Scheme X, introduced as part of the Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations in 2018, marks a significant advancement in India’s product certification process. The BIS Conformity Assessment (Amendment) Regulations in 2022 enhanced it even further, paving the way for even better alignment with global quality and safety standards.

This scheme is crucial in setting compliance requirements for machinery and electrical equipment. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of Scheme X, the application process, and how it impacts manufacturers, importers, and consumers.

What Is BIS Scheme X Certification?

BIS Scheme X Certification is a mandatory certification introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Scheme X certificate is for Low Voltage Switchgear & Control Gear, Machinery, and Electrical Equipment under the Omnibus Technical Regulation. This scheme was officially implemented on March 16, 2022.

Per the regulations, compliance with safety standards is mandatory for all machine tools used for working on stone, ceramic, concrete, asbestos cement, mineral glass products and their assemblies. To meet these safety requirements, manufacturers must obtain BIS Scheme X Certification before selling or distributing their products in India.

What Is Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR)?

The OTR known as Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety Order, 2024, has been issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries through its publication notification dated August 28, 2024. The main objective of the Omnibus Technical Regulation is to ensure the safety and compliance of machinery and electrical equipment and their assemblies, as well as components, as per Scheme X of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulation.

This order refers to every category of machinery or electrical equipment, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or any other parts thereof, but subject to certain exceptions noted below:

• For those machinery & components that fall under any other order made under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
• Furthermore, domestically produced goods or articles meant for export are also not covered by this regulation.
• Last but not least, construction equipment, which is subject to the CMVR Rule 1989 of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is also excluded. These exemptions are very helpful for compliance as well as for business activity. Based on this notification, this regulation shall come into force on 28th August 2025.

As per the notification, the Omnibus Technical Regulation will come into effect on August 28, 2025

Scope Of BIS Scheme X Certification

Scheme X applies to products requiring compliance with specific technical expectations outlined in India Standards. Unlike other BIS schemes, scheme X provides flexibility for manufacturers to choose between:

• A license for continuous production, or 
• A Certification of Conformity for batch production.

This flexibility benefits the industry, producing high-quality products intermittently while ensuring compliance with established standards.

Benefits Of BIS Scheme X Certification

The BIS Scheme X Certification offers several benefits for business manufacturers and consumers. Here are the key advantages:

• Compliance with Regulations: Ensure products meet Indian standards, avoiding legal issues and penalties.
• Enhanced Market Access: Facilitating entry into the Indian market, as many buyers require BIS certification.
• Consumer Confidence: Instills trust in product quality and safety, leading to higher sales and brand reputation.
• Competitive Advantage: Differentiates certified products in crowded markets.
• Reduced Risk of Product Recalls: Mitigates the risk of costly recalls by following strict standards.

Documents Required For BIS Scheme X Certification

The following documents are important for the certification process:

• Name, Address: Manufacturer’s registered name and complete address of both factory and office.
• PAN GST details: Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Goods and Service Tax (GST) registration details.
• Contact details: Email, phone number, and office contact number of the manufacturer.
• Details of the management and authorized person: Names and destinations of key management personnel and authorized signatory.
• Details of the machinery and electrical equipments to be registered: Equipment details as per the first Schedule of the OTR.
• Name/Type and variety of products: Specific name, type, and verity of products for which BIS Certification is sought 

Application Process For BIS Scheme X Certification 

The process for getting BIS Scheme X certification involves several key steps:

• Selection of India Standards: The application must select the relevant IS from an approved list during the application process.
• Technical Documentation: A comprehensive technical file must be prepared, including product descriptions, compliance reports, designs, drawings, and quality assurance measures.
• Online application submission: Manufacturers submit their applications via the BIS Manak online portal, currently processed through the Scheme I portal.
• Evaluation and Inspection: BIS examines the technical file and conducts on-site inspections to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Testing and Compliance: Products must undergo testing in BIS-recognized labs or third-party labs accredited by BIS.
• Grants of License or Certificate: Upon successful analysis and payment of fees, BIS grants the manufacturer a license or COC, allowing them to use the BIS Standards Mark.
• Surveillance: BIS conducts random Monitoring inspections to verify ongoing compliance during the license validity period.

Types of Products That Fall Under Scheme X

Know about the multiple products covered under Scheme X. This scheme is for products that have the highest risk and are defined as, for example, low voltage switchgear and controlgear:

• Electrical Equipment: Industry Transformer, Power Supply Units, and High voltage equipment.
• Heavy Machinery: Hydraulic Presses, Industrial Cranes, and Automation Equipment.
• Safety Equipment: Fire Extinguishers, Pressure Vessels, and Emergency Electrical System.
• Specialized Consumer Electronics: Medical Grade Electrical Appliance that has prominent safety features.

Products Covered Under Scheme X

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has made BIS certification mandatory for certain low-voltage switchgear and control gear products under Scheme X. Here is the list of these products:

Machinery And Electrical Equipment Covered Under Omnibus Technical Regulation

Scope and Applicability

This Quality Control Order applies to the following:

1. Pumps and Liquid Handling Equipment: All types of pumps for handling liquids, Liquid elevators and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
2. Compressors: All types of compressors and their assemblies, sub-assemblies or components.
3. Thermal Treatment Machinery: All machinery for material treatment involving temperature changes and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
4. Centrifuges and Filtering Machinery: Centrifuges, filtering or purifying machinery for liquids or gases, and their assemblies,sub-assemblies, or components.
5. Packaging Machinery: Machinery for filling, closing, sealing, labelling bottles, packing or wrapping, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components 
6. Cranes: All types of cranes and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components 
7. Construction, Earthmoving and Mining Machinery: Machinery for construction, earthmoving, and mining, along with their assemblies, sub-assemblies or components.
8. Textile Machinery: Weaving machines(looms), embroidery machines, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies or components.
9. Metalworking Machinery: Metal cutting machine tools and machinery for working on stone, ceramics, concrete, asbestos cement, or similar materials and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
10. Rubber and Plastic Processing Machinery: For working with rubber and plastic and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
11. General Machinery and Mechanical Appliances: Machinery with specific functions not categorized elsewhere in Chapter 84, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
12. Transmission Elements: Gears, gearboxes, toothed wheels, ball or roller screws torque converters, and other transmission elements, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
13. Rotary Electrical Machines: Generators and other rotary electrical machines and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
14. Diesel Generators: Diesel generators and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
15. Transformers: Transformers and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
16. Power Semiconductor Converters: Power semiconductor converters and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.
17. Switchgear and Control Gear: Switchgear and control gear equipment operating at voltages.

Validity and Renewal Process of BIS Scheme X Certification

• License Validity and Renewal: Licenses for continuous production are issued for 3 to 6 years, with renewal options for the same duration.
• Certificate of Conformity: Issued for one-time production, application to both domestic and foreign manufacturers, with no renewal option.
• Production Test Reports: If test reports are from the manufacturer’s in-house lab, BIS officers will verify results during the factory visit through witness testing. Subcontracted facilities used for in-house testing will also be inspected.

Quality Control Order & Penalties 

The regulation is backed by a Quality Control Order, which ensures that every product meets the required safety standards. Failure to comply could result in penalties, market bans, or even product recalls, so it is important to start the certification process well in advance.

Deadline To Act For BIS Scheme X Certification

You have until August 28, 2025, to comply with this regulation. The earlier you begin the certification process, the better, to ensure your products remain market-ready without disruption.

Key Additional Pointers For BIS Scheme X Certification 

Additional Pointers For Foreign Manufacturers:

• All foreign Manufacturers are classified as Large-scale under FMCS norms, irrespective of their actual scale of operations.
• Foreign manufacturers must nominate an AIR (Authorised Indian Representative) to act as a liaison for the operation and maintenance of the BIS license.
• Factory audits, in case of foreign manufacturers, involve on-site inspection and sample testing at BIS-recognized labs, typically lasting 3 days, with additional man-days for each extra application.

BIS Scheme X Certification Fee

To simplify the certification process, manufacturers must follow the specified fee structure. As per Schedule-II, Scheme-X, Paragraph 5 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, the Bureau has notified the following fee structure. This notification shall apply to those products or product groups for which no separate fee has been specifically notified.

Why Choose ELT Corporate For BIS Scheme X Certification?

ELT Corporate is a trusted partner for BIS Scheme X Certification, offering end-to-end support to ensure a smooth and hassle-free approval process. With expertise in BIS regulations, we assist in documentation, product testing, application submission, and factory inspections, ensuring full compliance with Indian standards.

Our strong liaison with BIS Authorities helps expedite approvals while minimizing delays. We provide cost-effective solutions tailored to various industries, including electronics, IT, automotive, and consumer goods. By choosing ELT Corporate, you benefit from a streamlined, transparent, and efficient certification process, allowing your products to enter the Indian market seamlessly.