The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has announced an extension for the implementation of the Safety of Household, Commercial, and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2025, giving manufacturers more time to adapt to new safety standards. The decision was made following consultations chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on May 15, 2025, considering concerns raised by stakeholders regarding compliance challenges and legacy stock.
The revised order, notified on May 19, 2025, will come into effect on March 19, 2026, for domestic large and medium enterprises as well as foreign manufacturers. For Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), additional relief has been granted, with micro enterprises receiving a six-month extension and small enterprises given an extra three months to comply with the new requirements.
The regulation applies to all electrical appliances intended for household, commercial, or similar applications, with rated voltage limits of 250V for single-phase devices and 480V for others, including battery-operated and DC-supplied appliances. However, products already governed by separate Quality Control Orders (QCOs) or mandatory BIS certification are exempt.
Additional exemptions include provisions allowing domestic manufacturers to import components for export-oriented products, clearance of legacy stock manufactured or imported before the effective date within six months, and approval for importing up to 200 units for research and development purposes.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to establish a strong quality framework across industries, ensuring consumer safety and improving global perceptions of Made in India products. DPIIT has been actively developing testing infrastructure, accreditation systems, and product manuals to support compliance with QCO standards.
The Quality Control Order aims to restrict substandard imports, improve competitiveness among Indian manufacturers, and promote a world-class, self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem under the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The government views such measures as a strategic push to elevate product quality, enabling domestic industries to thrive in both national and international markets.
