BIS Scheme X Certification (Machinery & Electrical Equipment Safety Regulation)

Introduction

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched “Scheme X” on March 16, 2022.
Its objective is to enable both Indian and foreign manufacturers to obtain BIS certification for assemblies, sub-assemblies, and machine tools listed under Schedule-II, Scheme-X, before selling them in the Indian market.

Under Scheme X, manufacturers can obtain a BIS License or a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for low-voltage switchgear, control gear, machinery, and electrical equipment. Once certified, manufacturers may use the BIS Standard Mark on their products, demonstrating compliance with relevant Indian safety standards and instilling consumer confidence.

Scheme X Certification Overview

Scheme X is a certification framework under the
BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018,
amended through the BIS Conformity Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, 2022.

Its primary goal is to align Indian safety standards with global norms and ensure that machinery and electrical equipment—whether manufactured or imported—meet stringent technical and safety requirements.

Scope of Scheme X Certification

The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and implemented by BIS, comes into effect on August 28, 2025.

This regulation covers:

• Machinery and electrical equipment, such as:
  • Pumps for handling liquids
  • Compressors
  • Cranes
  • Rotary electrical machines
  • Transformers
  • Switchgear
• Assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components thereof.

Exemptions

The following are not subject to conformity assessment under this order:

• Products already covered under any other order issued under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016.
• Goods meant exclusively for export.
• Construction equipment regulated under CMVR Rules, 1989 (MoRTH).

In summary, all machinery and electrical equipment covered under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (2024), along with low-voltage switchgear and control gear notified by the MHI, fall under the BIS Scheme X Certification Framework.

Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR)

The OTR, formally titled the “Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024”, was published via gazette notification dated August 28, 2024.

Objective

To ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of machinery, electrical equipment, and their assemblies or components under Scheme X.

Effective Date

This regulation shall come into force on August 28, 2025.

BIS Certification for Machinery & Electrical Equipment

Under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (2024):

• All manufacturers and importers of machinery and electrical equipment—including pumps, compressors, centrifuges, cranes, transformers, and switchgear—must obtain BIS Certification under Scheme X.

Certification provides:

• Safety assurance
• Consumer trust
• Regulatory compliance
• Competitive advantage, especially for MSMEs.

BIS Scheme X Certification – Overview

Scheme X applies to:

• Low-voltage switchgear and control gear
• Machinery and electrical equipment covered under the Omnibus Technical Regulation
• Machine tools for materials such as stone, ceramic, concrete, asbestos cement, and mineral glass

For these categories, Scheme X Certification is mandatory before manufacturing or sale.

BIS Scheme X Logo and Marking

The BIS Scheme X Certification Mark includes:

• The standard number at the top.
• The license number (e.g., CM/L–XXXXXXXXXX) at the bottom.

This mark may only be used after the grant of BIS license.
Unauthorized marking or sale of unlicensed products is a punishable offence under the BIS Act.

Key Differences Between Scheme-I and Scheme-X

If your business involves industrial machinery or electrical safety products, you fall under Scheme-X.

Product Categories Under Scheme-X

• Electrical Equipment: Transformers, Power Supply Units, High-Voltage Devices
• Heavy Machinery: Hydraulic Presses, Industrial Cranes, Automation Systems
• Safety Equipment: Pressure Vessels, Fire Suppression Systems, Emergency Power Units
• Specialized Electronics: Medical-grade electrical instruments

Safety Standards Under BIS Scheme-X

Certified products must meet strict BIS and IEC safety standards, including:

Relevant Standards

• Type A – IS 16819:2018 / ISO 12100:2010
• Type B – Second Schedule of OTR
• Type C – Third Schedule of OTR
• IS/IEC 60947 – Low-voltage switchgear and control gear

Documents Required for Scheme X Certification

Manufacturers must register via the Manak Online portal under the OTR registration module.

Steps to Obtain BIS Scheme X Certification

1. Check Applicability – Determine if your product falls under Scheme-X scope.
2. Prepare Documentation – Business registration, test reports, product details.
3. Compile Technical File – Include compliance data, process details, and traceability records.
4. Submit Application – Via BIS portal with applicable fees.
5. Factory Inspection – Conducted by BIS officials (2 days for domestic, 3 days for foreign units).
6. Sample Testing – Performed at manufacturer’s site or BIS-accredited labs.
7. Certification Issuance – Upon compliance, BIS grants license to use the Standard Mark.

BIS Scheme X Certification Procedure

For Domestic Manufacturers

1. Documentation preparation
2. Application submission with fee
3. BIS scrutiny and response handling
4. Auditor nomination and audit fee payment
5. Factory audit and sample collection
6. Product testing at BIS-recognized lab
7. Payment of marking and license fees
8. Grant of License

⏱ Timeline: ~90 working days

For Foreign Manufacturers

1. Documentation and application submission
2. Scrutiny by BIS
3. Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
4. Audit scheduling (Visa, travel, logistics)
5. 3-day factory audit and testing
6. Lab testing and fee payment
7. License grant

⏱ Timeline: ~6–7 months

Key Notes for Foreign Manufacturers

• Classified as Large-Scale Manufacturers under FMCS norms.
• Must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
• Factory audits involve on-site inspection and testing at BIS-recognized labs.

BIS Scheme X Certification Fee Structure

Validity and Renewal

• License Validity: 3–6 years (renewable for same period).
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC): One-time certification (non-renewable).
• Testing Reports: Verified during factory audits or third-party labs.

BIS issues renewals under Form VIII, following Regulation 8 of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations.

Summary

BIS Scheme X is a robust certification framework ensuring the safety, reliability, and quality of machinery and electrical equipment.
By obtaining Scheme X certification, manufacturers demonstrate regulatory compliance, international safety equivalence, and commitment to quality — fostering consumer trust and global competitiveness.

Effective Date: 28th August 2025
Issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016