89. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Centrifuges, filtering or purifying machinery | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 90. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Packaging and sealing machinery | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 91. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Cranes and related components | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 92. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Construction, earthmoving, and mining machinery | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 93. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Weaving machines (looms) | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 94. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Embroidery machines | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 95. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Metal cutting machine tools (HS codes 8456–8461) | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 96. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Machinery for mineral-based materials (e.g., stone, ceramics) | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 97. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Machinery for rubber and plastics | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 98. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Misc. machines not elsewhere classified (Chapter 84) | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 99. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Gears, gearboxes, and transmission elements | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 100. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Rotary electrical machines (e.g., generators) | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 101. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Diesel generators | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 102. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Transformers | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 103. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Power semiconductor converters | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 104. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Switchgear and control gear (≤ 1000V) | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
| 105. | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Switchgear and control gear (> 1000V) | Refer Order S.O. 3649(E) | 28 August 2025 |
Conclusion
The BIS guidance document on QCOs is an essential resource for manufacturers, importers, and other stakeholders. It offers a complete view of regulatory expectations, certification processes, legal provisions, and compliance timelines. By clarifying both domestic and foreign responsibilities, the guide helps companies reduce risks and avoid penalties. Adherence to QCOs not only ensures legal compliance but also builds trust, improves product quality, and enhances consumer safety across diverse sectors of the Indian economy.
Summary
- BIS guidance outlines the purpose and legal foundation of QCOs.
- Mandatory certification applies to specified products for safety and public interest.
- QCOs govern both domestic and imported goods.
- BIS ensures licensing, conformity assessment, and enforcement.
- QCOs are updated regularly; timelines and exemptions must be followed.
References
- Bureau of Indian Standards. Guidance Document on Quality Control Orders (QCOs) [Internet]. New Delhi: Bureau of Indian Standards; Jul 2021 [cited 2025 Jun 18]. Available from: https://bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Guidance-document-on-QCOs-Revised-1.pdf
- Bureau of Indian Standards. Upcoming QCOs – Notified and Due for Implementation [Internet]. New Delhi: Bureau of Indian Standards; [cited 2025 Jun 18]. Available from: https://www.bis.gov.in/upcoming-qcos-notified-and-due-for-implementation
Recent Posts
Documents Required for Cosmetic Import License in India (Checklist 2026)
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is responsible for issuing Cosmetic Import licenses in India. Importers must apply through the SUGAM portal using Form COS-1 for fresh products...
Regulatory Due Diligence for Medical Devices in India: What Manufacturers Must Know Before Market Entry
Regulatory Due Diligence for Medical Devices in India is essential for manufacturers planning to enter the country’s rapidly growing healthcare market. Proper regulatory assessment ensures complianc..
How to Apply for BIS Certification in India: Process, Documents & Timeline
Businesses planning to apply BIS certification India must understand the regulatory framework governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The BIS certification process ensures product quality, safety,..
Need Help?
Submit your EnquiryOffice Locations
- Delhi
- Bangalore
- USA
- Singapore