BIS SCHEME-X CERTIFICATION

Scheme X Certification is a product certification framework introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on 28th August, 2024, to ensure that machinery, electrical equipment, and related components meet strict safety and quality standards before being sold in India. The scheme was implemented under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 and later updated through the BIS Conformity Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, 2018 to strengthen the certification framework and align it with international safety practices.

The main objective of Scheme X is to regulate products such as assemblies, sub-assemblies, machine tools, low-voltage switchgear, control gear, and electrical equipment listed under Schedule II. Under this scheme, manufacturers—both in India and abroad—must obtain a BIS License or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before their products can be sold or distributed in the Indian market.

To obtain Scheme X Certification, manufacturers must go through a structured process that includes product testing in BIS-recognized laboratories, evaluation of technical documents, factory inspection, and quality control verification. Once the product successfully meets the required Indian Standards, BIS grants certification and allows the manufacturer to use the BIS Standard Mark on the product.

The scope of Scheme-X Certification includes a wide range of machinery and electrical equipment that must meet specific safety and technical standards before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India. The certification framework is implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure that such products comply with national quality and safety requirements.

The scope is defined under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, which will come into effect on 28 August 2026. It covers equipment such as pumps for handling liquids, compressors, cranes, transformers, rotary electrical machines, transformers, metal cutting machine/CNC machines, tunnel boring machines, construction machines, wind turbines, semiconductor converters, rubber machinery, and switchgear, along with their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components.

The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 was issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries through a gazette notification on 28 August 2024. The main purpose of this regulation is to ensure that machinery and electrical equipment used in India meet proper safety, quality, and regulatory standards as per IS 16819:2018/ISO 12100:2010 which is for machinery, residual risk, risk and risk assessment. It also covers their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components, which must comply with the requirements of Scheme X implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

According to the notification, the regulation will come into force on 28 August 2026. In simple terms, machinery and electrical equipment covered under this order—such as low-voltage switchgear and control gear—must obtain BIS certification under Scheme X before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in the Indian market. This requirement helps ensure that these products meet the required Indian safety and technical standards.

Under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, manufacturers of machinery and electrical equipment—such as pumps, compressors, cranes, transformers, rotary electrical machines, transformers, metal cutting machines/CNC machines, tunnel boring machines, construction machines, wind turbines, semiconductor converters, rubber machinery, and switchgear—must obtain certification before their products can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India. This certification is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards under Scheme X to ensure that these products meet the required safety and quality standards.

Through BIS Scheme X, manufacturers can apply for a BIS License or a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Once approved, they are permitted to use the BIS Standard Mark on their products, which indicates that the equipment complies with the applicable Indian Standards as per IS 16819:2018/ISO 12100:2010 which is for machinery, residual risk, risk and risk assessment. This certification helps ensure that machinery and electrical equipment used in the Indian market are safe, reliable, and compliant with regulatory requirements, thereby strengthening trust among consumers and industries.

For Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), obtaining BIS certification under Scheme X is particularly beneficial. It not only helps them meet regulatory requirements but also improves their market credibility and competitiveness in the industry.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the authority responsible for granting certification to products covered under Scheme X. Once a manufacturer successfully obtains a BIS licence, they are allowed to use the BIS Standard Mark, also known as the Scheme X Certification Mark, on their products.

The mark typically includes the Indian Standard (IS) number at the top which will be IS 16819:2018 and the license number at the bottom in the format “R-XXXXXXXXXX.” This number helps identify the certified manufacturer and confirms that the product complies with the applicable Indian Standards.

Manufacturers must strictly follow BIS regulations and display the BIS mark only after receiving official approval. Using the BIS Standard Mark without a valid licence or falsely marking products with a license number is considered a legal offence and may lead to penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Scheme-X Certification, implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards, mainly applies to products that involve higher safety risks and require strict technical compliance. This scheme generally covers industrial machinery and electrical equipment, especially those used in critical industrial or safety-sensitive applications.

Some of the common categories of products covered under Scheme-X include:

• Electrical Equipment: Includes products such as industrial transformers, power supply units, high-voltage equipment, and low-voltage switchgear and controlgear used in industrial power systems.
• Heavy Machinery: Covers industrial machines like hydraulic presses, industrial cranes, and automated manufacturing equipment used in large-scale production environments.
• Safety Equipment: Includes products designed to ensure safety in industrial environments, such as fire extinguishers, pressure vessels, and emergency electrical protection systems.
• Specialized Electrical Devices: Refers to advanced or safety-sensitive electrical appliances, including medical-grade electrical equipment and other specialized industrial devices.

If a manufacturer produces or imports any of these types of products, obtaining Scheme-X certification is essential before the products can be manufactured, marketed, or sold in India. This certification helps ensure compliance with Indian safety and quality standards.

Products Covered under Scheme X

Products requiring mandatory certification under Scheme X mainly include low-voltage switchgear and controlgear as notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Manufacturers must obtain certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure these electrical products meet the required Indian safety and technical standards.

Machinery and Electrical Equipment covered under Omnibus Technical Regulation

BIS Scheme-X Certification ensures that machinery and electrical equipment meet strict safety and quality requirements set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Manufacturers must comply with the following key safety standards:

• Electrical Safety: Products must follow relevant electrical standards to prevent risks such as short circuits, electric shocks, and electrical failures.
• Mechanical Safety: Equipment must undergo proper testing to ensure structural strength, durability, and reliable performance.
• Fire Safety: Use of fire-resistant materials and compliance with standards related to flame resistance and heat protection.
• Environmental Compliance: Manufacturers should use energy-efficient processes and environmentally friendly materials during production.
• Quality Management:Regular testing, factory inspections, and quality control measures are required to maintain compliance with Indian Standards.

Applicable Safety Standards under BIS Scheme-X

To obtain certification under Scheme-X, manufacturers must ensure that their machinery and electrical equipment comply with the relevant Indian Standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. These standards are categorized into different types to cover general safety requirements as well as specific product-related risks.

• Type A Standards:General safety principles for machinery design, including risk assessment and risk reduction, as defined under IS 16819:2018 / ISO 12100:2010.
• Type B Standards:Safety standards related to specific aspects or safety devices, as listed in the Second Schedule of the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024.
• Type C Standards:Product-specific safety requirements for particular machinery, mentioned in the Third Schedule of the OTR Order.
• IS/IEC 60947 Series:Standards applicable to low-voltage switchgear and controlgear used in electrical systems.

To obtain BIS registration for Machinery and Electricals under Scheme X (Schedule II), manufacturers must submit certain documents.

Prior Registration: Manufacturers should submit the following information during the registration process:

Registration: Registration is carried out online through the official BIS portal, Manak Online, which serves as the exclusive gateway for applications under the OTR.

Steps to Get Certified Under Scheme-X

Obtaining certification under Scheme-X from the Bureau of Indian Standards involves a structured process to ensure that machinery and electrical equipment meet the required safety and quality standards. The key steps are as follows:

Following these steps ensures that products meet the required safety, quality, and regulatory standards before entering the Indian market.

The BIS Scheme-X certification process applies to both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The table below provides a clear comparison of procedures and timelines.

Key Additional Pointers for BIS Scheme X Certification

For Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers applying for Scheme X Certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards must follow certain additional requirements to ensure proper compliance with Indian regulations.

• Large-Scale Classification:Under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), all foreign manufacturers are generally treated as large-scale manufacturers, regardless of their actual production capacity.
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR): Foreign applicants must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will act as the official point of contact between the manufacturer and BIS. The AIR is responsible for coordinating certification activities and maintaining communication with BIS authorities.
• Factory Inspection and Testing: BIS officials conduct on-site factory inspections at the manufacturing facility. During the audit, machineries are tested in the in-house inside the production facility. The inspection process usually lasts around three days, with additional time required if multiple machinery applications are involved.

The BIS Scheme-X Certification Fee is designed to cover the costs of evaluating, inspecting, and testing machinery and electrical equipment under the scheme. The fees may vary based on the type of product, scale of production, and number of product models being certified.

Under BIS Scheme-X Certification, there are clear guidelines for the validity and renewal of licenses and certificates:

• Licence Validity and Renewal: Licences issued for continuous production are typically valid initially for 3 years. Manufacturers can apply for renewal for the same duration to continue using the BIS Standard Mark.
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Issued for one-time production, this certificate applies to both domestic and foreign manufacturers and cannot be renewed.
• Regulatory Compliance: Manufacturers must strictly adhere to Scheme-X certification procedures to maintain product conformity and regulatory approval. BIS reviews renewal applications and issues renewed licenses using Form-V, as per Regulation of the Scheme-X regulations of BIS.

This process ensures that all certified products remain safe, reliable, and compliant throughout their market life.

BIS Scheme-X Certification is essential to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of low-voltage switchgear, controlgear, machinery, and electrical equipment. Scheme-X enables manufacturers to comply with stringent Indian standards while streamlining production and conformity assessment processes. For machine tools used in the manufacture of stone, ceramic, concrete, asbestos cement, and mineral glass products, BIS Scheme-X certification is mandatory. Compliance with this scheme not only assures product dependability but also enhances consumer confidence in certified manufacturers.

To simplify the complex certification process, manufacturers may engage EVTL India, a leading BIS Scheme-X certification consultant. With over 16 years of experience as a trusted BIS consulting partner in India, EVTL India offers comprehensive support in documentation, product testing, factory inspection, and regulatory compliance. Manufacturers and importers can contact EVTL India for complete assistance with BIS Scheme-X certification, including application filing, testing, and end-to-end process management.