Recently, the government made ISI Mark mandatory for air coolers and air filters with the rising quality concerns. But what does this mean?

Imagine stepping into your home after a long, hot day, only to be greeted by the refreshing cool breeze from your air cooler or the clean, fresh air circulated by your air filter. 

These appliances play a vital role in keeping our indoor spaces comfortable and healthy. 

However, with so many options available in the market, how can we be sure that the air coolers and air filters we use are safe and reliable?

So, the government took a significant step towards addressing this concern by introducing a Quality Control Order.

But what exactly does this mean, and why is it important? 

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this new mandate, from understanding what air coolers and air filters are to why the ISI Mark has become mandatory. 

So, let’s dive in and learn about it.

What are Air Coolers and Air Filters? 

Air coolers and air filters are two essential appliances that contribute to our comfort and well-being indoors.

Air Coolers: Imagine a hot summer day when the sun is blazing outside, and you’re dreaming of some relief from the heat. 

That’s where air coolers come into play! 

They work by drawing in warm air, passing it through water-soaked pads, and then blowing out cooled air, making your room feel much more pleasant and bearable.

Now, let’s talk about air filters. Have you ever noticed dust particles floating in the air or struggled with allergies due to pollen or pet dander? 

That’s where air filters come into play. Air filters are like superheroes that clean the air we breathe, capturing dust, pollen, pet hair, and other tiny particles, leaving behind cleaner and healthier air. 

They work silently but effectively, trapping these unwanted particles and ensuring that the air in our homes or offices is fresher and safer to breathe.

What is the ISI Mark and Quality Control Order?

The ISI (Indian Standards Institute) Mark is a certification mark for products in India, signifying compliance with Indian quality standards. 

It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ensuring that products meet specified quality and safety requirements. 

Moreover, a Quality Control Order (QCO) is a government directive that mandates certain products to adhere to specific standards, ensuring their quality, safety, and efficacy.

Understanding Quality Control Orders for Air Coolers and Air Filters

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced a Quality Control Order (QCO) mandating Air Coolers and Air Filters to carry an ISI Mark.   

This order will come into force from September 5, 2024, giving manufacturers six months to comply with the order.   

However, to give smaller businesses time to adapt, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have different deadlines:   

Small businesses have been given nine months to comply i.e. till December 2024 and micro businesses have been given twelve months to comply which means they have until March 2025.   

Moreover, this order does not apply to goods or articles manufactured domestically by an enterprise, registered under the ‘‘Udyam portal’ of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and their investment in machinery is less than twenty-five lakh rupees, and their turnover is under two crore rupees, for the previous financial year as certified by a Chartered Accountant.

The Bureau of Indian Standards shall be the certifying and enforcing authority for the goods or articles specified in the Table. 

Goods or articles	Indian Standard	Title of Indian Standard
Air Cooler	3315:2019	Evaporative Air Coolers (Desert Coolers)
Air Filters	17570 (Part 1): 2021  ISO 16890-2: 2016	Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical specifications requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM)

Any person who contravenes the provisions of this order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.  

For more details, please refer to the official notification provided here. 

Why has ISI Mark become mandatory for Air Coolers and Air Filters? 

The decision to make the ISI Mark mandatory for Air Coolers and Air Filters arises from the government’s commitment to consumer safety and industry competitiveness. 

Also, by adhering to quality standards, manufacturers can ensure that their products are safe, reliable, and high-quality, thereby enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction. 

Moreover, standardized products promote fair competition and facilitate trade both domestically and internationally.

Partner with Vincular to get ISI Certification for Air Coolers and Air Filters

For businesses seeking ISI certification for their Air Coolers and Air Filters, partnering with Vincular can help you streamline the process. 

We offer comprehensive support and guidance throughout the certification process, ensuring that manufacturers meet all requirements and standards set by the BIS.

By obtaining ISI certification, businesses can show their commitment to quality and compliance, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Partner with Vincualr for ISI Certification.