In the realm of mechanical engineering and industrial manufacturing, components like gears, gearboxes, and transmission elements are pivotal. These components ensure the seamless operation of machinery across various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery. Recognizing their critical role, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has mandated the Scheme X Certification for these components to uphold safety, quality, and conformity standards in India.

Introduced on 16th March 2022, Scheme X Certification is a regulatory framework under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. It aims to ensure that machinery and electrical equipment meet stringent Indian standards for safety and quality. The Ministry of Heavy Industries, through the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order, 2024, has made it mandatory for all manufacturers—domestic and foreign—to comply with Scheme X Certification by 28th August 2025.

Scope of Scheme X Certification

The certification encompasses a broad range of components, including:

● Gears and Gearing: Instruments that transmit torque and rotation between machine parts.

● Toothed Wheels: Wheels with teeth that mesh with other toothed parts to transmit motion.

● Chain Sprockets: Wheel-like components with teeth that engage with a chain.

● Transmission Elements: Components like ball or roller screws that convert rotational motion to linear motion.

● Gearboxes and Speed Changers: Assemblies that alter the speed and torque of machinery.

● Torque Converters: Devices that transfer rotating power from a prime mover to a rotating driven load.

These components, along with their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and parts, fall under the purview of Scheme X Certification.

Importance of Scheme X Certification

1. Safety Assurance: Certified components adhere to Indian safety standards, reducing the risk of mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.

2. Quality Consistency: Standardized manufacturing processes ensure uniformity in product quality, enhancing reliability.

3. Market Access: Compliance with BIS standards is often a prerequisite for entering certain markets, both domestic and international.

4. Legal Compliance: Non-compliance can lead to penalties, including bans on manufacturing or selling uncertified products in India.

Certification Process

Step 1: Application Submission

Manufacturers must submit an application detailing product specifications, manufacturing processes, and quality control measures.

Step 2: Product Testing

Samples are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories to ensure they meet the relevant Indian Standards.

Step 3: Factory Inspection

BIS officials conduct on-site inspections to verify manufacturing practices and quality control systems.

Step 4: Certification Grant

Upon successful evaluation, BIS grants the certification, allowing the manufacturer to use the BIS Standard Mark.

Step 5: Surveillance and Renewal

Regular audits and product testing ensure ongoing compliance. Certifications are typically valid for a specific period and require renewal.

Compliance Deadline

All manufacturers must obtain Scheme X Certification for the specified components by 28th August 2025. Post this date, manufacturing, importing, or selling uncertified products in India will be prohibited.

Conclusion

The BIS Scheme X Certification is a significant step towards enhancing the safety and quality of mechanical components in India. Manufacturers dealing with gears, gearboxes, and related transmission elements must prioritize compliance to ensure market access and uphold industry standards.