BIS Certification Update October 2026: IS 302 Part 1 Product Manual

In October 2026, BIS released a new edition of the Product Manual, PM/IS 302 (Part 1)/IEC 60335-1/8, which is related to IS 302 (Part 1): 2024, and which follows IEC 60335-1:2020. It is used by manufacturers, BIS regional and branch offices, licensees, and organizations that plan to seek certification.

The new manual includes information about product grouping, sampling, testing, licensing, quality assurance, product marking, and implementation of new/revised standards. Moreover, it deals with the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026.

These are the main changes manufacturers and importers need to be aware of.

Updated BIS Product Manual for IS 302 (Part 1): 2024

The October 2026 product manual assists in getting and sustaining the BIS certification through Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

The relevant Indian Standard pertains to the general safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances. The manual states that the standard is applicable for appliances up to 250 V for single phase supply and 480 V for other appliances, including DC-supply appliances.

It can also include some appliances which are not used in the normal household environment but are used in shops, light industries, and farms where they can be safety hazards.

However, the standard does not apply to specific product groups covered by other standards, which include medical electrical equipment, information technology equipment, hand-held power tools, and specified audio video equipment.

Steps which the manufacturers should take: Select the appropriate Indian Standard before applying for BIS.

Testing Requirements and Product Sampling

The revised manual sets out sampling size, test criteria, and possible tests that could be carried out during a factory audit.

Standard sampling size is two units. But in case the product under scrutiny is bulky and allows for the possibility of testing with only one sample according to the standard, then one unit could suffice.

Tests that could possibly be witnessed within a day of factory audit include:

Product marking and instructions

Earth continuity
Electric strength
Functional performance
Protection from access to live parts
Power input and current
Leakage current and electric strength at operating temperature
Mechanical strength
Earthing arrangements
Screws and connections
Resistance to heat and fire
Stability and mechanical hazards

The particular tests to be conducted are dependent on the product and the relevant clauses of the standard.

Clearer Guidelines for Grouping Multiple Product Models

One of the essential topics discussed in the new manual is the grouping of models of electrical appliances for certification purposes.

Manufacturers generally make a number of models for each product category. The manual permits manufacturers to suggest the grouping of such models for testing, provided they present technical reasons to the concerned BIS Branch Office.

However, there are certain requirements for grouping of models.

Product Type: Different product types cannot be grouped. For example, kettles, garment steamers, and trimmers cannot be put into the same group.
Supply Type: Models working on different supply types cannot be automatically grouped. For example, single-phase AC, three-phase AC, DC, and battery-operated models have to be considered while grouping.
Product characteristics: In case the test object does not have all of the characteristics contained in other models, then the models with such characteristics should be tested as well.
Look: The difference in colour or visual look alone is not enough for declaring a different model.
Insulating and protective qualities: The model having an insulating class or degree of protection higher than the others can be treated as other models according to the criteria.

Compliance with Applicable IS 302 Part 2 Standards

IS 302 Part 1 defines the basic safety requirements, while specific requirements according to the appropriate sections of IS 302 Part 2 are defined for certain categories of appliances.

As per the revised handbook, when a particular Part 2 requirement exists, a licence application needs to demonstrate compliance with both IS 302 Part 1 and the requirements of Part 2.

If an appliance has several functionalities, it could require compliance with more than one Part 2 standard. In case there are no particular requirements in Part 2, the basis for certification would be IS 302 Part 1 and its applicable IEC requirements.

The applicable Part 2 requirements, along with their years and amendments, have to be endorsed in the licence scope as and when needed.

This is important because manufacturers cannot take it for granted that compliance with general safety requirements is enough; product-specific requirements have to be verified as well.

Six-Month Timeline for New or Revised Standards

With reference to the provisions provided:

The licensees will be required to provide an in-house or third-party test report of the model covered under the licence, according to the grouping criteria.
The report must provide proof of compliance with the provisions of Part 1 that have been amended/revised by the concerned Part 2 standard.
The report should be provided within six months of the publication of the revised standard or before the last day of concurrent running of the revised standard, whichever is earlier.
The newly implemented standard will have to be incorporated in the licence against the concerned product category.

Key Provisions Related to the Quality Control Order 2026

The revised manual contains information on the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026.

According to the Order, the QCO shall not be applicable in respect of electrical appliances that are covered by another Quality Control Order made under the respective Act or notified as mandatorily certified under another Act.

In this case, a BIS licensee who satisfies the applicable criteria for manufacturing such electrical appliances is allowed to convert the existing licence into the new standard covered under the other QCO or obtain a separate licence under the new standard.

It may be noted that a licensee with an existing licence can opt for the same scope after meeting the new standards.

Conclusion

Manufacturers must be particularly careful about the six-month transition period clauses in case of changes/new Parts 2 standards, the relevant 2026 QCO requirements, and the obligations related to the BIS Licence.

A sound compliance strategy can help organizations ensure there is no lack of documentation and testing is properly organized.

For any assistance with BIS Certification and Regulatory Compliance, contact PSR Compliance to know about the applicable requirements for your products.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the current BIS update for IS 302 Part 1?

The October 2026 Product Manual, PM/IS 302 (Part 1)/IEC 60335-1/8, contains the revised guidelines for testing under IS 302 (Part 1): 2024, such as sampling, model grouping, testing, marking, and quality assurance.

2. What is the number of samples required for BIS testing in accordance with the above-mentioned manual?

The standard sample size is two units. In case of bulky goods, only one sample may be enough, provided that testing can be done on a single unit in accordance with the Indian Standard.

3. Is it possible to group models of electric appliances for BIS certification?

Yes, it is. The manufacturer can propose a group of models and get its approval from the BIS Branch Office.

4. What occurs when an applicable IS 302 Part 2 standard gets revised?

The licensees should provide the necessary test reports during the respective six months period or until the date of the last run concurrently as stated in the manual. The revised standard will have to be endorsed with respect to the product type.

5. Is having an internal testing laboratory a compulsion for the BIS certification process?

No. The manual provides options other than the establishment of an internal testing facility like shared testing facility, cluster testing facility, and eligible external laboratories.