Room air conditioners and related HVAC products are covered under QCO 2026 and require mandatory BIS ISI mark certification under IS 302 (Part 1):2024. This guide covers what manufacturers and importers of AC units need to know.
This is an important clarification: Room air conditioners in India have historically been certified under IS 1391 (the product-specific standard for room air conditioners). With QCO 2026 requiring IS 302 (Part 1):2024 compliance, manufacturers must verify the interplay between IS 302 Part 1 and IS 1391.
In general, IS 302 Part 1 provides general electrical appliance safety requirements, while IS 1391 covers performance and refrigeration system requirements for ACs. For QCO 2026 purposes, IS 302 Part 1 is the mandated standard. However, manufacturers should confirm with BIS and their testing lab whether both standards are required for their specific product.
Air conditioners in India must also comply with BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) star rating requirements — a separate, mandatory energy efficiency label. The BEE star rating is NOT part of IS 302 Part 1 testing. It is administered separately by BEE under the Energy Conservation Act.
For AC manufacturers: ensure you have both BIS ISI mark (IS 302 Part 1:2024 compliance) AND BEE star rating. Both are mandatory for legally selling ACs in India.
Many AC units sold in India are imported from China. For imported units, the Indian importer is responsible for BIS certification. The product must be tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory (samples either tested in India from the imported lot, or via arrangement with testing services).