Good News For Households: Govt delays mandatory star rating to Jan 1, 2027; here’s what changes

India’s push towards energy-efficient appliances has taken a softer turn for now, with the Central Government deferring the mandatory star labelling for induction hobs by six months. As per a notification issued by the Ministry of Power on April 4, 2026, the rule that was set to kick in from July 1, 2026 will now come into force from January 1, 2027. The decision comes under the framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, giving both manufacturers and consumers additional time to adapt to the new efficiency norms.

Why has the govt postponed the star rating rule?

The government said it was satisfied that the mandatory phase for induction hobs could be postponed by six months. The move follows consultations with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, which is responsible for setting energy performance standards and labelling guidelines.

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Originally notified in December 2025, the regulation aimed to bring countertop induction hobs under the mandatory star rating regime to improve overall energy efficiency. However, industry readiness and transition challenges appear to have prompted the extension.

This means manufacturers now have more time to align production, testing, and certification processes with the required standards.

What changes for consumers?

For households, the delay translates into short-term relief. Buyers will not be restricted to star-rated induction hobs until January 1, 2027. This could help maintain wider product availability and prevent any immediate price increases that often accompany compliance shifts.

At the same time, consumers may continue to see voluntary star-labelled products in the market, helping them make informed choices on energy consumption without regulatory pressure.

What are star ratings and why do they matter?

Star ratings are part of India’s broader energy efficiency programme led by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. These labels indicate how efficiently an appliance consumes electricity, with higher stars reflecting better efficiency.

The inclusion of induction hobs in this regime is aimed at reducing household energy consumption and supporting India’s climate goals. Once implemented, the rule will standardise efficiency benchmarks across brands and models.

The delay in star labelling comes alongside a wider regulatory overhaul in the electrical appliances segment. A separate notification introduces the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026.

This new framework, issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, will come into effect from October 1, 2026. It mandates that a wide range of appliances - including cooking ranges, ovens, and induction-based devices must carry the BIS Standard Mark.

The rules apply to appliances operating up to 250 volts for single-phase and 480 volts for other systems, including battery-operated products.

Relief for manufacturers and small businesses

The government has also built in flexibility for industry players. Micro and small enterprises will be given extended timelines to comply with the new safety and quality norms. Additionally, manufacturers can continue selling existing inventory for up to six months after implementation, subject to declaration rules.

There is also a provision allowing companies to import up to 200 units annually for research and development purposes, though these cannot be sold commercially.