BIS Certification for Domestic Electric Clothes Washing Machines IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7)

Domestic electric washing machines are necessary appliances for daily household use. They provide ease of operation and great cleaning capability; they help conserve water and improve energy efficiency, making it easier and more environmentally friendly to carry out. Since they are one of the most frequently used home appliances, the quality and safety requirements for washers are extremely important. Washing machines can only be imported or sold in India with a BIS certificate, which meets the requirements of IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7). Washing machine manufacturers must obtain an ISI mark to show compliance with the Electrical Appliance Quality Control Order from DPPIT.

 

The Standards Assist Consumers to Establish Trust with Manufactured Products. Obtaining an ISI Mark for Your Product can be Difficult, but ERCS Private Limited is here to Assist You Step by Step.

 

Overview of Domestic Electric Clothes Washing Machines

Domestic electric clothes washers, being defined as essential household appliances, automate cleaning and can range from semi-automated (requiring some manual intervention) to fully automated (single-touch) top or front-load. Each machine is set up with a variety of wash (all domestic washing machines have multiple washing cycles), rinse (all domestic washing machines have more than one rinse cycle), and spin cycles configured by fabric type, and typically includes smart controls and energy efficiency programs to improve hygiene and convenience. The ISI Mark on the product provides safety, quality, & reliability to the product.

 

Key Highlights for IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7)

IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7) covers the electrical, mechanical, and thermal safety of washing machines (household/similar), including:

• Electrical testing of washing machines to prevent electric shock through compliance with both earth continuity and electric strength requirements.
• Functional test on the washing machines ensures that it operates safely and meet the manufacturer's specifications for operation.
• Safety measures to be taken while operating the washing machines from a water-related hazard perspective, as well as maintaining the structural integrity of the equipment.
• Fully automated and semi-automated washing machines will be tested under the same requirements as set forth by this standard. 
• Manufacturers must have their washing machines certified with an ISI Mark (BIS Quality Control Order) in order to prove compliance with the requirements set forth by this standard.
• The 2010 version of this standard will be revised in 2024 to align itself with International Standards Organisation standards.
• Performance requirements for washing machines are detailed in a separate performance standard, IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7).

 

Benefits of BIS Certification for Domestic Electric Clothes Washing Machines

The Key advantages of obtaining ISI Mark on Domestic Electric Clothes Washing Machines under IS 302 (Part 2/ Sec 7) are as follows: 

• With the new Quality Control Order (QCO) for 2023/2024 in effect, manufacturers, importers & retailers selling washing machines in India must have a BIS Certification (Mandatory) to avoid any enforcement actions or penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
• BIS Certification demonstrates compliance with the BIS-defined minimum safety standards related to insulation, moisture/oil resistance, and electrical safety. Certification is a tool to mitigate risks for consumers, i.e., electric shock or fire hazard.
• BIS certified products carry the ISI mark and guarantee quality, safety & durability and are therefore more appealing to buyers than non-certified products.
• Washing machines have undergone extensive testing to ensure efficient washing/rinsing/spinning, thus providing buyers with dependable, high-quality products.
• BIS certification permits manufacturers to sell legally in India and grants the manufacturer an advantage over competing un-certified/less expensive products when soliciting for government contracts.

 

Documents required for Obtaining ISI Mark on IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7)

To apply for BIS certification, manufacturers need to submit the following documents:

●  Application form
●  Manufacturing process details
●  Quality control plan
●  Test reports from BIS-approved laboratories

●  Factory layout and equipment details
●  Proof of business registration
●  Product specifications and technical details
●  Declaration of conformity to Indian standards

 

Applicable Test Parameters for Electric Clothes Washing Machines

Performance Measurement Criteria by the Technical Association (IEC 60456, IS 14155):

• Wash Performance (Stain Cleaning): The measurement of dirt/stain removal is done using a defined test load (base load + test stain) in accordance with a product with a defined wash performance.
• Rinse Performance: The efficiency of the removal of cleaning agents used in the initial wash is assessed.
• The Amount of Water Extracted When Spinning: The moisture content of the fabric after it has completed the spinning process.
• The Energy Used: The total kWh per cycle (including the use of heating).
• The Water Used: The total amount of litres of water used per cycle.
• Full Program Time: The total time from start to finish for each programme.

 

Process of BIS Certification of IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7)

Here is a brief overview of the procedures that a manufacturer needs to follow to obtain a BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification:

• Application Filing: Before submitting an application for a licence to manufacture a product, the manufacturer is required to register with the BIS portal.
• Preparing Documentation: To prepare for the BIS application process, the manufacturer will need to gather, compile and collate all the requisite documentation (e.g. quality control certificates, factory licence, etc.) associated with their product.
• Laboratory Testing: The manufacturer will be required to send samples of their products to BIS-approved laboratories for chemical testing of the components.
• Component Inspection: The manufacturer will have their entire manufacturing process, including the physical layout of the manufacturing location and the quality control processes in place at the time of production, both evaluated and approved.
• Issuance of the Licence: BIS will issue the manufacturer the appropriate licence to allow them to place the 'Standard Mark' on their products after completing all the required laboratory testing and component inspection.

 

Both Indian and foreign manufacturers must follow the process to obtain BIS certification: 

BIS Certification Process for Indian Manufacturers

BIS Certification Process for Foreign Manufacturers

 

Checklist of Points for Obtaining ISI Mark on Electric Clothes Washing Machines

This is the checklist to fulfil the requirements for getting an ISI certificate:

• Identify the right Indian Standard (IS Code): IS 302 (Part 2 Section 7) (for both fully automatic and semi-automatic electric clothes washing machines).
• Establish the manufacturing unit: The ISI mark is issued only to manufacturers and not to importers/traders of electrical machines.
• Factory set up: All production machinery required for manufacturing washing machines should be installed and commissioned in the facility.
• The requirement of an in-house testing facility: It should have fully equipped testing lab facilities to carry out routine and acceptance tests as per IS 302.
• Qualified personnel: There should be an appointed quality control (QC) staff member.
• Product testing (BIS identified laboratory): The samples are to be tested in a BIS recognised laboratory for all safety parameters like earthing, electrical insulation and leakage current.
• Tests as required by IS 302-2-7: Electrical test, earth continuity test, electrical strength test, testing the protection against electric shock and function test.
• Factory audit: Audit by BIS official personnel on the manufacturing facility to confirm that all aspects of the production process, quality control system and in-house tests are acceptable according to the IS Code.

 

BIS Certification Fees in India for IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 7)

Go through the table to know the BIS Certification Cost India for IS 302 (Part 2/ Sec 7):

 

Why Choose ERCS Private Limited for Electric Clothes Washing Machines Certification?

ERCS Private Limited provides end-to-end BIS consultancy services to obtain BIS certification for electric clothes washing machines, as required under Indian Standard (IS) 302 (Part 2/Sec 7), to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to help manufacturers obtain the ISI mark for both safety and performance.

1. Expert Guidance to Achieve IS 302 Compliance: ERCS provides expert guidance to confirm that the products produced by a manufacturer are built in accordance with the safety-related requirements contained within IS 302 Part 2/Sec 7.
2. Complete Service: ERCS offers complete end-to-end support to manufacturers by providing services such as (but not limited to): preparing documentation for the certification process; coordinating all necessary testing with BIS-accredited laboratories; and obtaining the necessary approvals from government authorities.
3. Minimising Risk of Non-Compliance: ERCS will work with manufacturers to ensure that their products meet all applicable electrical insulation, safety and overheating requirements, thus minimising the risk of penalties and problems associated with importation.
4. Streamlining the Process: ERCS’s expertise in the certification process allows for a more efficient process to obtain the mandatory ISI Mark for washing machines that are used domestically, thus enhancing the manufacturer's ability to market their products.