BIS certification is mandatory for electric steam cookers in India. The requirement comes from the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026). Electric steam cookers appear at Sl. No. 12 of the Order. It comes into force on 1 October 2026 for large and medium enterprises, 1 January 2027 for small enterprises, and 1 April 2027 for micro enterprises. Electric steam cookers must conform to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020. The particular requirements in IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 46):1993 also apply. Each unit must carry the ISI Mark under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Products manufactured in India solely for export are exempt. Foreign manufacturers apply through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). Non-compliance is punishable under the BIS Act, 2016.
An electric steam cooker heats water to generate steam and cooks food in a sealed or semi-sealed chamber. That combination of a heating element, trapped steam and pressure is exactly what safety standards are written to control.
The 2026 Quality Control Order for household and similar electrical appliances makes BIS certification compulsory for electric steam cookers. Manufacturers need a BIS licence and the ISI Mark. Importers and brand owners must source only from BIS-licensed manufacturers. This guide explains what the Order requires, which standards apply, what testing involves and how to plan your certification.
📑 Quick Navigation
- Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Electric Steam Cookers?
- Applicable Standards: IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 46)
- QCO 2026 Implementation Dates
- Mandatory Tests for Electric Steam Cookers
- BIS Certification Process — Step by Step
- Indian Manufacturers vs Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)
- Documents Required
- Timeline and Cost Factors
- Exemptions and Relaxations
- Penalty for Selling Without the ISI Mark
- Benefits of BIS Certification
- How Rego Services Supports Your Certification
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Electric Steam Cookers?
Yes. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified the Order on 6 April 2026. It supersedes the 2025 Order and covers 90 appliance categories. Electric steam cookers are listed on their own at Sl. No. 12. Once the Order applies to you, an electric steam cooker cannot lawfully be manufactured, imported, distributed or sold. It must conform to the notified standard and bear the ISI Mark.
You can read the Order's scope and Table on the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade website. Licence and standards information is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulation | Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 |
| Notification | S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026 (supersedes the 2025 Order, S.O. 2232(E)) |
| Product Entry | Electric Steam Cookers — Sl. No. 12 of the Order's Table |
| Related Entries | Electric Forced Convection Ovens, Steam Cookers and Steam-Convection Ovens (Sl. No. 10); the commercial version of that combined appliance (Sl. No. 49) |
| Indian Standard | IS 302 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020, with IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 46):1993 for the particular requirements for electric steam cookers |
| Certification Route | ISI Mark licence under Scheme-I, Schedule-II, BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 |
| Voltage Coverage | Up to 250 V single-phase; up to 480 V for other appliances, including DC and battery-operated |
| Enforcement | Bureau of Indian Standards; penalties under the BIS Act, 2016 |
Applicable Standards: IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 46)
India's household electrical safety standard is the IS 302 series, aligned with the IEC 60335 family. Two documents work together for electric steam cookers. A general part applies to every household appliance. A particular part adds the requirements written specifically for electric steam cookers.
Classification matters. The Order's Table lists electric steam cookers on their own at Sl. No. 12, separately from combined appliances such as forced-convection ovens with a steam function (Sl. No. 10) and their commercial equivalent (Sl. No. 49). A multi-function steamer-oven should be checked against the combined-appliance entries rather than Sl. No. 12. Confirm how your model is classified before you apply.
Products Typically Assessed as Electric Steam Cookers
Standalone household units with a water reservoir and one or more stacked steaming trays.
Common in Indian kitchens. Assessed as electric steam cookers where they heat water to generate steam for cooking.
Multi-function units with a dedicated steaming mode. Classification depends on construction, so check against the Order's combined-appliance entries too.
Compact steam cookers for cafés and canteens need a classification check against the household and commercial entries in the Order's Table.
Mandatory Tests for Electric Steam Cookers
Samples are tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory against IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and the particular requirements for electric steam cookers. The exact test plan depends on the editions in force and your model's construction. Testing generally falls into these groups:
Marking and instructions are reviewed alongside these tests. The rating label, ISI Mark and user instructions must be durable and legible.
BIS Certification Process — Step by Step
The process below follows Scheme-I. Each step builds on the last. Delays usually come from incomplete documents or samples that fail in the laboratory.
Confirm that your product is an electric steam cooker listed at Sl. No. 12, identify the applicable IS 302 parts, and note which implementation date applies to your enterprise.
Group models by rating and construction. Freeze the list of critical components — heating element, thermostat, thermal cut-out, steam or pressure-release valve and power cord — before testing begins.
Compile factory, quality-control, product and authorisation documents. Foreign manufacturers must also appoint an Authorised Indian Representative.
Submit the Scheme-I application with fees and supporting documents on the BIS online portal. BIS scrutinises the file and may raise queries.
A BIS officer inspects the manufacturing process, in-house testing facilities and quality system. The officer also draws samples from your production.
Samples are tested against IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and the particular requirements. A failed test means corrective action and retesting, so pre-compliance checks save time.
BIS reviews the inspection findings and test reports. When every requirement is met, the licence is granted with a CM/L number for the certified models.
Mark every certified unit with the ISI Mark and licence number. Then comply with periodic surveillance, marking fees and renewal to keep the licence valid.
Indian Manufacturers vs Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)
The standard and the tests are the same for everyone. What differs is how the licence is applied for, how the factory is inspected, and who holds accountability in India.
- Licence is held by the Indian manufacturer
- BIS inspects the factory in India
- Samples tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory
- Shorter overall timeline
- Small and micro enterprises get later start dates
- Licence is held by the foreign manufacturer
- An Authorised Indian Representative is appointed
- BIS inspects the overseas factory
- Longer timeline because of inspection scheduling
- Importers must buy from BIS-licensed manufacturers
A BIS licence is granted to the manufacturer, not the importer. Before placing an order, verify that your overseas supplier holds a valid licence covering the exact model you plan to import.
Documents Required
Missing or inconsistent documents are the most common reason applications stall. Prepare the following before filing:
- Business documents — company registration or Udyam certificate, GST registration, and proof of the manufacturing premises.
- Authorised signatory — board resolution or authorisation letter with identity proof. Foreign manufacturers also submit the Authorised Indian Representative appointment.
- Factory details — layout plan, manufacturing process flow chart, and list of plant, machinery and production equipment.
- Testing and quality control — list of in-house test equipment with calibration certificates, and the quality-control plan.
- Product documents — model list, technical specifications, rating label, circuit diagram, bill of materials and critical component list.
- Brand authorisation — trademark or brand-owner authorisation where the brand differs from the manufacturer.
- Test reports — reports from a BIS-recognised laboratory, as applicable to your route.
- Declarations and undertakings — BIS-format declarations signed by the authorised signatory.
Timeline and Cost Factors
The figures below are indicative. Your actual timeline depends on document readiness, the number of models, laboratory availability and inspection scheduling.
| Stage | Indian Manufacturer | Foreign Manufacturer (FMCS) |
|---|---|---|
| Documents and application filing | 1–2 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| Factory inspection and sample drawing | 2–4 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| Laboratory testing and report | 3–6 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Review and licence grant | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Indicative total | 45–90 days | 4–6 months |
| Cost Component | What Drives It |
|---|---|
| BIS application and licence fees | Scheme, number of models and product groups |
| Laboratory testing charges | Number of samples, models and the extent of the test plan |
| Factory inspection charges | Location of the factory and number of inspection visits |
| Annual marking fee | Production or sales volume of certified products |
| Consultancy and documentation | Scope of support, from document preparation to full licence management |
Exemptions and Relaxations
The Order includes several carve-outs. Use them only after confirming that your situation fits the wording precisely.
The Order does not apply to goods manufactured domestically for export. Products sold in India remain fully covered.
Manufacturers of household appliances may import up to 200 units a year for research and development. These units cannot be sold, may be disposed of as scrap, and must be recorded year-wise.
A manufacturer who is BIS-certified or has applied for certification may sell, display or offer declared stock. This is allowed for up to six months from the implementation date, subject to a declaration to BIS.
Small enterprises comply from 1 January 2027 and micro enterprises from 1 April 2027. Smaller manufacturers get additional time to prepare.
Penalty for Selling Without the ISI Mark
Once the Order applies to you, electric steam cookers without a valid BIS licence and ISI Mark cannot be lawfully placed on the Indian market. Contravention is punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Consequences can include fines, imprisonment and seizure of non-conforming goods. Imported consignments without a valid licence and marking also risk being held at customs.
Benefits of BIS Certification
BIS Certification Services in India
Explore Rego Services' full range of BIS ISI Mark, FMCS and CRS certification support for manufacturers, importers and foreign brands.
BIS Certification for Electric Coffee Makers in India
Another kitchen appliance under the same Order. See the IS 302 requirements, tests and dates that apply to electric coffee makers at Sl. No. 16.
BIS Certification for Tumbler Dryers in India
Selling laundry appliances too? See how the same QCO 2026 applies to tumbler dryers at Sl. No. 5.
How Rego Services Supports Your Certification
Rego Services Private Limited manages BIS certification for electric steam cookers and other electrical appliances, from the first applicability check to the granted licence.
- Applicability and dates — We confirm your product's entry in the QCO, the standard editions in force and the date that applies to your enterprise.
- Gap analysis — We review your design, critical components and existing test reports against IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and the particular requirements.
- Documentation — We prepare the complete Scheme-I application file, including factory and quality-control documents.
- Testing coordination — We arrange sample submission and testing at BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Inspection support — We prepare your team and facility for the BIS factory inspection, in India or overseas.
- ISI Mark and FMCS management — We handle the process end-to-end, including Authorised Indian Representative services for foreign manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification mandatory for electric steam cookers in India?
Yes. Electric steam cookers are listed at Sl. No. 12 of the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026 (S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026). They must conform to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020 and bear the ISI Mark under a BIS licence.
From which date is BIS certification compulsory for electric steam cookers?
1 October 2026 for large and medium enterprises, 1 January 2027 for small enterprises, and 1 April 2027 for micro enterprises, as defined under the MSMED Act, 2006.
Which Indian Standard applies to electric steam cookers?
IS 302 (Part 1):2024, aligned with IEC 60335-1:2020, sets the general safety requirements named in the Order. The particular requirements for electric steam cookers are in IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 46):1993. The Order states that the latest version of the Indian Standard applies.
Do steam cookers made in India only for export need BIS certification?
No. The Order does not apply to goods manufactured domestically for export.
Can a foreign manufacturer apply for BIS certification for electric steam cookers?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers apply under the BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). They appoint an Authorised Indian Representative. BIS inspects the overseas factory.
How long does BIS certification for electric steam cookers take?
Indicatively, 45 to 90 days for Indian manufacturers and 4 to 6 months for foreign manufacturers, depending on documentation, laboratory slots, the number of models and factory inspection scheduling.
Can I sell existing steam cooker stock after the QCO comes into force?
A manufacturer who is BIS-certified or has applied for certification may sell, display or offer declared pre-implementation stock. This is allowed for up to six months from the applicable implementation date. A declaration must be made to BIS.
Are commercial steam cookers and steam-convection ovens covered by the same entry?
No. The Order's Table treats them separately. Electric Steam Cookers are Sl. No. 12. Electric Forced Convection Ovens, Steam Cookers and Steam-Convection Ovens are Sl. No. 10, and the commercial version of that combined appliance is Sl. No. 49. Confirm which entry matches your product's construction before you apply.
What happens if electric steam cookers are sold without the ISI Mark?
Non-compliance is punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This can lead to fines, imprisonment and seizure of non-conforming goods.
✓ Key Takeaways
- BIS certification is mandatory for electric steam cookers under the QCO 2026 (S.O. 1739(E), 6 April 2026), Sl. No. 12
- Dates: 1 October 2026 (large and medium), 1 January 2027 (small), 1 April 2027 (micro)
- Standard: IS 302 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020, with IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 46):1993 for electric steam cookers
- Certification route: Scheme-I ISI Mark licence; foreign manufacturers apply through FMCS
- The 19 March 2026 date quoted in older articles belongs to the superseded 2025 Order
- Standalone electric steam cookers (Sl. No. 12) are a separate Order entry from combined ovens with a steam function (Sl. No. 10 and Sl. No. 49)
- Export-only manufacturing is exempt; declared pre-implementation stock can be sold for six months if you are certified or have applied
- Rego Services provides end-to-end support — applicability checks, gap analysis, testing coordination and licence management
Your Next Step
The first implementation date is 1 October 2026, so electric steam cooker manufacturers and importers should not wait to begin. Testing slots, factory inspections and document preparation all take time. An early application can also protect your existing stock under the Order's clearance provision.
Rego Services' regulatory team can confirm your applicability, prepare a complete application and manage your BIS licence from filing to grant.
Contact Rego Services today for expert guidance on BIS certification for electric steam cookers and the ISI Mark process.