Self-Contained Drinking Water Cooler (Quality Control) Order, 2024 – Complete Guide for Manufacturers & Importers
The Government of India has made BIS Certification mandatory for Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers through the Self-Contained Drinking Water Cooler (Quality Control) Order, 2024 issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The 2024 Order supersedes the earlier 2023 notification and specifies revised implementation dates for different categories of enterprises.
This Quality Control Order (QCO) has been introduced to ensure that only safe, energy-efficient, and quality-compliant drinking water coolers are manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India.
If you are a manufacturer or importer of Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers, obtaining a BIS ISI License is now mandatory before placing your products in the Indian market.
What is the Self-Contained Drinking Water Cooler QCO, 2024?
The Self-Contained Drinking Water Cooler (Quality Control) Order, 2024 mandates that all Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers covered under the notification shall conform to the prescribed Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license issued under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from this requirement.
Applicable Indian Standard
| Product | Indian Standard | Standard Title |
| Self-Contained Drinking Water Cooler | IS 1475 (Part 1): 2001 | Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers – Energy Consumption and Performance |
The latest version of the standard, including amendments notified by BIS from time to time, shall apply.
Who is Affected?
The Quality Control Order applies to:
- Indian manufacturers of Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers
- Foreign manufacturers exporting these products to India (through BIS FMCS Certification)
- Importers importing such products into India
- Brand owners getting products manufactured under their brand
- OEM manufacturers supplying drinking water coolers
Products manufactured solely for export are exempt from this Order.
Implementation Dates
The Government has provided separate implementation dates depending upon the size of the enterprise.
| Enterprise Category | Mandatory Compliance Date |
| Large & Medium Enterprises (other than Micro & Small) | 1 October 2024 |
| Small Enterprises | 1 January 2025 |
| Micro Enterprises | 1 April 2025 |
Is BIS Certification Mandatory?
Yes.
After the applicable implementation date:
- Manufacturing without BIS License is prohibited.
- Importing non-certified products into India is prohibited.
- Selling or distributing non-compliant products is prohibited.
- Every applicable product must carry the ISI Mark under a valid BIS license.
BIS Certification Procedure for Indian Manufacturers
The certification process generally includes:
Step 1 – Product Standard Identification
Confirm that the product falls under IS 1475 (Part 1): 2001.
Step 2 – Documentation Preparation
Prepare:
- Manufacturing license
- Factory registration
- Quality Manual
- Process Flow Chart
- Manufacturing machinery details
- Testing equipment details
- Raw material details
- Authorized Signatory documents
Step 3 – Product Testing
Samples are tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory according to IS 1475 (Part 1): 2001.
Step 4 – BIS Application
Submit the online application with laboratory test reports and supporting documents.
Step 5 – Factory Inspection
BIS officials inspect the manufacturing facility and verify:
- Manufacturing process
- Quality control system
- Testing laboratory
- Production capability
Step 6 – Grant of BIS License
Upon successful verification and compliance, BIS grants the ISI License authorizing the manufacturer to use the ISI Mark.
Procedure for Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)
Foreign manufacturers intending to export Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers to India must obtain certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
The process generally includes:
- Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- Preparation of documents
- Submission of BIS application
- Factory audit by BIS officials
- Sample testing
- Grant of BIS License
- Permission to use ISI Mark
Documents Required
Typical documents include:
- Factory Registration Certificate
- Business License
- Manufacturing Process
- Product Drawings
- Quality Manual
- Test Reports
- Manufacturing Machinery List
- Testing Equipment List
- Calibration Certificates
- Authorized Signatory Details
- Trademark Authorization (if applicable)
Benefits of BIS Certification
Obtaining BIS Certification offers several advantages:
- Legal compliance with Indian regulations
- Permission to manufacture and sell in India
- Increased consumer confidence
- Enhanced product credibility
- Improved product quality
- Easier acceptance in Government tenders
- Reduced risk of legal penalties
- Competitive market advantage
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Any violation of the provisions of the Quality Control Order is punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Manufacturers or importers supplying products without the required BIS certification may face regulatory action and penalties.
Why Choose Kar Parivartan?
Kar Parivartan provides complete end-to-end BIS consultancy services for both Indian and Foreign manufacturers.
Our services include:
- Product applicability assessment
- Indian Standard identification
- Documentation support
- Laboratory testing coordination
- BIS application filing
- Factory audit assistance
- Query handling with BIS
- Grant of ISI License
- Renewal and surveillance support
Our experienced compliance professionals ensure a smooth and hassle-free certification process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is BIS Certification mandatory for Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers?
Yes. BIS Certification is mandatory under the Self-Contained Drinking Water Cooler (Quality Control) Order, 2024 after the applicable implementation dates.
2. Which Indian Standard is applicable?
IS 1475 (Part 1): 2001 – Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers – Energy Consumption and Performance.
3. Who needs BIS Certification?
Indian manufacturers, foreign manufacturers exporting to India, importers, OEM manufacturers, and brand owners dealing with applicable products.
4. Are exporters exempt?
Yes. Products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from the QCO requirements.
5. Can importers apply directly for BIS Certification?
No. BIS licenses are generally issued to the manufacturer. Foreign manufacturers can obtain certification through FMCS with an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
6. What is the implementation date for large manufacturers?
1 October 2024.
7. What is the implementation date for Small Enterprises?
1 January 2025.
8. What is the implementation date for Micro Enterprises?
1 April 2025.
9. Which authority issues the BIS License?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcing authority under the Order.
10. How can Kar Parivartan help?
Kar Parivartan offers complete consultancy—from applicability assessment and documentation to testing, audit support, BIS licensing, renewals, and ongoing compliance.
Contact Kar Parivartan
Kar Parivartan Consultancy
BIS | ISI | CRS | FMCS | CDSCO | LMPC | WPC Compliance Experts
📞 7428718855
📧 bis.sales@karparivartan.com
Need BIS Certification for Self-Contained Drinking Water Coolers? Contact Kar Parivartan today for expert guidance and end-to-end compliance support.
