Govt Eases BIS Certification Requirements For Critical AC And Refrigerator Components

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Mar 19 (KNN) In a move to prevent potential shortages during the upcoming summer, the government has exempted certain critical air-conditioner (AC) and refrigerator components from mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirements.

The Department for Promotion of industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has lifted the BIS certification mandate for grooved copper tubes and AC compressors with a capacity of two tonnes or more.

This exemption, which also applies to imported components, including those from China, addresses industry concerns over limited domestic production capacity.

Industry representatives welcomed the decision, noting that domestic suppliers charge significantly higher prices for copper tubes compared to vendors in China and other countries.

A senior executive from a leading AC brand stated that the exemption offers temporary relief given the supply constraints.

While the exemption currently excludes refrigerator compressors and AC compressors with a capacity below two tonnes, industry executives indicated that the government is actively considering extending the waiver to these components as well.

"We expect a BIS waiver for refrigerator compressors and AC compressors below two tonnes shortly," said one executive.

Manufacturers had previously warned of potential product shortages this summer, citing delays in obtaining BIS certification for their copper and compressor vendors in China and neighbouring countries.

They argued that domestic capacity remains insufficient to meet the growing demand, especially with summer arriving earlier than usual.

The DPIIT's recent circular outlines that imports of grooved copper tubes will be exempt from BIS certification until June 30, while AC compressors with a capacity of two tonnes and above are exempt until February 10, 2026.

Additionally, the government has permitted companies to import copper tubes up to 25 per cent of the total value of copper tube imports recorded in 2023-24 during the January-March period.

Under current regulations, brands are required to ensure BIS certification for factories supplying AC and refrigerator components, whether domestically or internationally.

(KNN Bureau)

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