Smoke-Detection Equipment for Ducts are subject to mandatory BIS ISI certification under the Fire Detection and Alarm Systems (Quality Control) Order, 2026. From 6 mo after publication of the QCO in the e-Gazette, these products cannot be lawfully manufactured for sale, imported, or distributed in India without a valid BIS ISI licence under IS/ISO 7240-22:2017. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act, 2016 — product seizure, fines, and prosecution.
This guide covers the applicable Indian Standard, key technical and safety requirements, the step-by-step certification process, documentary requirements, and the most common compliance pitfalls for manufacturers and importers.
📜 Applicable Indian Standard
- IS/ISO 7240-22:2017 — Smoke-Detection Equipment for Ducts (primary standard)
- Aligned with the corresponding IEC / ISO standard for technical performance and safety
- Latest amendments notified by BIS apply automatically
📌 HVAC ducts can spread smoke through an entire building within minutes — and standard smoke detectors don't work reliably in high-airflow environments. The QCO enforces airflow-validated detection for India's commercial and industrial buildings.
🔬 Key Quality Requirements Under IS/ISO 7240-22:2017
BIS-approved laboratories evaluate the following during type testing:
Smoke Sensitivity in Airflow
Smoke detection sensitivity validated across the full operating airflow range per ISO 7240-22. False-alarm rejection at high airflow.
Sampling Performance
Sampling tube design, in-duct airflow, and smoke-particle transport verification. Pressure-drop tolerance.
Environmental Durability
Temperature, humidity, vibration, and EMC immunity per the cited standard.
Marking & Documentation
Operating airflow range, duct-size compatibility, detector class, and ISI Mark plus licence number on the housing.
Products covered under IS/ISO 7240-22:2017:
- Duct-mount smoke detectors for HVAC return and supply ducts
- Air-sampling duct detectors for high-airflow systems
- Commercial HVAC detectors for offices, malls, hospitals
- Industrial duct detection units for factories and warehouses
📋 Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process
- Airflow Range SpecificationDefine the operating airflow range and duct-size compatibility. Each range may require separate sample testing.
- Application FilingSubmit online application on manak.bis.gov.in. Indian manufacturers via Product Certification Scheme; foreign manufacturers via FMCS with appointed AIR.
- Sample TestingSubmit complete detectors with sampling tubes to a BIS-recognised fire-detection laboratory. Smoke, airflow, and environmental tests: approximately 5–7 weeks.
- Factory InspectionBIS officers inspect sensor assembly, sampling tube manufacturing, calibration, and in-house testing capability.
- Licence GrantBIS issues the ISI Mark licence. ISI Mark plus licence number is applied on the detector housing and packaging.
- Surveillance & RenewalPeriodic BIS market sample testing, factory audits, and annual marking fees keep the licence active.
📄 Documents Required
- Company incorporation / registration certificate
- Product list with airflow ranges and duct compatibility
- Engineering drawings and BOM with sensor and sampling tube specs
- Sensor calibration and airflow-validation documentation
- EMC test plan and product safety documentation
- Quality Manual / ISO 9001 certificate (if available)
- AIR appointment letter (for foreign manufacturers)
- Existing test reports from BIS-recognised labs (if any)
⚠ Common Compliance Pitfalls
Common issues include false-alarm at high airflow, missed detection at low airflow, sampling-tube clogging under dust testing, and incomplete marking of operating airflow range.
🏭 Special Considerations for Importers
Duct smoke detectors are imported as part of HVAC and fire-safety integration projects. Each airflow range and duct-size configuration requires its own BIS ISI certification. MEP integrators must hold valid documentation before installation.
Get BIS Certified — We Handle Everything
Global Approbation manages end-to-end BIS ISI / FMCS registration for Duct Smoke-Detection Equipment — from documentation to licence grant. Enforcement begins 6 mo from QCO notification.
BIS ISI / FMCS Services Talk to Our Team