Relaxations introduced for MSMEs and provisions made for legacy stock, R&D imports

Initiative aligns with Prime Minister’s vision of building a robust quality ecosystem in India

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has extended the implementation timeline for the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025. The decision follows stakeholder consultations chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal on 15th May 2025.

In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to establish a strong quality framework across industries, DPIIT has been actively notifying Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to enhance manufacturing standards and bolster the global reputation of 'Made in India' products. These efforts are complemented by the development of testing infrastructure, product manuals, and accreditation of testing laboratories.

Taking cognizance of industry concerns regarding implementation challenges and legacy stock, the DPIIT has notified the revised Quality Control Order on 19th May 2025. To enable ease of doing business, the QCO will now come into force from 19th March 2026 for domestic large and medium enterprises as well as for foreign manufacturers.

The QCO applies to all electrical appliances intended for household, commercial, or similar applications with rated voltage not exceeding 250V for single-phase appliances and 480V for others, including DC-supplied and battery-operated appliances. Appliances already covered under separate QCOs or existing mandatory BIS certification requirements are excluded from its ambit.

Further, the QCO incorporates several key relaxations and exemptions:

• Additional time for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs): 6-month extension for micro enterprises and 3-month extension for small enterprises.
• Exemption for imports by domestic manufacturers for producing export-oriented products.
• Exemption for import of up to 200 units for Research & Development purposes.
• Provision for clearance of legacy stock (manufactured or imported before implementation) within six months from the effective date.

The QCO is a critical step in restricting the import of sub-standard products and ensuring consumer safety, while also enhancing competitiveness of Indian industry. Through initiatives like these, the Government of India is striving to create a world-class, self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem under the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

In conclusion, QCOs reflect a strategic push to raise product standards in India, enabling Indian manufacturers to thrive in both domestic and international markets.

Safety Quality Control Order implementation timeline extended; relaxations granted for MSMEs, R&D imports and legacy stock clearance. Extension of the Quality Control Order delays its commencement for large and medium domestic enterprises and foreign manufacturers, maintains coverage for appliances within prescribed voltage thresholds while excluding items already under separate mandatory regimes, and introduces relaxations including temporal extensions for micro and small enterprises, exemptions for imports for export production, limited R&D import allowance, and a legacy stock clearance window to ease compliance and protect against substandard imports.