Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) Amendment Order, 2025

In August 2024, the Ministry of Heavy Industry introduced a comprehensive regulation known as the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024. This regulation is a significant step forward in aligning Indian safety standards with international practices, ensuring machinery and electrical equipment manufactured or sold in India meet stringent safety requirements.

Further, on 12th June 2025, the Ministry issued the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Amendment Order, 2025. According to this amendment, the regulations will come into effect for machinery and electrical equipment listed in the First Schedule of the Order starting from 1st September 2026. Below is a detailed breakdown of the regulation and what it entails.

Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) Amendment Order, 2025

The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Amendment Order, 2025 is a new set of safety standards introduced to improve the quality and safety of machines and electrical equipment in India. This regulation aims to protect consumers, workers, and the environment by ensuring that these products comply with high safety standards. It is part of the government's effort to enhance product reliability and reduce risks associated with the operation of machinery and electrical devices.

Key Highlights of the Order

1. Title and Implementation Timeline
   The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 was initially set to take effect one year after its publication in the Official Gazette. However, the implementation timeline was later extended through the Amendment Order, 2025, pushing the compliance deadline to 1st September 2026. This extension provides manufacturers, importers, and businesses additional time to align with the updated regulatory standards.
2. Scope of Application
   This order covers a wide range of machinery and electrical equipment, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components. However, any machinery or electrical equipment already covered under other existing regulations under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, will not fall under this Order's scope. This ensures there is no overlap with existing standards and that each regulation focuses on specific product categories.

Conformity to Safety Standards

One of the core elements of the Order is the requirement for machines and electrical equipment to meet strict safety standards:

Certification Requirements

● All machines and electrical equipment listed in the first Schedule of the Order must bear the BIS Standard Mark under a valid license. This confirms that the product meets the prescribed Indian Standards.

● For products not intended for continuous manufacturing, manufacturers can obtain a Certificate of Conformity instead of a license, following the provisions in the Scheme X of the Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

● Before applying for a BIS license or certificate, manufacturers are required to register with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This ensures that the manufacturing process aligns with safety protocols from the outset.

Labeling, Marking, and Technical Documentation

To comply with the regulation, manufacturers must adhere to labeling, marking, and safety instruction requirements. This includes:

Monitoring and Enforcement

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the primary authority responsible for certification, enforcement, and market surveillance:

Exemptions and Special Provisions

The Order provides certain exemptions to ensure flexibility in implementation:

Any future updates to the Indian Standards referenced in the Order will automatically apply once notified by BIS. This ensures that the regulation remains dynamic and in line with technological advancements and global safety practices.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the Order carries penalties as outlined in the BIS Act, 2016. These penalties aim to ensure that manufacturers and businesses prioritize safety, thereby protecting consumers from substandard products.

Conclusion

The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Amendment Order, 2025 is a landmark regulation in India’s effort to enhance machinery and electrical safety. By setting clear and stringent standards, the regulation is poised to improve product quality, ensure safer work environments, and align Indian safety practices with global benchmarks. Manufacturers and stakeholders in the machinery and electrical equipment industry must prepare for this transition, ensuring they adhere to these standards within the stipulated timeline.

This Order is a crucial step towards fostering a culture of safety, quality, and innovation in the Indian industrial landscape, benefiting both consumers and manufacturers.