The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requires certification for massage appliances to comply with the safety and quality requirements of IS 302 (Part 1): IEC 60335-1. All manufacturers and importers will need to obtain an ISI mark starting from 1 October 2026, as per the Quality Control Order (QCO) 2026.
Electric massage appliances are growing in popularity among consumers, both at home and in gyms, spas, and wellness centres, and include handheld massagers, massage chairs, massage pillows, foot massagers, and body relaxation equipment. As it uses electricity and comes into direct contact with human beings, it poses several risks, including electrical shock, thermal injury, mechanical failure, or hazardous fire. The Government of India has mandated BIS certification under IS 302 (Part 1): IEC 60335-1 for all massage appliances sold in the Indian market to mitigate consumer risks.
Massage Appliances under IS 302 Part 1 Under Scheme 1 Schedule 2
Massage appliances rated up to 250V (single-phase) must meet the mandatory safety standards established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to prevent unsafe use resulting in electric shock, overheating, and fire. There is a significantly increased safety risk associated with using massage appliances because they are either placed directly on the human body or used continuously for extended periods. This is why all massage appliances intended for use in India must be certified by BIS under IS 302 (Part 1): IEC 60335-1.
Key Highlights for IS 302 (Part 1) for Massage Appliances
IS 302 (Part 1): IEC 60335-1 has the following safety requirements for the product certification:
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New Standards
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The New 2024 edition has replaced the 2008 Edition; it follows the IEC/ISO 60335-1 Safety requirements for appliances globally
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Mandatory BIS Certification
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This will be required for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of Handheld, Foot, and Shoulder Massage Appliances
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Safety Testing
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The Safety Tests must include electrical insulation, leakage current, heat and fire resistance, and mechanical strength.
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Updated Requirements
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There are updated requirements for Battery-Operated, Lithium-Ion Battery, and Plug-In Appliances.
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Operating Safety
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This will focus on stability, protection against harmful liquids, and the construction of safe parts.
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Benefits of BIS Certification for Massage Appliances
The key advantages of obtaining ISI Mark certification on Massage Appliances are as follows:
- Mandatory Legal Compliance: Helps to avoid penalties and/or the seizure of Massage Appliances.
- Enhanced Consumer Safety: Certification guarantees that these appliances have undergone rigorous testing for electrical safety.
- Consumer Confidence & Brand Credibility: The ISI mark serves as a quality benchmark, thereby increasing consumer confidence.
- Market Competitiveness: Certified Massage Appliances provide a unique competitive edge in the marketplace.
- Decreased Liability & Recalls: Compliance with stringent quality requirements minimises the likelihood of product failures.
- Improved Quality Standards: Manufacturers are required to operate at a higher level of production than would normally be required IS 302-Part 1: IEC 60335-1.
Documents required for Massage Appliances Certification
The following items are necessary documents required for obtaining BIS Certification:
- Proof of Address for Manufacturing Unit (e.g. Lease Agreement, Electricity bill).
- Completed Application Form (Application V)
- Trademark Registration Certificate (if any)
- Details of the Product Specifications (drawings, components used, materials of manufacture).
- Details and Identification of Authorised Signatory
- Factory Registration/Formation certificate (e.g. MSME/Partnership Deed)
- List of Machinery & Installed Capacity
- Detailed manufacturing process flow chart
- Quality Control Documentation and Inspection Procedures.
- List of Raw Materials used, and certificates of conformance
- Identification document of Authorised Signatory and authorisation letter
Applicable Test Parameters for Massage Appliances IS 302 (Part 1)
Key testing parameters according to the IS 302 (Part 1): IEC 60335-1 and relevant amendments and revisions include:
- Protection from Electric shock: Making sure that live parts of the appliance cannot be accessed
- Insulation Resistance & Leakage Current: Leakage current limits while the appliance is operating
- Moisture Safety: Testing for compliance with IP ratings; essential for products to be used in spas
- Mechanical Strength: Testing to ensure that the unit's design can withstand normal conditions of use; applies to appliances with electrical pins that can be used to insert a plug into an outlet
- Construction: Ensure that the design of the unit is safe; general insulation requirements; creepage distances
- Components: Power switches, electric motors and component testing.
Process of ISI/BIS Certification of Massage Appliances
The manufacturers who want to acquire BIS certification have to follow 5 steps:
- Application Submission: To begin, manufacturers must submit an application to the Bureau of Indian Standards via its online application portal.
- Document Preparation: Manufacturers must prepare all application documents in accordance with IS specifications.
- Product Testing: Manufacturers will then send product samples of their submitted products to an approved BIS laboratory for testing in accordance with Indian Standard 302.
- Factory Inspection: BIS representatives visit manufacturers’ facilities to assess the manufacturing process.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon satisfactory completion of the factory inspection and product sample testing, BIS will issue the BIS License to the manufacturer.
- AIR Role: If you are a foreign manufacturer, then you must hire an AIR to help you through your Certification journey.
Both Indian and foreign manufacturers must follow the process to obtain BIS certification:
BIS Certification Process for Indian Manufacturers
BIS FMCS Certification Process for Foreign Manufacturers
BIS Certification Checklist Points for ISI Mark on Massage Appliances
- Verify that the massage appliance is classified in the appropriate BIS product category for ISI certification.
- Ensure compliance with IS 302-1 (Part 1): IEC 60335-1 for electrical safety for this appliance.
- Ensure that the massage appliance provides adequate isolation (protection) from electric shock in use.
- Check that an appropriate insulation and earthing system is used for user safety.
- Verify that the massage appliance has been tested for overheating and temperature rise safety.
- The massage appliance has met the requirements of the leakage current and high-voltage test for BIS certification.
- Ensure that the massage appliance has been tested for moisture resistance and that there are no electrical safety concerns.
- Verify that the massage appliance has been tested to the mechanical durability and strength standards.
BIS Certification Fees & Timeline for Massage Appliances IS 302(Part 1)
The timeline for receiving BIS certification is approximately 35-50 days for an Indian Manufacturer and 4-6 months for a Foreign Manufacturer. If you are looking for a more exact time frame, please contact ERCS Private Limited.
The total costs associated with earning the BIS Certification for your product will depend on the type of product you are producing, the number of models you have, and the laboratory's testing charges. Please contact ERCS Private Limited for a consultation to obtain an accurate estimate of the specific costs incurred for the Massage Appliances you are having certified.
Why Choose ERCS Private Limited for Massage Appliances Certification?
The support ERCS Private Limited provides for the BIS Certification and ISI Mark approval of massage appliances, as a top BIS Consultant, is professional and aligns with the relevant Indian Standards.
- We assist manufacturers with the documentation, product testing, application filing, audit preparation, and BIS approval services under one roof.
- We have a team of experienced compliance professionals and technical experts who will manage the entire BIS ISI Mark certification process for the various product categories.
- We assist both domestic and global manufacturers in obtaining their BIS licenses easily to comply with Indian Regulatory requirements.
- We coordinate with BIS-recognised laboratories to verify product testing and technical compliance for the products supplied by our clients.
- We assist with ISI Mark labelling, product standards, factory compliance, and quality control requirements of massage appliances.