Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Amendment Order 2025 - Detailed Information

To facilitate better regulatory compliance and allow industries more time to comply with quality standards, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has decided to postpone the next phase of implementing the Electric Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020. The postponement has been formally conveyed by the issue of S.O. 5038(E) in the Gazette of India. This comes after previous extensions under Notification No. S.O. 2007(E) dated 5th May 2025 and amendments under the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024 (Notification No. S.O. 1896(E), dated 3rd May 2024).

As per the notification, the enforcement date for all product categories mentioned in the Order (excluding the one at Sr. No. 1.1(a), which was enforced on November 10, 2024) has been deferred until further orders.

Legal Basis and Authority for Electrical Equipment

This deferment is made under the powers of Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016 (11 of 2016). The Central Government has consulted the BIS and has decided it is in the public interest to defer the next phase to provide manufacturers, importers, and testing agencies additional time to become fully compliant.

Key Provisions of the Order

Below are the key highlights of the deferment notification S.O. 5038(E):

• Title and Commencement: The notification is titled the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020 – Implementation Deferment Notification. It comes into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
• Change in Enforcement Date: The enforcement of all product categories under the Order, except those already implemented (Sr. No. 1.1(a)), is postponed until further orders.
• Previous Extensions: The implementation of this Order has previously been extended through the following notifications:

• S.O. 4492(E) – dated 18th October 2021
• S.O. 5083(E) – dated 28th October 2022
• S.O. 2007(E) – dated 5th May 2025

• Amendments to the Order: The Quality Control Order has undergone two amendments:

• Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2023 – S.O. 2132(E), dated 9th May 2023
• Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2024 – S.O. 1896(E), dated 3rd May 2024

Background of the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020

• The Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020, was first published through Notification No. S.O. 4044(E) dated 11th November 2020.
• The Order requires that electrical equipment and components, sold, imported, or manufactured in India, comply with the applicable Indian Standards (IS) and display Certification in India, as laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). 
• The regulation is intended to guarantee the safety, reliability, and quality consistency of electrical products in India.

Impact of the Deferment Notification

• Manufacturers and Importers: The extension allows more time to submit BIS applications, test, and prepare manufacturing facilities to meet the Indian Standard. After the announcement of the new enforcement date, all parties out of compliance will be penalized under the BIS Act of 2016. 
• Consumers and Industry: Upon execution of the QCO, consumers can be assured that the electrical equipment on the market has been tested and certified by BIS, improving consumer safety and product quality across the industry. 
• Regulators: The extension allows regulatory authorities and testing laboratories to improve regulatory infrastructure and test capacity to facilitate a smooth and efficient process of implementation of the Order.

Conclusion

The deferment of the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020, reflects the government’s balanced approach—ensuring quality assurance while allowing the industry sufficient preparation time. This step reinforces India’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting quality-driven manufacturing and global competitiveness through a well-regulated compliance framework. Follow ERCS Private Limited to know more details on BIS Certification. As the top BIS Consultant, we provide end-to-end support to manufacturers and importers.