Ensuring Safer Flame-Producing Lighters: The BIS Mandate and Omega QMS’s Role in ISI Certification

Komal23 July 2025

In a significant move to enhance consumer safety and product standardization, the Government of India issued the Flame-Producing Lighters (Quality Control) Order, 2023, followed by its Amendment Order, 2024, mandating that all flame-producing lighters conform to prescribed Indian Standards and bear the ISI mark under a valid BIS licence. This regulatory action reinforces India’s commitment to safety, ensuring that only certified products reach consumers.

Overview of the QCO Mandate

The 2023 Quality Control Order (QCO) requires that all flame-producing lighters must comply with:

IS/ISO 9994:2018– Lighters – Safety Specification
IS/ISO 22702:2018– Utility Lighters – Safety Specification

These products must bear the ISI certification mark, issued under a valid BIS licence in accordance with Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Compliance is mandatory for all manufacturers and importers operating in the Indian market.

To accommodate varying enterprise capacities, the QCO provided staggered timelines for implementation—granting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) additional time for compliance.

The Amendment Order of 2024 provided a grace period for companies that had either obtained or applied for BIS certification prior to the enforcement date. Such entities were allowed to sell or distribute existing certified or declared stock for up to six months, subject to a Chartered Accountant-certified declaration submitted to the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Compliance Challenges for Businesses

Achieving BIS certification involves a multi-step process:

Product testing at BIS-recognized labs,
Preparation of technical documentation
Inspections, factory audits, and regulatory filings.
For both domestic and foreign manufacturers, especially MSMEs or first-time exporters to India, this journey can be complex and time-consuming.

Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd., a leading compliance and certification consultancy, has played a vital role in assisting manufacturers in obtaining ISI certification and securing their BIS licence efficiently and accurately.

Their comprehensive services include:

Regulatory Expertise: Interpreting BIS norms and aligning client operations with QCO requirements.

Documentation & Application: Preparing and submitting complete applications for BIS certification.
Testing Coordination: Facilitating sample testing with BIS-approved labs.
Audit Support: Coordinating with BIS officers for factory inspections and technical assessments.
Follow-through: Managing communications with BIS until the licence is granted.
Post-Certification Support: Assisting clients with marking procedures, renewals, and surveillance audits.

Omega QMS’s expertise and hands-on support have helped numerous clients—both Indian and international—successfully secure BIS licences and affix the ISI mark on their flame-producing lighters.

Conclusion

The mandatory ISI certification for flame-producing lighters under the BIS Quality Control framework is a proactive step toward product safety and standardization in India. Thanks to reliable partners like Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd., businesses can navigate the complex BIS licensing landscape with clarity and confidence. Their support ensures compliance, enhances brand trust, and contributes to safer products for Indian consumers.