ISI Mark on Fire Extinguishers: Why BIS Certification Matters

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified the Fire Extinguishers (Quality Control) Order in August 2023, and it came into force from 9 February 2024 (with later dates for micro and small enterprises). It requires two types of extinguishers to meet Indian Standards and carry the BIS Standard Mark:

• IS 15683:2018 for portable fire extinguishers
• IS 16018:2012 for wheeled fire extinguishers

This applies to domestic manufacturers and to imports. Foreign factories need their own BIS licence.

It means the design and construction have been tested against the Indian Standard and the factory is licensed and audited by BIS. It is not a sticker a trader can add.

• Look for the ISI mark and a licence number (CM/L number) on the cylinder or label
• Check the manufacturer's name and address on the label
• Verify the licence on the BIS website or the BIS Care app
• Check that the manufacturing date is recent

• May not discharge properly or for the rated time
• Weak cylinders can burst
• Your fire inspection or insurance claim may be affected
• Selling non-certified units attracts penalties under the BIS Act