BIS QCO Second Amendment for Air Conditioner Hermetic Compressors and Heat Exchangers
Detailed Information

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has notified S.O. 5438(E) dated 1st October 2026, published in the Gazette of India on 5th October 2026, which has amended the existing order on Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) by bringing in the Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2026.

The amendment to the above order relates to the Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019. The major changes in this order include the addition of scroll hermetic compressors alongside the existing Rotary hermetic compressors, and a conditional exemption for eligible manufacturers, allowing up to 6000 hermetic compressors and heat exchangers per year for maintenance and sales.
This amendment is important to manufacturers and importers of air-conditioning products, hermetic compressors, and heat exchangers subject to BIS/ISI Certification compliance requirements.

Key Highlights of the Air Conditioner QCO Amendment 2026

What Has Changed Under the Air Conditioner QCO Second Amendment Order 2026?

The amendment modifies paragraph 2 of the 2019 QCO in two major areas.
1. Inclusion of Scroll Hermetic Compressors:

• The existing phrase “Rotary hermetic compressor of rated capacity” has been substituted with “Scroll or Rotary hermetic compressor of rated capacity.” 
• This change aims to include scroll hermetic compressors in the provision's wording, along with rotary hermetic compressors.

2. Conditional Exemption for Hermetic Compressors and Heat Exchangers

• The provision inserted in the amendment exempts up to 6,000 hermetic compressors and heat exchangers per year from the Order's provisions, subject to the conditions specified therein.
• The exemption shall be valid for three years from the date of operation of the Second Amendment Order, 2026.

Does the 2026 Amendment Change ISI Mark Requirements?

It does not add new products to the QCO or change the applicable Indian Standards. However, it extends FY 2026-27 import quantity limits to scroll hermetic compressors and introduces a conditional 6,000-unit exemption, subject to declaration and record-keeping duties.

This amendment:

• Modifies the clause that lists Rotary hermetic compressors by adding Scroll hermetic compressors to that clause.
• Specifies a conditional exemption for 6,000 hermetic compressors and heat exchangers per annum for eligible manufacturers.
• Specifies declaration and record-keeping requirements for manufacturers using the conditional exemption.
• The manufacturers must refer to the relevant Indian Standards and BIS/ISI Marking requirements to ensure compliance.

What Is the Impact of the 2026 BIS/ISI QCO Amendment on Manufacturers and Importers?

This amendment may affect manufacturers and importers dealing with air conditioners and refrigeration equipment and related parts such as heat exchangers and hermetic compressors. Products that fall under the relevant provisions of the Air Conditioner and its Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order will have to adhere to the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard and BIS Certification requirements.

Read Process to obtain BIS Certification for Import

 

Manufacturers/Importers must comply with the specifications specified in the amendment:

• Establish and check the product applicability under the QCO
• Confirm the relevant Indian Standard (e.g., IS 10617 for hermetic compressors)
• Check eligibility for the 6,000-unit exemption.
• Recheck FY 2026-27 import quantities if you import scroll compressors. 
• Declare any existing inventory of the product, if any
• Ensure compliance with BIS/QCO requirements.

What Does the 2026 Amendment Say About Old Stock?

The amendment addresses goods or articles that were domestically manufactured or imported prior to the Second Amendment Order, 2026, taking effect.
Certified manufacturers of such goods by BIS, or manufacturers who have applied to BIS for certification of such goods, are allowed to sell, display, or offer such stock of declared items in accordance with the terms laid down in the amendment.

30th September 2026 has been notified as the last date for such sale or display of stock. Manufacturers need to thoroughly review their stock and declare it to BIS in accordance with the notification's requirements.

Previous Amendments to the Air Conditioner QCO

Amendments have been made to the Air Conditioner and Related Parts, Hermetic Compressor, and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019 on several occasions. The most recent order is S.O. 5438(E), which means that the Second Amendment Order of 2026 to the existing 2019 QCO consists of:

Conclusion

The Air Conditioner and its related parts Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2026 amends the existing BIS QCO. The amendment clearly includes scroll hermetic compressors alongside Rotary hermetic compressors and provides a conditional exemption for up to 6,000 hermetic compressors and heat exchangers annually for qualifying manufacturers.

Products covered by the QCO must conform to the Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence/ISI mark, except for those exempted under the Order.
For product-specific BIS certification, ISI Mark and QCO compliance guidance, Contact ERCS Private Limited Today.

BIS QCO Second Amendment for Air Conditioner Hermetic Compressors and Heat Exchangers PDF