Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls
Room Air Conditioners (Split ACs)
Strategic Recommendations for Split Room Air Conditioners (IS 1391 Part 2:2018)
- Engage with BIS & Approved Labs Early
Apply for BIS certification under IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 without delay and complete product testing in BIS-recognized laboratories. - Work with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA Compliance Team for smooth handling of BIS applications, documentation, lab coordination, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get assistance with exemption filings, testing schedules, certification planning, and audit readiness. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for real-time updates on all AC QCO amendments (2019–2025), including exemptions, compliance deadlines, and enforcement extensions. - Conduct Gap Assessment
Audit existing product lines for compliance with IS 1391 (Part 2):2018. Check labeling, packaging, and performance conformity. Declare any non-marked stock before enforcement deadlines to avoid penalties.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Room Air Conditioners – Split Type |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Room Air Conditioners – Specification, Part 2: Split Air Conditioners |
| Quality Control Order | Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019 |
| Notification & Amendments | Original: S.O. 4354(E), dated 5 Dec 20191st Amendment: S.O. 1518(E), dated 18 May 20202nd Amendment: S.O. 4671(E), dated 22 Dec 20203rd Amendment: S.O. 5095(E), dated 8 Dec 20214th Amendment: S.O. 5972(E), dated 21 Dec 20225th Amendment: S.O. 32(E), dated 2 Jan 20246th Amendment: S.O. 695(E), dated 11 Feb 20257th Amendment: S.O. 1815(E), dated 17 Apr 2025 |
| Final Enforcement Date | Initially 1 June 2020 → revised to 1 Jan 2021 → 1 Jan 2022 → 1 Jan 2023 → 1 Oct 2023 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure energy efficiency, performance, and safety of split room air conditioners through BIS certification |
| Products Covered | All split-type room air conditioners (residential and commercial). |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively for export.- R&D imports up to 200 units/year, not for commercial sale.- Declared stock manufactured/imported before 2024 allowed till 31 Mar 2024.- Capacity-based exemptions for compressors/heat exchangers indirectly affect split AC assemblies. |
| Industries Impacted | - Air Conditioner manufacturers- HVAC OEMs & suppliers- Importers of split AC units- Retail and distribution networks |
| Mandatory Compliance | Conformity to IS 1391 (Part 2):2018, ISI marking mandatory, BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, test models in BIS-approved labs, update ISI marking on products/packaging, declare exempted pre-certified stock. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Governed under BIS Act, 2016; enforcement and certification handled by BIS |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant meters, cancellation of license, fines, and imprisonment up to 2 years, or both |
| Conclusion | From 1 October 2023, all split ACs must comply with IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 and carry BIS certification under the 2019 QCO and its amendments. |
| References / Annexures | S.O. 4354(E) [05.12.2019], S.O. 1518(E) [18.05.2020], S.O. 4671(E) [22.12.2020], S.O. 5095(E) [08.12.2021], S.O. 5972(E) [21.12.2022], S.O. 32(E) [02.01.2024], S.O. 695(E) [11.02.2025], S.O. 1815(E) [17.04.2025] |
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Notification
Split-type Room Air Conditioners fall under the Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019 issued via S.O. 4354(E) dated 5 December 2019. The order has been amended several times between 2020 and 2025, revising compliance dates and introducing exemptions.
Enforcement Timeline
The original enforcement date of 1 June 2020 was extended multiple times, eventually settling on 1 October 2023 as the final compliance deadline for all manufacturers and importers.
Overview
Split ACs are the most common cooling appliances in India, widely used in residential and commercial spaces. Their regulation ensures safety, quality, energy efficiency, and protection against substandard imports.
Objective & Scope
IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 defines specifications for split-type room air conditioners, covering cooling capacity, construction, performance, energy consumption, and safety parameters. The QCO makes compliance mandatory to improve consumer confidence and support energy efficiency initiatives.
Products Covered
All split-type room ACs, regardless of capacity or model, sold or imported in India are covered.
Exemptions Provided
- Export-only products are exempt.
- R&D imports of up to 200 units per year are allowed without ISI marking, provided they are not commercially sold.
- Declared pre-certified stock can be sold until 31 March 2024 under Schedule A conditions.
- Compressor and heat exchanger exemptions granted under later amendments also indirectly apply to split AC assemblies.
Industries Impacted
- Domestic AC Manufacturers (large and small)
- Importers & Traders bringing foreign brands into India
- HVAC and Cooling System Integrators
- Retailers & Distributors selling split ACs to end-users
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All split-type ACs must carry the ISI mark under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Testing must be done in BIS-recognized laboratories, and certification obtained prior to sale or import.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- File BIS license applications with supporting documentation.
- Get product samples tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure ISI mark on every product before market release.
- Maintain separate declarations for export-only stock.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
- The Order is legally binding under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is empowered to seize non-compliant goods, suspend/cancel licenses, impose fines, and initiate prosecution
- Penalties include:
- Seizure of products
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Monetary fines or imprisonment up to 2 years
Conclusion
From 1 October 2023, all split ACs sold in India must conform to IS 1391 (Part 2):2018 and bear the ISI mark. The QCO ensures better product quality, safety, and efficiency, protecting consumers and industry alike.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.