Technology

ISI Mark Now a Must for 90 Types of Home Appliances: What Changes From 1 October 2026

From 1 October 2026, about 90 types of electrical appliances must carry the ISI mark. See what is covered and how to check the mark before you buy.

Most of us choose a mixer, kettle or vacuum cleaner by price, brand and reviews. Very few of us read the small print on the box. From 1 October 2026, that small print matters a lot more: about 90 types of household and commercial electrical appliances must now meet an Indian safety standard and carry the ISI mark before they can be sold. The ISI mark on home appliances is meant to keep untested, unsafe products out of Indian homes.

What Has Changed?

The government has brought a long list of electrical appliances under compulsory BIS certification. BIS, the Bureau of Indian Standards, is the national body that sets product standards and runs the ISI mark. If you ever need to search for it, the rule is called the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026.

Under this rule, a covered appliance must pass the safety tests in the Indian standard and carry the BIS Standard Mark, the familiar ISI mark, under a valid licence. An appliance on the list without the mark is not meant to be sold. Makers who break the rule can face penalties under the law that governs BIS.

The start date was pushed back once already, from March 2026 to 1 October 2026, to give manufacturers more time to get ready.

Which appliances are covered?

The list covers appliances used at home as well as in shops, hotels and offices. Some common examples:

Vacuum cleaners, including battery-operated ones
Dishwashers
Food processors
Electric water boilers and fixed immersion heaters
Ovens and cooking ranges, including commercial cooking ranges
Humidifiers
Air purifiers, including battery-operated ones

In simple terms, the rule covers appliances that run on a normal home power supply (single-phase, up to 250 volts), bigger machines up to 480 volts, and appliances that run on batteries or DC power. Appliances that already need the BIS mark under another rule are left out of this one, because they are already covered.

What about small manufacturers?

Large and medium manufacturers had to follow the rule from 1 October 2026. Small enterprises get until 1 January 2027, and micro enterprises until 1 April 2027. So for a few more months, you may still see some appliances from very small makers without the mark.

Why This Matters to You

Electrical appliances can fail in ways that hurt: an electric shock from a badly insulated body, a kettle that overheats, or a cheap heater that melts its own wire. The Indian standard behind this rule follows the international safety standard for household appliances. It checks things such as protection against shock, overheating and fire.

Until now, many of these appliances could reach shelves without any independent safety check. Cheap, unbranded products, especially those sold online, were the biggest worry. Now a maker must get a licence from BIS and meet the standard before selling.

For you, the ISI mark becomes a quick first test. If an appliance on the list does not carry it, treat that as a warning sign.

What the ISI Mark Does Not Tell You

The ISI mark is about basic safety. It does not mean the appliance is the best in its class, uses less power or will last longer.

It is not a star rating. Energy saving is shown by the separate star label, where one applies.
It is not a warranty. Repairs and replacement still depend on the brand and the seller.
It does not cover misuse. An appliance used with a damaged plug, an overloaded socket or poor house wiring can still be unsafe.

How to Check the ISI Mark Before You Buy

A genuine ISI mark is easy to check once you know what to look for.

Find the mark. Look on the appliance or its rating label. The number of the Indian standard (the IS number) is printed with the mark.
Note the licence number. It usually starts with “CM/L-” and appears near the mark.
Verify it. Download the free BIS Care app, choose the option to verify licence details, and enter the number.
Match the details. The maker and product type shown in the app should match what you are buying.

A mark that looks blurred, has no licence number, or shows a number the app cannot find is a red flag. Walk away, or ask the shop for proof.

Buying online?

On shopping apps, look for product photos that show the label with the ISI mark and licence number. If the listing does not show it, ask the seller in the questions section before you order, or pick another listing. When the parcel arrives, check the label before you throw away the box.

What You Can Do Right Now

Check every new purchase. For any covered appliance bought after 1 October 2026, look for the ISI mark and the licence number.
Be careful with very cheap, unbranded items. These are the most likely to skip safety testing.
Keep the bill and the box. You will need them for any complaint or warranty claim.
Report fake marks. If you spot a fake or missing ISI mark, you can complain through the BIS Care app. For a problem with a seller or shopping platform, you can also call the National Consumer Helpline on 1915.
Use appliances safely. Even a certified appliance needs a proper earthed socket and a cord in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ISI mark now compulsory on all home appliances?

Not on all of them. From 1 October 2026 it is compulsory for about 90 types of electrical appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, food processors, electric water boilers, ovens, humidifiers and air purifiers. Some other products already needed the mark under earlier rules.

Can shops still sell covered appliances without the ISI mark?

For appliances from large and medium manufacturers, the mark is now required. Small makers have until 1 January 2027 and micro makers until 1 April 2027, so you may still see a few unmarked products until then.

How can I check if an ISI mark is genuine?

Note the licence number printed near the mark, which usually starts with CM/L. Enter it in the free BIS Care app to see the licence details. The maker and product shown should match what you are buying.

Does the ISI mark mean an appliance saves electricity?

No. The ISI mark is about basic safety, such as protection against shock, overheating and fire. Energy saving is shown by the separate star label, where one applies.

Where can I complain about a fake ISI mark?

You can file a complaint through the BIS Care app. If the problem is with a seller or a shopping platform, you can also contact the National Consumer Helpline on 1915.

Do I need to replace the appliances I already own?

No. The rule is about appliances being made and sold, not the ones already in your home. Still, any old appliance with damaged wires or a plug that gets hot should be repaired or replaced for your own safety.

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