Why Room air conditioners needs BIS certification
Room air conditioners falls under the Electrical Appliances category and is covered by IS 1391: Part 1 (2017). Manufacturers and importers must obtain the ISI mark licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards before the product can be manufactured, imported, stored or sold in India. Selling a notified product without a valid BIS licence can lead to seizure of stock, marketplace delisting and penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
Testing & costs
Sample testing for IS 1391: Part 1 (2017) is currently available at 2 BIS-recognised laboratories across India. Reported test charges range from ₹5.3L – ₹6.7L (excluding GST), depending on the laboratory, the number of models/varieties and the tests included in the scope. Certko can help you pick a lab that balances cost, turnaround time and location.
Typical process
- Standard & scope check – confirm your exact product variant maps to IS 1391: Part 1 (2017).
- Documentation – factory details, quality control records, test equipment list and trademark proof.
- Sample testing – testing at a BIS-recognised lab against every clause of the standard.
- Factory inspection – BIS officers audit the manufacturing site (for ISI mark licences).
- Grant of licence – on successful evaluation, the licence/registration is issued, typically within 8-14 weeks.
