The regulatory landscape for 2026 has undergone a massive shift in just the first month.
While manufacturers were bracing for the sweeping “Omnibus” Machinery Order, the Government has provided major relief by rescinding it. However, strict deadlines for Furniture and Electrical Appliances are still fully active and hitting this quarter.
If you are a manufacturer or importer, relying on old lists is dangerous. Below is the fully verified, updated status of Mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for 2026.
MAJOR RELIEF: Machinery QCO Withdrawn
In a significant move to support the industry, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has RESCINDED (Cancelled) the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024.
- Status: WITHDRAWN / NOT MANDATORY
- Notification: S.O. 239(E) dated January 14, 2026.
- Impact: Manufacturers of rotating electrical machines, compressors, metalworking machines, and textile machinery NO LONGER need BIS Certification under this specific order.
- Why? The order was withdrawn in the “public interest” to reduce compliance burdens and prevent supply chain disruptions.
THE MANDATORY LIST: What IS Active for 2026?
While machinery gets a pass, the following sectors are under strict enforcement. You must have BIS Certification/ISI Mark to sell these products in India.
1. Furniture (Deadline: February 13, 2026)
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is the biggest compliance hurdle of Q1 2026. Enforcement begins mid-February.
- Effective Date: February 13, 2026
- Mandatory Products:
- Work Chairs (IS 17631)
- General Purpose Chairs & Stools (IS 17632)
- Tables & Desks (IS 17633)
- Storage Units (IS 17634)
- Beds (IS 17635) & Bunk Beds (IS 17636)
- Exemption: Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) have an extension until August 13, 2026.
2. Electrical Appliances (Deadline: March 19, 2026)
The Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order brings a massive range of daily-use items under mandatory BIS Scheme-1.
- Effective Date: March 19, 2026
- Mandatory Products:
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Electric Shavers & Hair Clippers
- Massage Appliances
- Electric Kitchen Appliances (Battery operated & up to 250V)
3. AR/VR & XR Headsets (Deadline: May 1, 2026)
Electronics & IT goods notified by MeitY under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
- Effective Date: May 1, 2026
- Standard: IS 62368-1:2018 / IS 13252
- Impact: All Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) headsets imported into India must be registered.
4. Digital TV Receivers (Extended to July 2026)
MeitY has issued an extension for Digital Television Receivers with built-in satellite tuners.
- New Deadline: July 26, 2026 (Estimated based on Jan 2026 extension order).
- Standard: IS 18112:2022.
OTHER WITHDRAWALS (Chemicals)
Apart from Machinery, the government has also rescinded QCOs for several chemicals to ease raw material availability. BIS Certification is NO LONGER MANDATORY for:
- Flux Cored Solder Wire (Rescinded Jan 12, 2026)
- Beta Picoline
- Pyridine
- Sodium Tripolyphosphate
- Potassium Carbonate
Summary Table: Compliance Status 2026
| Product Category | Status | Compliance Deadline |
| Machinery (Omnibus) | 🟢 WITHDRAWN | N/A |
| Furniture | 🔴 MANDATORY | Feb 13, 2026 |
| Electrical Appliances | 🔴 MANDATORY | Mar 19, 2026 |
| AR/VR Headsets | 🔴 MANDATORY | May 1, 2026 |
| Textile Machinery | 🟢 WITHDRAWN | N/A |
| Flux Cored Solder Wire | 🟢 WITHDRAWN | N/A |
Conclusion
2026 is a year of “Targeted Compliance.” While the broad Machinery QCO is gone, the focus has shifted intensely to Consumer Durables (Furniture) and Electronics. Importers must verify the “Active” status of any QCO before shipping to avoid customs holds.
Need to check if your specific product is on the list? The official list is constantly changing. Don’t rely on outdated files. Contact Mundhra Consulting Services (MCS) today for a real-time HSN-code level applicability check.
