Key highlights
Yes. Under the Air Cooler and Air Filters (Quality Control) Order, 2023, BIS certification (ISI Mark under Scheme-I) is mandatory for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM) conforming to IS 17570 (Part 1) ISO 16890-2. Manufacturers and importers must obtain a valid BIS license before commercial sale in India.
- Indian Standard: IS 17570 (Part 1) ISO 16890-2.
- Scheme: A BIS licence to use the ISI mark (Scheme-I).
- Status: Mandatory.
- Quality Control Order: Air Cooler and Air Filters (Quality Control) Order, 2025 (S.O. 529(E)), notified on 30 January 2025.
- Licence procedure: Normal procedure (Option 1).
- Category: Air Cooler and Air Filters.
Indian Standard and scheme
The Indian Standard for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM) is IS 17570 (Part 1) ISO 16890-2. Certification is under a BIS licence to use the ISI mark (Scheme-I), and is listed under Air Cooler and Air Filters.
Is BIS certification mandatory?
Yes. A BIS licence to use the ISI mark (Scheme-I) is required for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM), which is covered by the Air Cooler and Air Filters (Quality Control) Order, 2025 (S.O. 529(E)) issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade on 30 January 2025. The product must conform to IS 17570 (Part 1) ISO 16890-2, and cannot be manufactured, imported, sold or distributed in India without BIS certification.
The order has 4 related notifications (amendments, extensions and similar); see the order's page for each one.
Licence procedure
Licence applications follow the normal procedure (Option 1): BIS inspects the factory and draws samples for testing after the application is filed.
Testing
Samples are tested against IS 17570 (Part 1) ISO 16890-2 in a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory.
Source: the BIS list of products under compulsory certification and the Gazette notification of the order. Confirm the current position with BIS before acting on it.
Quality Control Order for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM)
The order below makes BIS certification mandatory for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM).
Air Cooler and Air Filters (Quality Control) Order, 2025
- Order:
- S.O. 529(E)
- Issued by:
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
- Notified:
- 30 January 2025
How to Get BIS Certification for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM)
Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM) is certified under the Product Certification Scheme (Scheme-I, ISI mark). Licence applications are processed under the normal procedure (Option 1).
- 1
Confirm the standard and product scope
Check the Indian Standard that applies, the product variants and grades you make, and whether a Quality Control Order makes certification mandatory.
- 2
Apply on BIS Manakonline
Submit the licence application with factory, manufacturing and quality-control details and pay the application fee. Foreign manufacturers apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and appoint an Authorised Indian Representative.
- 3
Factory inspection and sample testing
A BIS officer inspects the factory, checks the manufacturing and in-house testing set-up, and draws samples for testing against the Indian Standard in a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory.
- 4
Licence grant
Once the samples pass and the inspection is satisfactory, BIS grants the licence, and the product can carry the ISI mark with the licence number.
- 5
Surveillance and renewal
BIS keeps checking marked products through surveillance inspections and market samples, and the licence must be renewed before it expires.
Normal vs Simplified Procedure for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM)
BIS processes ISI licence applications under one of two procedures. Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM) is not on the BIS Option 2 list, so its licence follows the normal procedure (Option 1).
Normal procedure(Option 1)
Applies to Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM)You apply first; BIS then inspects the factory and draws samples for testing.
- Timeline
- Depends on the factory inspection and lab testing after you apply
- Who it applies to
- ISI products not on the BIS Option 2 list
- 1
Apply on BIS Manakonline
Submit the licence application with factory, manufacturing and quality-control details and pay the fees.
- 2
Factory inspection
A BIS officer inspects the factory and in-house testing set-up and draws samples.
- 3
Sample testing
The samples are tested against the Indian Standard in a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory.
- 4
Licence grant
BIS grants the licence once the samples pass and the inspection is satisfactory.
Simplified procedure(Option 2)
You test a sample first and apply with the test report, so BIS can decide faster.
- Timeline
- BIS aims to process the licence within 30 days
- Who it applies to
- Mandatory for products on the BIS Option 2 list (domestic manufacturers, including MSMEs)
- 1
Test a sample first
Get the product tested against the Indian Standard at a BIS or BIS-recognised laboratory.
- 2
Apply with the test report
Submit the application on BIS Manakonline with the test report, factory documents and fees.
- 3
BIS review and factory verification
BIS checks the application and test report and verifies the factory.
- 4
Licence grant
BIS grants the licence, with the aim of doing so within 30 days of the application.
BIS Certification Cost and Timeline for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM)
Estimated total cost
₹46K – ₹1.8L
Estimate from the CompliFind BIS cost calculator for an Indian manufacturer certifying one variant under normal processing, including 18% GST and excluding consultant fees. More variants, foreign manufacture or fast-track change the total; use the cost calculator for your case.
Estimated timeline
10–16 weeks
Time to grant of licence for an Indian manufacturer under normal processing, from the CompliFind cost calculator; it includes product testing.
Cost breakdown
Indicative, excluding GST| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government Fee (BIS) | ₹9K – ₹16K |
| Testing Fee | ₹15K – ₹60K |
| Marking Fee (Annual) | ₹15K – ₹75K |
| GST (18%) | ₹7K – ₹27.2K |
Calculate the cost for your case
Government fee, testing, marking fee and timeline for Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM), by applicant type, number of models and urgency.
Documents Required
What BIS asks for when certifying Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM).
- Factory registration and address proof
- Manufacturing process flow chart
- List of manufacturing machinery and in-house test equipment
- Quality control plan and test records
- Trademark or brand registration
- Authorised Indian Representative documents (foreign manufacturers)
Testing Labs for IS 17570 (Part 1) ISO 16890-2
BIS tests samples of Air Filters for general ventilation – Technical requirements and classification system based upon particulate matter efficiency (ePM) against IS 17570 (Part 1) ISO 16890-2 in its own or a BIS-recognised laboratory.
Find BIS-recognised labsOfficial Sources
- Gazette Notification: Air Cooler and Air Filters (Quality Control) Order, 2023· Bureau of Indian Standards / Gazette of India
- Gazette notification S.O. 529(E)· Gazette of India
- Bureau of Indian Standards· BIS
- BIS Manakonline (licence applications)· BIS
Compiled from official BIS and Gazette sources and last reviewed in October 2026. Standards and orders are amended from time to time; confirm the current requirement with BIS before you apply.
Summarize this guide with AI
Get the key points in your favourite assistant.