BIS Certification for Electric Blankets, Pads & Heated Clothing

The winters in India, especially in the Northern region are at its peak particularly in December and January months. The use of flexible electric heating devices such as blankets, pads and clothing is more in these months. These products can cause some serious problems such as electric shock and the BIS is the government authority that ensures that the product entering the Indian market is following the Indian standards and safe for the consumers. The BIS certification is an essential step to legally enter the Indian market. Manufacturers and importers must align their product with the Indian standards. ASC Group has a dedicated team of BIS consultants with years of experience in assisting businesses to attain  the BIS certification from authorities. In this blog we will discuss in detail about the Indian standards for these products.

What is Flexible Heating Devices

Flexible heating appliances are electrical products that generate heat through inserted resistive elements while maintaining softness and flexibility. Common examples include:

• Electric blankets for domestic use
• Heating pads for medical and therapeutic purposes
• Heated jackets, gloves, and clothing
• Flexible electric wraps and belts

These devices must follow the guidelines under the Indian standards that includes bending, folding, moisture exposure, and prolonged skin contact without compromising electrical safety.

Applicable Indian Standards for These Products

IS 302 (Part 1): 2024

This standard is titled as the Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – General Requirements, 2024 under the BIS rules. This core safety standard deals with the flexible heating devices in India. It establishes general safety requirements covering:

• Protection against electric shock
• Insulation integrity and leakage current limits
• Resistance to overheating and fire hazards
• Mechanical strength and endurance
• Protection against moisture ingress

Businesses including both manufacturers and importers must align their product with the Indian standards under the Bureau of Indian standards.

IS 9960: 1981 (Reaffirmed)

This Indian standard is titled as the Electric Heating Pads and Blankets - Specification, 1981 under the BIS. This standard particularly deals with the electric blankets and heating pads. This standard defines the essential elements related to these products.

Applicable International Standards for this Product

IEC 60335-1: 2020

This standard is titled as the Household and Similar Electrical Machines/ Appliances - Safety Requirements, 2020 under the international standards.

The above mentioned Indian standard must align with this international standard to ensure that the product is safe for the global consumers.

IEC 60335-2-17

Particular Requirements for Electrical Blankets and Flexible Heating Appliances
Latest Edition

This IEC standard focuses on product-specific risks such as heating element stability, temperature regulation, mechanical stress, and safe operation under flexible conditions.

Countries Supplying Flexible Heating Devices to India

India imports flexible electric heating devices from multiple manufacturing hubs, including:

• China - the largest source for electric blankets and wearable heating products
• Germany - known for premium therapeutic heating solutions
• United States - supplying advanced heated clothing and wellness products
• Japan and South Korea - recognised for innovation and quality in electrical heating technology

All imported products must comply with applicable Indian safety standards before entering the Indian market.

Why Regulatory Compliance With BIS is Important?

Meeting BIS and IEC standards helps manufacturers and importers:

• Reduce electrical and thermal safety risks
• Ensure long-term product reliability
• Achieve smooth customs clearance
• Build trust among Indian consumers and regulators

If businesses do not follow these regulatory compliance then it can lead to some problems that include the penalties.

How ASC Group Assist Businesses?

ASC Group has been consulting businesses for the last three decades and we have a dedicated and skilled team of BIS consultants handling the situation with their expertise in this field. We provide end-to-end support to the businesses from the documentations process, laboratory testing to the grant of the BIS certification. Our consultants will deal with the government officials on behalf of businesses and make this complex process smooth for them.

Conclusion

This product deals with the electrical components with the designer clothing using different materials. The businesses including both manufacturers and importers must align their product with both Indian and international standards to attain the BIS certificate from the authorities. This BIS certificate will provide legal entry to the product in the Indian market. Professional support from the ASC Group can help businesses to focus on their growth while we will handle their certification process.