Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances
Fabric Steamers
Strategic Recommendations for Fabric Steamers
- Start BIS Certification Immediately
Manufacturers and importers should begin BIS compliance activities well before the applicable implementation date to avoid delays in testing, documentation, factory assessment and licensing. - Engage ERA Compliance Experts
ERA can assist with end-to-end BIS compliance, including applicability assessment, testing coordination, documentation, application filing, factory inspection readiness and BIS licensing. - Reach Out for Support
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in 📞 +91 9599296331 💬 WhatsApp Support – Get expert guidance on BIS certification, testing, inspections and compliance requirements. - Track QCO Updates
Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter to stay updated on BIS notifications, QCO amendments, implementation changes and other regulatory developments affecting Fabric Steamers. - Ensure ISI Marking & Compliance
Ensure that covered Fabric Steamers are manufactured, imported and supplied in accordance with the applicable BIS requirements and bear the required BIS Standard Mark under a valid BIS licence before the applicable implementation date.
| Section | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Fabric Steamers | |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 302 (Part 1):2024 | |
| Title of Indian Standard | Household and Similar Electrical Appliances — Safety, Part 1: General Requirements | |
| Notification & Amendments | The product was originally included under the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2024, subsequently superseded by the 2025 Order, and is now covered under the 2026 Order (S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026). | |
| Quality Control Order | To ensure that Fabric Steamers intended for household, commercial or similar applications comply with the applicable electrical safety requirements and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence. | |
| Products Covered | Fabric Steamers designed for generating and applying steam to fabrics and garments for removing wrinkles and creases. | |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 October 2026 for general manufacturers; 1 January 2027 for small enterprises; and 1 April 2027 for micro enterprises. | |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure that Fabric Steamers intended for household, commercial or similar applications comply with the applicable electrical safety requirements and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence. | |
| Exemptions | Domestically manufactured products intended for export are exempt. Specific provisions also cover qualifying R&D imports and declared pre-implementation stock, subject to the conditions prescribed in the Order. | |
| Industries Impacted | Home Appliance Manufacturers, Consumer Electronics, Electrical Appliance Importers, Retailers, E-commerce Sellers, and Commercial/Professional Garment-Care Equipment Suppliers. | |
| Mandatory Compliance | Fabric Steamers must conform to the applicable Indian Standard and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence as per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. | |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | • Identify all Fabric Steamer models covered. • Verify applicable IS requirements and latest standard version. • Conduct applicable BIS testing. • Prepare technical and manufacturing documentation. • Obtain BIS licence before the applicable implementation date. • Ensure compliant BIS Standard Marking. | |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS is the certification and enforcement authority. | |
| Penalties | Contravention of the Order is punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. | |
| Conclusion | Fabric Steamers are specifically covered under the mandatory BIS framework. Manufacturers and importers should complete applicable BIS compliance before the relevant implementation date to continue placing covered products in the Indian market. | |
| References/Annexures | Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (QCO), 2024; Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (QCO), 2025; Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (QCO), 2026 – S.O. 1739(E). |
Notification
Fabric Steamers are specifically included within the electrical appliances covered by the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026. The 2026 Order was issued vide S.O. 1739(E) dated 6 April 2026 under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, superseding the 2025 Order.
Enforcement Timeline
Under the 2026 Order, the applicable implementation date is 1 October 2026 for general manufacturers, 1 January 2027 for small enterprises, and 1 April 2027 for micro enterprises. These dates replace the earlier implementation framework under the 2025 Order.
Overview
Fabric Steamers are electrical appliances used for removing wrinkles and creases from fabrics through the application of heat and/or steam. From a regulatory perspective, the product is specifically identified within the scope of the mandatory electrical appliance safety framework. The 2026 Order requires covered goods to conform to the corresponding Indian Standard and carry the BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence under Scheme-I.
Objective & Scope
The primary objective is to safeguard users from electrical risks associated with toilet appliances used in residential, commercial, and similar environments. The scope includes appliances operating within defined voltage limits, including battery-operated and DC-powered systems. It applies to manufacturing, import, and sale within India, while excluding products already regulated under other QCOs or certification frameworks.
Products Covered
Fabric Steamers designed for generating and applying steam to fabrics and garments for removing wrinkles and creases.
Exemptions Provided
The Order does not apply to goods manufactured domestically for export. It also provides a limited exemption for up to 200 imported units per year for R&D purposes, subject to conditions including non-commercial sale, record maintenance and disposal requirements. Declared stock manufactured or imported before the applicable implementation date may also be sold for up to six months, subject to the prescribed declaration requirements.
Industries Impacted
The requirement primarily impacts home appliance manufacturers, electrical appliance manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, e-commerce sellers and suppliers of commercial garment-care equipment dealing in Fabric Steamers.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers and importers are required to obtain BIS certification under Scheme-I, conduct testing through BIS-recognised laboratories, ensure factory compliance with quality control requirements, and affix the ISI Mark on compliant products before sale or distribution. Compliance is mandatory before the applicable enforcement date.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers should identify all Fabric Steamer models placed or proposed to be placed in the Indian market, determine the applicable BIS requirements, arrange the required testing, prepare technical documentation, initiate BIS licensing and ensure that product marking and documentation are compliant before the applicable implementation date.
Legal Provisions & Penalties
The 2026 Order has been issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods covered by the Order. Any person contravening the provisions is liable to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
Conclusion
Fabric Steamers are expressly covered under India’s mandatory electrical appliance safety framework. With implementation beginning on 1 October 2026 for general manufacturers, stakeholders should initiate BIS compliance, testing and licensing activities in advance to ensure uninterrupted market access.
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