BIS certification is mandatory for massage appliances 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), which lists Massage Appliances in its Table. The Order 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. Massage appliances must conform to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020. The particular safety requirements in IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 32):1994 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.
A massage appliance uses a motor, vibrating element or heating element, or a combination of these, to apply massage to the body. That combination of moving parts, heat and mains or battery power 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 massage appliances. 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 Massage Appliances?
- Applicable Standards: IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 32)
- QCO 2026 Implementation Dates
- Mandatory Tests for Massage Appliances
- BIS Certification Process — Step by Step
- Indian Manufacturers vs Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)
- Documents Required
- BIS Compliance Checklist
- Timeline and Cost Factors
- Exemptions and Relaxations
- Common Certification Mistakes
- Penalty for Selling Without the ISI Mark
- Benefits of BIS Certification
- Official Regulatory References
- How Rego Services Supports Your Certification
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Massage Appliances?
What Is BIS Certification for Massage Appliances?
BIS certification is the licence and ISI Mark that the Bureau of Indian Standards grants once a massage-appliance model has been tested and found to conform to IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and the applicable particular requirements. It is the mechanism through which the 2026 Quality Control Order is enforced for this product category.
Yes. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified the Order on 6 April 2026. It supersedes the 2025 Order and covers 90 appliance categories, including massage appliances. Once the Order applies to you, a massage appliance 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 | Massage Appliances, listed in the Order's Table (verify the exact Sl. No. against the official notification) |
| Indian Standard | IS 302 (Part 1):2024 / IEC 60335-1:2020, with IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 32):1994 for the particular safety requirements for massage appliances |
| Related Standard | IS 7137:1973 covers performance (not safety) requirements for portable hand-held mains-operated electric massagers |
| 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 32)
India's household electrical safety standard is the IS 302 series, aligned with the IEC 60335 family. Two documents work together for massage appliances. A general part applies to every household appliance. A particular part adds the requirements written specifically for massage appliances.
Scope matters here too. IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 32) covers safety only; it does not cover performance, which is addressed separately for hand-held mains-operated massagers under IS 7137:1973. An appliance intended primarily for another purpose but which has a massage accessory is assessed under the standard covering its primary function, not this one. Confirm how your model is classified before you apply.
Products Typically Assessed as Massage Appliances
Corded or battery-operated units held directly against the body, including percussion and vibration types.
Standalone units the user sits or stands with feet or legs positioned inside or on top of the appliance.
Larger appliances with built-in motors and, in some models, heating elements, assessed alongside relevant construction and stability requirements.
Appliances used by laymen in premises other than the home, such as spas and salons, are within the standard's scope and need a classification check.
QCO 2026 Implementation Dates
The Order applies different start dates by enterprise size, as defined under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.
The Order applies to both domestic manufacturers and importers. Goods manufactured in India purely for export are outside its scope.
Mandatory Tests for Massage Appliances
Samples are tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory against IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and the particular requirements for massage appliances. 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 a massage appliance within the scope of IS 302 (Part 1):2024 and IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 32), and identify which implementation date applies to your enterprise.
Group models by rating and construction. Freeze the list of critical components — motor, heating element (where fitted), switch, power cord and, for cordless models, the battery pack and charger — 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.
Manufacturer vs Importer: Who Is Responsible?
| Business | Typical BIS Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Indian manufacturer | Apply for the Scheme-I BIS licence covering each certified model |
| Foreign manufacturer | Apply through the FMCS route and appoint an Authorised Indian Representative |
| Importer | Verify that the overseas supplier holds a valid BIS licence covering the exact model being imported |
| Brand owner | Confirm that the licence, model list and brand authorisation are all in order before the product is sold under the brand |
| Export-only manufacturer | Check that the goods fall within the Order's export exemption before relying on it |
- 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.
Massage Appliance BIS Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist alongside the document list above when preparing your application.
- Product classification — confirmed as a massage appliance under the Order's Table (verify the exact Sl. No. against the official notification).
- Applicable IS 302 parts — Part 1:2024 and the Part 2 particular requirements, editions confirmed with the laboratory.
- Enterprise category — large/medium, small, or micro, as defined under the MSMED Act, 2006.
- Model list — every model and variant to be covered by the licence.
- Rated voltage and power — recorded for each model.
- Bill of materials — finalised and frozen before sample testing.
- Critical components — motor, heating element (where fitted), switch, power cord and, for battery models, the battery pack and charger identified and documented.
- Rating label — content and placement checked against the standard.
- Circuit diagram — prepared for each model or model group.
- Factory documents — layout plan, process flow chart and equipment list ready.
- Quality-control documents — quality-control plan prepared and in use.
- In-house testing equipment — listed, with calibration certificates current.
- Test samples — identified and available for the laboratory and factory inspection.
- Brand authorisation — obtained where the brand differs from the manufacturer.
- BIS application documents — complete Scheme-I file assembled before filing.
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.
Common BIS Certification Mistakes for Massage Appliances
Treating an appliance whose primary function is not massage, but which has a massage accessory, under the massage-appliance standard instead of the standard for its primary function.
The Order requires the latest version of the Indian Standard. Confirm the current edition with your laboratory before testing.
Changing the motor, heating element, or battery pack after samples are tested, or after the licence is granted, can require prior intimation to BIS and retesting.
Rating-label content and placement are reviewed as part of certification. Check the label against the standard before submission.
Incomplete details on the motor, heating element or, for cordless models, the battery pack slow down both testing and BIS review.
Missing layout plans, process flow charts or equipment lists are a common reason factory inspections are delayed.
Grouping models incorrectly by rating or construction can mean some variants are left outside the tested and certified scope.
A BIS licence is granted to the manufacturer, not the importer. Importers must separately verify that the exact model they import is covered.
Foreign manufacturers who skip the Authorised Indian Representative appointment or overseas inspection step delay their own application.
Laboratory queues and inspection scheduling near the deadline are common. Filing early also helps protect existing stock under the Order's clearance provision.
Penalty for Selling Without the ISI Mark
Once the Order applies to you, massage appliances 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
Official Regulatory References
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — certifying and enforcing authority; standards, Scheme-I and FMCS information. bis.gov.in
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) — issuing authority for the Quality Control Order. dpiit.gov.in
- Notification S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026 — the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026, published in the Gazette of India.
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 Vacuum Cleaners in India
Another personal and household appliance under the same Order. See the IS 302 requirements, tests and dates that apply to vacuum cleaners at Sl. No. 1.
BIS Certification for Tumbler Dryers in India
Selling other household electrical appliances too? See how the same QCO 2026 applies to tumbler dryers at Sl. No. 5.
Official Regulatory References
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — certifying and enforcing authority; standards, Scheme-I and FMCS information. bis.gov.in
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) — issuing authority for the Quality Control Order. dpiit.gov.in
- Notification S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026 — the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026, published in the Gazette of India.
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 Tumbler Dryers in India
Another household appliance under the same Order. See the IS 302 requirements, tests and dates that apply to tumbler dryers at Sl. No. 5.
BIS Certification for Spin Extractors in India
Selling laundry appliances too? See how the same QCO 2026 applies to spin extractors at Sl. No. 2.
Official Regulatory References
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — certifying and enforcing authority; standards, Scheme-I and FMCS information. bis.gov.in
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) — issuing authority for the Quality Control Order. dpiit.gov.in
- Notification S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026 — the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026, published in the Gazette of India.
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 Spin Extractors in India
Another laundry appliance under the same Order. See the IS 302 requirements, tests and dates that apply to spin extractors at Sl. No. 2.
BIS Certification for Electric Coffee Makers in India
Selling kitchen appliances too? See how the same QCO 2026 applies to electric coffee makers at Sl. No. 16.
How Rego Services Supports Your Certification
Rego Services Private Limited manages BIS certification for massage appliances 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 massage appliances in India?
Yes. Massage Appliances are covered by 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. Confirm the exact serial-number entry for your model with BIS or the latest official notification.
From which date is BIS certification compulsory for massage appliances?
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 massage appliances?
IS 302 (Part 1):2024, aligned with IEC 60335-1:2020, sets the general safety requirements named in the Order. The particular requirements for massage appliances are in IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 32):1994, aligned with IEC 60335-2-32. The Order states that the latest version of the Indian Standard applies.
Does the massage-appliance standard cover performance as well as safety?
No. IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 32) covers safety requirements only. Performance requirements for portable hand-held mains-operated electric massagers are covered separately under IS 7137:1973.
Do massage appliances 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 massage appliances?
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 massage appliances take?
Indicatively, 45 to 90 days for Indian manufacturers and 4 to 6 months for foreign manufacturers. The timeline depends on documentation, laboratory slots, the number of models and factory inspection scheduling.
Can I sell existing massage appliance 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.
What happens if massage appliances 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 massage appliances under the QCO 2026 (S.O. 1739(E), 6 April 2026)
- Verify the exact Sl. No. entry for your product against the official Gazette notification before relying on it
- 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 32):1994 for massage appliances
- Performance requirements for hand-held massagers are covered separately under IS 7137:1973
- 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
- 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
Reviewed by the Rego Services Compliance Team | Last Updated: September 2026 | Applicable QCO: S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026 | Applicable Standard: IS 302 (Part 1):2024, IS 302 (Part 2/Sec 32):1994
Your Next Step
The first implementation date is 1 October 2026, so massage-appliance 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 massage appliances and the ISI Mark process.