BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners | IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 | Unitary Air Conditioners

Introduction

BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners is an important regulatory compliance requirement for manufacturers of covered air-conditioning products in India. IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 was the Indian Standard for Room Air Conditioners – Specification, Part 1: Unitary Air Conditioners and was covered under the BIS compulsory certification framework for air conditioners. BIS's product manual describes the certification under Scheme-I and provides requirements relating to product scope, testing equipment, sampling and Scheme of Inspection and Testing.

However, manufacturers should be aware that IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 has since been revised to IS 1391 (Part 1):2023. BIS issued implementation guidelines stating that the revised standard had a last implementation date of 22 August 2024.

Therefore, companies researching IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 BIS Certification should also evaluate their current products and licence status against the applicable IS 1391 (Part 1):2023 requirements.

About the Product – Room Air Conditioners

A Room Air Conditioner (RAC) is an electrical refrigeration appliance designed to provide cooling and associated air-conditioning functions for a room or enclosed space.

Under the older IS 1391 (Part 1):2017, Part 1 specifically covered Unitary Air Conditioners. BIS maintains a separate standard/product category for Split Air Conditioners under Part 2.

Room air-conditioning systems generally involve components such as:

Compressor
Condenser
Evaporator
Heat exchanger
Refrigerating circuit
Fan/motor assembly
Temperature sensing controls
Electrical cables
Control system
Protective devices

The exact construction and applicable requirements depend on the product design and applicable version of the Indian Standard.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a conformity assessment system administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

For products covered under compulsory certification, manufacturers are required to demonstrate conformity with the applicable Indian Standard and obtain the appropriate BIS licence before using the BIS Standard Mark according to the licence conditions.

For Room Air Conditioners, BIS has included IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 – Room Air Conditioners – Specification Part 1 Unitary Air Conditioners in its compulsory certification list. The applicable regulatory framework is the Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, together with subsequent amendments.

What is IS 1391 (Part 1):2017?

IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 is titled:

“Room Air Conditioners – Specification – Part 1 Unitary Air Conditioners.”

The BIS product manual identifies the standard as a Scheme-I certification product and provides guidance for prospective applicants and existing licensees.

The standard deals with requirements applicable to unitary room air conditioners, including relevant construction, performance and testing requirements.

Current Revision of the Standard

This is an important SEO and compliance point for your website.

BIS issued implementation guidelines in September 2023 stating that:

IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 was revised and published as IS 1391 (Part 1):2023.

The last date for implementation of the revised standard was:

22 August 2024.

Therefore, if a manufacturer is currently applying for certification or modifying an existing certification, the applicable current standard/revision should be verified with BIS rather than assuming that the 2017 edition remains the operative technical standard.

This blog can still target the highly searched keyword “IS 1391 (Part 1):2017”, while the page should explain the transition to the 2023 revision.

Scope of IS 1391 (Part 1):2017

The older standard covered Unitary Air Conditioners.

The BIS Product Manual identifies relevant areas including:

Materials
Electrical cables
Refrigerating circuit
Temperature sensing controls
Hermetic compressors
Motors
Heat exchangers
Product testing
Product grouping
Scheme of Inspection and Testing

The product manual also provides specific references to applicable Indian Standards for certain components.

Products Covered

Depending on the applicable standard and certification scope, the relevant product category may include:

Unitary Room Air Conditioners
Room Air Conditioning Units
Self-contained Air Conditioning Units
Commercially manufactured unitary AC systems falling within the applicable scope
Other applicable unitary room air-conditioning products

Important: Split Air Conditioners are addressed separately under IS 1391 (Part 2), so manufacturers should identify the exact AC configuration before selecting the certification scope.

Components and Related Requirements

The BIS Product Manual for IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 identifies relevant component requirements including:

Electrical Cables

Applicable electrical cables are referenced to relevant Indian Standards.

Temperature Sensing Controls

Temperature sensing controls are referenced to the applicable standard for automatic electrical controls.

Hermetic Compressors

Hermetic compressors are referenced to IS 10617 in the product manual.

Motors

Motor requirements are addressed under the relevant clauses of the product standard.

Heat Exchangers

Heat exchangers are referenced to IS 11329 in the product manual.

These component requirements should be assessed according to the applicable certification scope and current standard.

Mandatory BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners

Yes, Room Air Conditioners covered by the applicable regulatory framework are subject to compulsory BIS certification requirements.

BIS's current Scheme-I listing identifies:

IS 1391 (Part-1):2017 – Room Air Conditioners – Specification Part 1 Unitary Air Conditioners

under the category Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls.

The listing references the Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, along with subsequent amendments.

Applicable QCO Details

The applicable regulatory framework is:

Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019

The original order was notified as:

S.O. 4354(E), dated 05 December 2019.

The order has subsequently been amended multiple times, including amendments in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026. BIS's current compulsory-certification listing records these amendments.

For example, the 2023 amendment was notified through S.O. 32(E) and dealt with certain provisions relating to air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment and related parts.

Because the QCO has been amended over time, manufacturers should verify the latest applicable QCO and exemptions before making a compliance decision.

Who Needs BIS Certification?

BIS certification may be applicable to manufacturers of covered Room Air Conditioner products, including:

Indian AC manufacturers
OEM manufacturers
Private-label manufacturers
Contract manufacturers
Manufacturers supplying ACs under their own brand
Eligible foreign manufacturers, subject to applicable BIS requirements

The exact applicability depends on the product, manufacturing arrangement, certification scope and current QCO provisions.

Eligibility Criteria

A manufacturer seeking BIS certification should generally have:

Appropriate manufacturing facilities
Defined manufacturing process
Suitable production machinery
Quality-control arrangements
Required testing facilities or access to appropriate testing
Calibrated measuring equipment
Technical personnel
Raw-material control system
Finished-product inspection system
Batch/production records
Product traceability
Appropriate marking and labelling arrangements

The factory should also be capable of consistently manufacturing products conforming to the applicable Indian Standard.

Complete BIS Certification Process for Unitary Air Conditioners

Step 1 – Product Identification

Identify the exact type of Room Air Conditioner being manufactured.

Determine whether the product is:

Unitary AC or Split AC

because the applicable standards are different.

Step 2 – Standard Applicability Assessment

For a unitary air conditioner, assess the applicability of IS 1391 (Part 1) and the current revision.

Step 3 – Product Scope Assessment

Determine:

Product type
Model
Capacity
Rated parameters
Product variants
Applicable grouping

Step 4 – Factory Assessment

Review:

Manufacturing machinery
Assembly facilities
Testing facilities
Quality-control system
Calibration system
Storage facilities

Step 5 – Documentation Preparation

Prepare the technical and legal documents required for BIS application.

Step 6 – Sample Preparation

The BIS Product Manual for IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 specifies one assembled air conditioner plus other suitable components as required as the sample size.

Step 7 – Product Testing

The AC sample is tested against the applicable requirements of the Indian Standard.

Step 8 – BIS Application

Submit the BIS application with required documentation and technical details.

Step 9 – Application Scrutiny

BIS reviews the application and supporting information.

Step 10 – Factory Inspection

BIS may assess the manufacturing facility, production process, testing arrangements and quality-control system.

Step 11 – Observation Closure

Any technical or documentation observations need to be appropriately addressed.

Step 12 – Licence Grant

After successful completion of the applicable certification requirements, BIS may grant the licence.

Step 13 – ISI Mark Compliance

The manufacturer can use the BIS Standard Mark according to the applicable licence conditions.

Step 14 – Continued Compliance

The licensee must continue to comply with applicable testing, inspection, production and certification requirements.

Required Documents

Common documents may include:

Company registration documents
Factory registration documents
Factory address proof
Factory layout
Manufacturing process flow chart
Machinery list
Product technical specifications
Product drawings
Component details
Raw-material details
Quality-control plan
Testing equipment details
Calibration certificates
Internal test reports
Product photographs
Product labels
Packaging details
Trademark documents
Authorized signatory documents
BIS application documents
Declarations and undertakings

The exact document list can vary according to the applicant and certification scope.

Testing Requirements

Testing is one of the most important parts of BIS certification for Room Air Conditioners.

The BIS Product Manual identifies the relevant test equipment and test framework under Annex B and Annex D.

Testing may involve requirements relating to:

Cooling Capacity

The cooling performance of the air conditioner is evaluated according to the applicable test procedure.

Power Consumption

Electrical power consumption is assessed under the applicable operating conditions.

Electrical Performance

Relevant electrical characteristics are evaluated.

Safety Requirements

The product must meet applicable safety requirements.

Refrigeration Performance

The refrigerating circuit and associated performance requirements are assessed.

Pressure and Leakage

Relevant refrigeration-system pressure/leakage requirements may be tested.

Temperature Controls

Temperature sensing and control functions are evaluated as applicable.

Motor Performance

Applicable motor-related requirements are considered.

Heat Exchanger Performance

Heat exchanger-related requirements are assessed.

The BIS LIMS database currently shows laboratories offering IS 1391 Part 1 testing, with individual test packages and charges varying by laboratory and test scope.

BIS Testing Laboratory

Air Conditioner testing can require specialized facilities, particularly for cooling-capacity and performance testing.

BIS LIMS currently lists testing activity for IS 1391 Part 1 (2017), including cooling-capacity, power-factor and power-consumption testing.

The exact laboratory charges depend on:

Test scope
Number of tests
Product capacity
Laboratory
Additional tests
Retesting requirements

Therefore, manufacturers should obtain a current quotation based on the exact model and certification scope.

Factory Inspection Process

During factory assessment, the manufacturer may need to demonstrate:

Manufacturing Process

The complete AC manufacturing and assembly process should be properly controlled.

Component Control

Critical components such as compressors, motors, heat exchangers and controls should be controlled appropriately.

Testing Facilities

Required testing arrangements should be available according to the certification requirements.

Calibration

Measuring and testing equipment should have appropriate calibration records.

Quality Control

Incoming, in-process and final-product quality checks should be documented.

Product Identification

Models and batches should be identifiable and traceable.

Records

Production and test records should be properly maintained.

Product Grouping

Product grouping is an important part of AC BIS certification.

The BIS Product Manual specifically provides grouping guidelines in Annex A for IS 1391 (Part 1):2017.

Manufacturers with multiple AC models should therefore determine the correct grouping before submitting an application.

Incorrect grouping can result in:

Additional testing
Additional samples
Application delays
Scope limitations
Additional compliance requirements

A proper grouping assessment can help optimize the certification process.

Scheme of Inspection and Testing

The BIS Product Manual includes a Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) under Annex C.

The manufacturer/licensee must follow the applicable inspection and testing requirements for continued conformity.

This can include requirements relating to:

Routine testing
Production control
Sample selection
Test frequency
Records
Acceptance criteria
Corrective action

Common Reasons for BIS Application Rejection or Delay

Common issues may include:

Selecting the wrong Indian Standard
Confusing unitary and split AC requirements
Incorrect product grouping
Incomplete technical documents
Inadequate testing facilities
Failed performance testing
Missing calibration certificates
Incomplete manufacturing records
Incorrect product marking
Inconsistent product specifications
Inadequate factory preparedness
Failure to close technical observations
Testing delays
Incomplete component documentation

BIS Certification Cost for Room Air Conditioners

There is no single fixed cost for every Room Air Conditioner manufacturer.

The total cost can depend on:

BIS application charges
Product testing charges
Laboratory charges
Inspection expenses
Number of models
Product grouping
Sample requirements
Factory location
Retesting requirements
Consultancy charges
Additional documentation requirements

Specialized AC performance testing can be a significant part of the overall cost.

For example, BIS LIMS currently shows different test packages for IS 1391 Part 1, including packages involving cooling capacity, power factor and power consumption, with charges varying by testing scope.

BIS Certification Timeline

The certification timeline depends on:

Documentation readiness
Product grouping
Laboratory availability
Testing duration
Test results
Factory readiness
BIS application scrutiny
Inspection scheduling
Technical observations
Corrective actions
Retesting, if required

Therefore, manufacturers should avoid relying on an arbitrary fixed number of days.

Benefits of BIS Certification

Regulatory Compliance

Helps manufacturers comply with applicable mandatory certification requirements.

Product Quality

BIS testing and quality-control requirements support consistent product performance.

Customer Confidence

BIS certification provides additional confidence to distributors, retailers and customers.

Market Acceptance

Certification supports compliant sale and supply of covered products in India.

Brand Credibility

A valid BIS licence strengthens the credibility of an AC manufacturer.

Better Manufacturing Controls

Certification encourages systematic control of production, testing and quality documentation.

Why Choose Qualitance India?

Qualitance India provides professional BIS Certification Consultancy for Room Air Conditioners and electrical products.

Our support can include:

BIS Applicability Assessment
IS 1391 Scope Assessment
Current Standard Revision Assessment
Product Grouping Guidance
Technical Documentation
Laboratory Testing Coordination
Sample Preparation Guidance
BIS Application Assistance
Factory Inspection Preparation
Quality-Control Documentation
Technical Observation Support
Product Marking Guidance
End-to-End BIS Certification Support

Contact Qualitance India

Phone: +91-9310-615-170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: qualitanceindia.com

Qualitance India – Improving Quality and Competence

Step-by-Step BIS Certification Flow Chart

Product Identification
↓
Unitary AC Applicability Assessment
↓
IS 1391 Standard Assessment
↓
Current Revision Verification
↓
Product Grouping Assessment
↓
Factory Readiness Assessment
↓
Documentation Preparation
↓
Sample Preparation
↓
Laboratory Testing
↓
BIS Application Submission
↓
Application Scrutiny
↓
Factory Inspection
↓
Observation Closure
↓
BIS Licence Grant
↓
ISI Mark Compliance
↓
Ongoing Compliance

25 SEO FAQs

1. What is BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners?

BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners is the conformity assessment process for covered AC products under the applicable BIS Indian Standard and Quality Control Order.

2. What is IS 1391 (Part 1):2017?

IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 is the Indian Standard for Room Air Conditioners – Specification – Part 1 Unitary Air Conditioners.

3. Is BIS Certification mandatory for Room Air Conditioners?

Yes, covered Room Air Conditioner products are included under the compulsory BIS certification framework for air conditioners.

4. What is the current revision of IS 1391 Part 1?

IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 was revised as IS 1391 (Part 1):2023. BIS specified 22 August 2024 as the last date for implementation of the revised standard.

5. What type of AC is covered under Part 1?

Part 1 covers Unitary Air Conditioners.

6. Does IS 1391 Part 1 cover Split AC?

Split Air Conditioners are covered separately under IS 1391 Part 2.

7. What is the applicable QCO for Room Air Conditioners?

The applicable regulatory framework is the Air Conditioner and its related Parts, Hermetic Compressor and Temperature Sensing Controls (Quality Control) Order, 2019, as amended from time to time.

8. What tests are required for Room Air Conditioners?

Testing may include cooling capacity, power consumption, electrical performance, safety and other applicable performance and construction requirements.

9. What is the sample size under the older IS 1391 Part 1 product manual?

The product manual specifies one assembled air conditioner plus other suitable components as required.

10. Is cooling capacity testing required?

Cooling capacity is a key performance test for Room Air Conditioners and is included among the testing activities listed in BIS LIMS for IS 1391 Part 1.

11. Is factory inspection required?

Factory assessment forms part of the applicable BIS certification process.

12. What documents are required for AC BIS Certification?

Documents generally include factory details, manufacturing process, product specifications, drawings, component information, testing details, calibration records and other BIS application documents.

13. What is product grouping in BIS certification?

Product grouping is the process of determining which models or variants can be represented under a particular certification scope according to applicable BIS grouping guidelines.

14. What components are considered under IS 1391 Part 1?

The product manual identifies components and related requirements including electrical cables, refrigerating circuit, temperature sensing controls, hermetic compressors, motors and heat exchangers.

15. What is the BIS certification cost for Room Air Conditioners?

The cost varies according to testing scope, number of models, laboratory charges, inspection requirements and other certification expenses.

16. How long does BIS Certification for AC take?

The timeline depends on testing, documentation, laboratory availability, factory readiness, BIS scrutiny and inspection.

17. Can an OEM obtain BIS Certification for an AC?

An eligible manufacturer/OEM can apply subject to the applicable BIS certification and QCO requirements.

18. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS Certification for Air Conditioners?

Eligible foreign manufacturers can apply under the applicable BIS foreign manufacturer certification framework, subject to the relevant requirements.

19. What is the BIS Standard Mark?

The BIS Standard Mark is used by a licensed manufacturer according to the conditions of the BIS licence.

20. Why is AC testing expensive?

Room Air Conditioner testing can require specialized facilities, including performance and cooling-capacity testing equipment.

21. What is a Unitary Air Conditioner?

A unitary air conditioner is an air-conditioning system covered under the relevant Part 1 product scope, as opposed to the separate split-air-conditioner category.

22. Is IS 1391 Part 1:2017 still the current standard?

No. BIS revised IS 1391 Part 1:2017 to IS 1391 Part 1:2023, with implementation of the revised standard scheduled by 22 August 2024.

23. Can an existing BIS licence under 2017 continue unchanged?

The applicable transition and licence requirements should be checked with BIS because the 2017 standard was revised and the implementation date for the revised standard was 22 August 2024.

24. Can Qualitance India help with IS 1391 certification?

Yes. Qualitance India can assist with applicability assessment, documentation, testing coordination, product grouping, BIS application and factory inspection preparation.

25. How can I start BIS Certification for a Room Air Conditioner?

Start by sharing the AC type, model details, cooling capacity, manufacturing location and existing BIS/test documents. The applicable standard and certification scope can then be assessed.

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Service Name: BIS Certification Consultancy for Room Air Conditioners

Service Type: BIS Certification Consultancy

Product: Room Air Conditioners – Unitary Air Conditioners

Applicable Standard: IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 / current applicable revision

Provider: Qualitance India

Area Served: India

Description: Professional BIS Certification Consultancy for Room Air Conditioners and Unitary Air Conditioners, including product assessment, documentation, testing coordination, BIS application and factory inspection support.

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Headline: BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners – IS 1391 (Part 1):2017

Author: Qualitance India

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Article Section: BIS Certification

Keywords: BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners, IS 1391 Part 1, Unitary Air Conditioner BIS Certification, Air Conditioner BIS Licence

Internal Linking Strategy

Is blog ko website ke following pages ke saath internally link karein:

BIS Certification Consultancy
BIS Certification Process
BIS Certification Cost
BIS Certification Documents
BIS Product Testing
BIS Factory Inspection
ISI Mark Certification
Electrical Product BIS Certification
QCO Compliance Consultancy
Foreign Manufacturer BIS Certification
BIS Testing Laboratory
Air Conditioner BIS Certification
Split Air Conditioner BIS Certification
Hermetic Compressor BIS Certification
Temperature Sensing Controls BIS Certification

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BIS Certification Process

BIS Certification Cost

BIS Testing Services

BIS Factory Inspection

ISI Mark Certification

Electrical Product BIS Certification

Air Conditioner BIS Certification

QCO Compliance Consultancy

External Authority References

Website ke blog mein official BIS sources ko priority dein:

Bureau of Indian Standards
BIS Scheme-I Compulsory Certification
BIS Product Manual
BIS Product Certification
BIS LIMS
Government Quality Control Orders

BIS's current compulsory-certification page lists IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 and the applicable Air Conditioner QCO/amendments.

BIS's product manual provides technical certification guidance for IS 1391 (Part 1):2017, including sampling, grouping, test equipment and Scheme of Inspection and Testing.

BIS also records the revised IS 1391 (Part 1):2023 in its current product-manual listings.

Related BIS Services

BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners
BIS Certification for Unitary Air Conditioners
BIS Certification for Split Air Conditioners
BIS Certification for Hermetic Compressors
BIS Certification for Heat Exchangers
BIS Certification for Temperature Sensing Controls
BIS Product Testing
BIS Factory Inspection Assistance
BIS Documentation Support
BIS Application Assistance
ISI Mark Certification
Foreign Manufacturer BIS Certification
QCO Compliance Consultancy

BIS Certification for Split Air Conditioners – IS 1391 (Part 2)
IS 1391 (Part 1):2023 – Complete BIS Certification Guide
BIS Testing Requirements for Room Air Conditioners
BIS Certification Cost for Air Conditioners
Documents Required for Air Conditioner BIS Certification
BIS Certification Process for Unitary Air Conditioners
Air Conditioner QCO 2019 – Complete Compliance Guide
BIS Certification for Hermetic Compressors
BIS Certification for Temperature Sensing Controls
BIS Certification for Heat Exchangers
Air Conditioner Product Testing in India
BIS Factory Inspection for AC Manufacturers
BIS Product Grouping for Air Conditioners
How to Get BIS Licence for Air Conditioner Manufacturers
BIS Certification for Foreign Air Conditioner Manufacturers

Need BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners?

Are you an Air Conditioner Manufacturer, OEM, Private-Label Manufacturer, Importer or Export-Oriented Manufacturer looking for BIS Certification?

Qualitance India can assist you with:

✓ BIS Applicability Assessment
✓ IS 1391 Standard Assessment
✓ Current Standard Revision Guidance
✓ Product Grouping Assessment
✓ Technical Documentation
✓ Sample Preparation Guidance
✓ Laboratory Testing Coordination
✓ BIS Application Support
✓ Factory Inspection Preparation
✓ Quality-Control Documentation
✓ Technical Observation Support
✓ ISI Mark Compliance
✓ End-to-End BIS Certification Consultancy

Contact Qualitance India

Call / WhatsApp: +91-9310-615-170
Email: info@qualitanceindia.com
Website: qualitanceindia.com

Qualitance India – Improving Quality and Competence

SEO-Optimized Conclusion

BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners is an important compliance requirement for manufacturers of covered air-conditioning products in India. IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 specifically addressed Unitary Air Conditioners and was included in the compulsory BIS certification framework.

However, manufacturers should note that IS 1391 (Part 1):2017 has been revised to IS 1391 (Part 1):2023, with BIS specifying 22 August 2024 as the implementation date for the revised standard.

The certification process involves product assessment, standard and scope identification, product grouping, documentation, specialized testing, BIS application, factory assessment and continued compliance.

For manufacturers, the most important steps are correct standard identification, accurate product grouping, proper laboratory testing, complete documentation and factory readiness.

If you require professional assistance with BIS Certification for Room Air Conditioners, IS 1391 compliance, product testing, BIS documentation, QCO compliance or factory inspection preparation, Qualitance India can provide end-to-end consultancy support.