On March 5, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), issued a new Quality Control Order for air coolers and air filters. This order is enacted under the powers conferred by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), with the objective of ensuring high quality and safety standards in the public interest. 

1. Short Title and Commencement:

   - This Order is titled the "Air Cooler and Air Filters (Quality Control) Order, 2023."

   - It will come into effect six months after its publication in the Official Gazette. 

2. Conformity to Standards and Compulsory Use of Standard Mark:

   - All air filters for general ventilation must meet the technical specifications and classification system based on particulate matter efficiency (ePM) as per Indian Standard IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021 and ISO 16890-2: 2016.

   - These products must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards, in accordance with Scheme-1 of Schedule-II to the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

Exemptions:

   - Goods or articles manufactured domestically for export are exempt from this order.

   - Micro enterprises, as defined in clauses (h) and (m) of section 2 of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006), are exempt for twelve months from the date of publication.

   - Small enterprises, as defined under the same clauses, are exempt for nine months from the date of publication.

   - Enterprises registered under the 'Udyam portal' of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, with an investment in plant and machinery or equipment not exceeding twenty-five lakh rupees and a turnover not exceeding two crore rupees for the previous financial year as certified by a Chartered Accountant, are also exempt. 

3. Certification and Enforcement Authority:

   - The Bureau of Indian Standards will be responsible for certifying and enforcing the quality standards for the specified goods or articles. 

4. Penalty for Contravention:

   - Any person who violates the provisions of this order will be subject to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. 

This Quality Control Order aims to ensure that air coolers and air filters sold in India adhere to strict quality and safety standards, thereby protecting consumer interests and enhancing product reliability. Manufacturers are encouraged to comply with these new regulations to avoid penalties and support the overarching goal of maintaining high-quality standards in the industry.

Implementation Dates: Date of implementation for General (other than Micro and Small Enterprises): 5th September 2024

- Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 5th December 2024.

BIS Certification for Air Filters For General Ventilation IS 17570 (Part 1): 2021