Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 9: The Central government has extended Quality Control Order (QCO)-related import exemptions for key compressors used in air conditioners, refrigerators and heat pumps till March 31, 2027, according to a notification issued on Saturday.
The move is aimed at giving appliance manufacturers more time to localise production while preventing supply disruptions amid stricter quality control norms.
Under the revised provisions, the Centre will continue allowing limited imports of specified compressor categories under existing localisation conditions. Higher import relaxations have also been permitted for advanced and high-capacity air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, where domestic manufacturing capability remains limited.
The decision comes amid concerns raised by the industry over possible supply constraints and the compliance burden associated with QCO implementation.
The notification is expected to benefit manufacturers of air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and consumer durables ahead of the peak summer season demand.
According to the notification, manufacturers of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment can continue importing certain types of compressors for captive use without full quality-control restrictions till March 31, 2027, subject to prescribed limits based on their import volumes during the financial year 2024-25.
The exemption includes up to 40 per cent import relaxation for small reciprocating compressors used in refrigerators, 30 per cent for small rotary compressors used in air conditioners and heat pumps, 90 per cent for larger scroll and rotary compressors, and 100 per cent for large rotary compressors used in Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems.
“The manufacturer shall maintain monthly record of goods or articles specified and furnish the same to the authorities concerned on its letterhead signed by its authorised signatory and shall also submit a plan for indigenisation of goods or articles to the central government,” the notification stated.