Comprehensive Guide to BIS Scheme X Certification: Ensuring Safety and Compliance in Machinery and Electrical Equipment

September 04, 2025

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, ensuring the safety and quality of machinery and electrical equipment is paramount. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced Scheme X under the Conformity Assessment Regulations to address this need. This certification scheme mandates compliance with stringent safety standards, fostering consumer trust and facilitating market access for manufacturers. 

What is BIS Scheme X Certification?

BIS Scheme X Certification is a mandatory conformity assessment scheme introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It applies to low-voltage switchgear, control gear, Implemented on March 16, 2022, Scheme X aims to align Indian manufacturing practices with global safety benchmarks. 

Understanding the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR)

The Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR), also known as the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety Order, 2024, was issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries on August 28, 2024. This regulation mandates that machinery and electrical equipment, including their assemblies and components, comply with BIS Scheme X standards. However, certain categories are exempted: 

Exempted Categories: 

• Machinery and components covered under (other than omnibus technical regulation) orders made under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016.
• Domestically produced goods intended solely for export.
• Construction equipment regulated under the CMVR Rule 1989 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 

Benefits of BIS Scheme X Certification

• Market Access: Mandatory for selling specified products in the Indian market.
• Enhanced Safety: Ensures products meet rigorous safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Consumer Trust: The BIS mark signifies quality and compliance, boosting consumer confidence.
• Legal Compliance: Avoids penalties associated with non-compliance under the BIS Act.
• Competitive Advantage: Demonstrates commitment to quality, differentiating products in the marketplace. 

Scheme X: Certification for Low Voltage Switchgear & Control Gear

Machinery And Electrical Equipment Covered Under Omnibus Technical Regulation

Scope and Applicability of BIS Scheme X Certification

The Quality Control Order under BIS Scheme X is applicable to a wide range of industrial machinery and electrical equipment, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components. Below is a detailed classification of product categories covered under this scheme:

1. Pumps and Liquid Handling Equipment
   This includes all types of pumps used for handling liquids, such as liquid elevators and their respective assemblies and components.
2. Compressors
   Encompasses all variants of compressors along with their integral assemblies, sub-assemblies, and parts.
3. Thermal Treatment Machinery
   Covers equipment used for thermal processing or material treatment involving changes in temperature, along with associated components.
4. Centrifuges and Filtering Systems
   Includes centrifuges, as well as filtering or purifying machinery used for liquids and gases, with all related assemblies and parts.
5. Packaging Machinery
   Involves machines for filling, sealing, closing, labeling, packing, and wrapping, including their sub-assemblies and integral mechanisms.
6. Cranes
   All crane types, from overhead to mobile, and their respective structural and functional assemblies and components fall under this category.
7. Construction, Earthmoving, and Mining Equipment
   Encompasses machinery used in construction, excavation, and mining operations, inclusive of all associated sub-systems.
8. Textile Machinery
   Covers machines like weaving looms and embroidery systems, as well as their supporting assemblies and control units.
9. Metalworking and Mineral-Based Machinery
   Applies to metal-cutting machines and those used for working on stone, ceramics, concrete, asbestos cement, or similar materials.
10. Rubber and Plastic Processing Equipment
    Includes machinery specifically designed for handling rubber and plastics, along with all integrated components.
11. General-Purpose Machinery and Mechanical Appliances
    Covers machinery designed for specific functions not covered elsewhere under Chapter 84 of the HSN code, including all modular parts.
12. Transmission Components
    This includes gears, gearboxes, toothed wheels, ball and roller screws, torque converters, and similar power transmission mechanisms.
13. Rotary Electrical Machines
    Encompasses generators and other rotary electrical devices, including their control systems and auxiliary units.
14. Diesel Generators
    Covers diesel-powered generator units and their associated mechanical and electrical subsystems.
15. Transformers
    All categories of transformers used for voltage regulation and their integral assemblies are included here.
16. Power Semiconductor Converters
    Applies to devices that convert electrical power using semiconductors, along with their controller boards and interfaces.
17. Switchgear and Control Gear
    Includes all types of switchgear and control gear equipment designed to operate at various voltages for industrial and commercial applications.

Certification Process

1. Application Submission: Manufacturers submit the application along with required documents to BIS.
2. Product Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories to ensure compliance with relevant IS standards.
3. Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to assess quality control measures.
4. Grant of License: Upon successful evaluation, BIS grants the license, allowing the use of the BIS Standard Mark.
5. Surveillance: Periodic surveillance audits and product testing ensure continued compliance. 

Documents Required

• Application form.
• Business license and manufacturing registration.
• Product specifications and technical documents.
• Test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories.
• Quality control manuals and procedures.
• Factory layout and process flow diagrams.

Validity and Renewal Process of BIS Scheme X Certification

• License Duration and Renewal: Licenses for ongoing production are granted for a period ranging from 3 to 6 years, and can be renewed for an equivalent duration.
• Certificate of Conformity: This certificate is granted for single-use production and applies to both domestic and international manufacturers. It is not eligible for renewal.
• Production Test Reports: When test reports originate from the manufacturer's internal laboratory, BIS officials will validate the results through witness testing during the factory inspection. If testing is carried out at subcontracted in-house facilities, those locations will also undergo inspection.

Quality Control Orders & Penalties

Non-compliance with BIS Scheme X can lead to:

• Monetary penalties.
• Product recalls.
• Legal action under the BIS Act, 2016.
• Loss of market access and reputation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is BIS Scheme X Certification mandatory for all machinery and electrical equipment?

A1: It is mandatory for products specified under the Omnibus Technical Regulation. Manufacturers should consult the latest BIS notifications to determine applicability.

Q2: Can foreign manufacturers apply for BIS Scheme X Certification?

A2: Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) by appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). 

Q3: What is the difference between BIS Scheme I and Scheme X?

A3: Scheme I covers a broad range of products, including consumer goods, and requires the ISI mark. Scheme X specifically targets machinery and electrical equipment, emphasizing safety compliance under the Omnibus Technical Regulation.

Q4: How long does the certification process take?

A4: The duration varies based on product complexity and documentation completeness 

Q5: What happens if a certified product fails to maintain compliance?

A5: BIS may suspend or cancel the certification, and the manufacturer may face penalties, including fines and product recalls.

Deadline to Act

You have until September 1 2026, to comply with this regulation. The earlier you begin the certification process, the better, to ensure your products remain market-ready without disruption.

Conclusion

Scheme X, introduced under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, establishes a strong foundation for product quality and safety in India. By defining a clear and structured certification process, Scheme X enables manufacturers to meet the rigorous standards of Indian Standards while offering flexibility in production methods.

For consumers, Scheme X ensures confidence in the safety and quality of products, fostering trust in certified brands and enhancing the market’s overall reliability.

Why Choose Star Group for BIS Scheme X Certification?

Navigating the BIS certification landscape can be complex. Star Group offers expert guidance and end-to-end support to streamline the certification process. Our services include:

• Comprehensive consultation on BIS requirements.
• Assistance with documentation and application submission.
• Coordination with BIS-recognized laboratories for product testing.
• Preparation for factory inspections.
• Ongoing support for compliance and renewal processes.

Partner with Star Group to ensure your products meet the highest safety standards and gain seamless access to the Indian market.