Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025

A Comprehensive Overview

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), has introduced a crucial update to its regulatory framework governing refrigerating appliances. The Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 amends the earlier Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2020.
Issued under the authority of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, this amendment aims to further tighten quality control measures while offering operational flexibility to manufacturers involved in exports and research and development (R&D) activities.

Recognizing the evolving demands of global markets and the rapid pace of innovation in the refrigeration sector, the government seeks to strike a balance between quality assurance, ease of doing business, and promotion of innovation. This amendment is a part of India’s broader efforts to upgrade domestic manufacturing standards and ensure consumer safety by enforcing conformity with Indian Standards.

Key Highlights

The 2025 amendment introduces several noteworthy changes that directly impact manufacturers, importers, and industry stakeholders:

– Expansion of Exemptions: Specific exemptions have been added for manufacturers involved in certified production and those in the certification process.
– Self-Declaration Mechanism: Manufacturers can now import essential components for production based on a self-declaration, reducing bureaucratic delays.
– Support for Research & Development: Up to 200 units per year can be imported by manufacturers for R&D purposes without full compliance, fostering innovation.
– Strict Commercial Use Prohibition: Imported components under exemption must not be sold in the Indian domestic market.
– Mandatory Record-Keeping: Companies must maintain year-wise detailed records of imports and usage for government verification and audit.
– Immediate Applicability: The amendment becomes effective from its publication date in the Official Gazette (16th January 2025), requiring prompt compliance.
– Enforcement: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will remain the certifying and enforcement authority for ensuring adherence to the order.

Products Covered

The amendment order primarily covers the following:

Complete Refrigerating Appliances, including:
– Household refrigerators and freezers
– Commercial refrigeration systems
– Display refrigerators, beverage coolers, and specialized refrigeration units

Components of Refrigerating Appliances, such as:
– Compressors
– Cooling coils
– Condensers and evaporators
– Insulation materials
– Thermostats and control units

By covering both finished goods and critical components, the government ensures that the entire refrigeration supply chain maintains consistent quality and safety standards.

Exemptions Provided

The amendment provides two key exemptions aimed at offering practical flexibility without diluting quality standards:

Import of Components by Certified Manufacturers
– Manufacturers who are already certified by BIS or have applied for BIS certification for relevant goods are allowed to import refrigerating appliance components.
– Imports are subject to the submission of a self-declaration:
– Must be made on official letterhead, signed by an authorized signatory.
– Must include invoice details and consignment particulars.
– Must include an undertaking that imported components will not be sold domestically or used for unintended purposes.
Import for Research and Development (R&D) Purposes
– Manufacturers certified by BIS or awaiting certification are allowed to import up to 200 units per year strictly for R&D.
– Conditions for R&D imports:
– Products cannot be sold commercially.
– Post-usage, products must be scrapped or disposed of appropriately.
– Year-wise record-keeping is mandatory.
– Records must be furnished to the Central Government upon request for verification or audit.

These provisions encourage innovation and ease manufacturing bottlenecks while maintaining stringent quality assurance for consumer-facing products.

Timeline for Implementation

The Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 came into force immediately from its publication in the Official Gazette on 16th January 2025.
There is no grace period specified, so manufacturers and importers must ensure immediate compliance to avoid disruptions or legal penalties.

Given the immediate applicability, manufacturers need to act swiftly to realign processes, documentation, and import procedures.

Next Steps for Manufacturers & Importers

To successfully transition and maintain compliance with the new amendment order, the industry should follow these essential steps:

– Review Current Certification Status: Ensure that certifications are up-to-date. If pending, expedite the BIS application process.
– Establish Compliance Processes:
    – Implement systems to manage and track imports of components and R&D units.
    – Prepare and submit self-declarations as per guidelines.
– Strengthen Internal Documentation:
    – Maintain detailed, year-wise records of all imports covered under the exemptions.
    – Organize documentation to facilitate smooth verification and audits.
– Train Internal Teams:
    – Educate procurement, compliance, and legal teams about new requirements.
    – Conduct workshops or sessions to familiarize employees with the self-declaration and reporting processes.
– Audit Supply Chain Practices:
    – Ensure that no imported exempted components leak into the domestic commercial supply chain.
    – Establish checks to verify that R&D imports are disposed of properly after use.
– Engage with BIS:
    – Maintain regular communication with BIS officials to stay updated on future clarifications, compliance checklists, or procedural changes.

Conclusion

The Refrigerating Appliances (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2025 marks another vital step in India’s pursuit of world-class quality standards across all sectors.
While it offers practical relief for exporters and innovators, it simultaneously tightens quality control to safeguard Indian consumers.
Manufacturers and importers who act promptly to align with the new rules will enjoy not only regulatory compliance but also enhanced market trust and competitive advantage.

In today’s globalized, quality-driven economy, early compliance is not merely an obligation—it is a strategic business decision.

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