BIS Scheme-X Certification for Machinery & Electrical Equipment in India

What is Scheme X Certification?

Scheme X Certification is a mandatory BIS conformity assessment scheme introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for machinery, electrical equipment, assemblies, and industrial products that require stringent technical and safety compliance before being manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

Launched under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 and strengthened through the 2022 amendment, Scheme X aims to align Indian industrial safety standards with international compliance frameworks and ensure safer, high-quality industrial products in the Indian market.

At PCN Global India, we provide complete end-to-end support for obtaining BIS Scheme X Certification for both Indian and foreign manufacturers.

Scope of Scheme X Certification

The scope of Scheme X Certification has been significantly expanded under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and implemented by BIS. The regulation is scheduled to come into force from 28 August 2025.

The order covers a broad range of machinery and electrical equipment manufactured, imported, or sold in India, requiring compliance with stringent safety and technical standards under Scheme X.

Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) – 2024

The OTR known as “Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024” has been issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries through its gazette 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 safety and their assemblies as well as components as per Scheme X of BIS Regulations.

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

So In a nutshell, all these machinery and electrical equipment described in the Omnibus Technical Regulation 2024, along with the low voltage switchgear and control gear notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, shall be covered by Saw Certification Scheme X of the Bureau of Indian Standards.

BIS Certification for Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation)

Under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, manufacturers of machinery and electrical equipment—such as pumps, compressors, centrifuges, cranes, transformers and switchgear—manufactured or imported in India are required to obtain certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Scheme X.

Under BIS Scheme X, manufacturers can obtain a BIS license or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for their products and use the BIS standard mark. This certification helps ensure safety, reliability and consumer confidence of machinery and electrical equipment.

Manufacturers of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are required to obtain BIS certification under Scheme X for their products to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

BIS Scheme X Certification

BIS Scheme-X Certification is a mandatory certification scheme introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for Low Voltage Switchgear & Control Gear, Machinery, and Electrical Equipment covered under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR). Implemented under Scheme-X, this certification ensures that products comply with prescribed Indian safety and quality standards before being sold in the Indian market.

Under this regulation, all types of machine tools used for processing stone, ceramic, concrete, asbestos cement, mineral glass products, and their assemblies are required to obtain BIS Scheme-X Certification. Manufacturers must ensure full compliance with applicable Indian Standards and obtain a valid BIS licence prior to manufacturing, importing, or selling such products in India.

The BIS Standard Mark issued under Scheme-X includes the licence number in the format “CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX” along with the applicable Indian Standard number. This mark is granted only after successful evaluation and approval by BIS.

At PCN Global India, we provide complete consultancy support for BIS Scheme-X Certification, including product identification, documentation, technical compliance, coordination with BIS authorities, testing assistance, factory inspection support, and end-to-end licence approval services. Our team helps manufacturers and importers achieve timely certification and ensure smooth market access in India.

It is important to note that using the BIS Standard Mark or selling regulated products without a valid BIS Licence is a punishable offence under BIS regulations. Therefore, manufacturers must obtain proper certification before placing their products in the Indian consumer market.

Key Differences Between BIS Scheme-I & Scheme-X

BIS Scheme-I is one of the most widely used certification schemes and primarily covers consumer products such as electronics, household appliances, electrical items, and various industrial materials.

Key features of Scheme-I include:

  • Products are required to carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark).
  • Applicable to both Indian and foreign manufacturers.
  • Certification is granted based on product testing, factory assessment, and compliance with relevant Indian Standards.
  • The process is comparatively simpler and commonly used for mass consumer products.

BIS Scheme-X is specifically designed for high-risk industrial products, heavy machinery, electrical safety equipment, and machinery covered under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR).

Key features of Scheme-X include:

  • Applicable to machinery, electrical equipment, and industrial products where safety compliance is critical.
  • Requires detailed technical documentation, risk assessment, and stricter compliance procedures.
  • Involves comprehensive factory inspections, product evaluation, and rigorous verification processes.
  • Certification costs are generally higher due to extensive testing, inspection, and additional compliance requirements.
  • Primarily intended for manufacturers dealing in industrial machinery, electrical equipment, and safety-critical products.

If your business involves manufacturing, importing, or supplying industrial machinery or electrical equipment regulated under the Omnibus Technical Regulation, your products are likely to fall under BIS Scheme-X certification requirements.

For expert assistance with BIS Scheme-I or Scheme-X certification, PCN Global India provides end-to-end consultancy support, including documentation, testing coordination, compliance management, and BIS approval assistance.

Safety Standards Under BIS Scheme-X

For expert assistance with BIS Scheme-I or Scheme-X certification, PCN Global India provides end-to-end consultancy support, including documentation, testing coordination, compliance management, and BIS approval assistance.

Electrical Safety

Products must comply with applicable Indian Standards and internationally aligned IEC safety requirements to minimize risks such as electric shocks, short circuits, overheating, insulation failure, and electrical malfunctions.

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Mechanical Safety

Industrial machinery and equipment undergo rigorous evaluation to verify structural strength, operational reliability, durability, and safe functioning under different working conditions. Testing also ensures protection against mechanical hazards and operational failures.

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Fire Safety

Manufacturers must use approved fire-resistant and flame-retardant materials wherever applicable. Products are evaluated for resistance to flame propagation, overheating, and fire-related hazards to enhance operational safety.

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Environmental Compliance

BIS Scheme-X also emphasizes environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, including energy efficiency, controlled resource consumption, and the use of eco-friendly materials in production processes.

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Quality Management & Factory Compliance

Manufacturers are required to maintain consistent quality control systems, standardized production processes, regular testing procedures, and proper factory management practices to ensure continued compliance with BIS requirements.

Documents Required for BIS Scheme-X Certification

Under BIS Scheme-X (Schedule-II), manufacturers must submit the required documentation to obtain BIS certification for Machinery and Electrical Equipment regulated under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR).

Sl. No. Required Document Details
1
Name, Address (Factory & Office)
Manufacturer's registered name and complete address of both factory and office.
2
PAN, GST Details
Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration details.
3
Contact Details
Email, phone number, and office contact number of the manufacturer.
4
Details of the Management & Authorized Person
Names and designations of key management personnel and authorized signatory.
5
Details of Machinery & Electrical Equipment
Equipment details as per the First Schedule of the OTR.
6
Name / Type & Variety of Products
Specific name, type, and variety of products for which BIS certification is sought.

Applicable Safety Standards Under Scheme-X

Manufacturers must ensure compliance with the relevant Indian Standards applicable to their machinery or electrical equipment.

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Type A Standards

IS 16819:2018 / ISO 12100:2010

Safety of Machinery — General Principles for Design, Risk Assessment, and Risk Reduction.

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Type B Standards

OTR Second Schedule

Applicable standards prescribed under the Second Schedule of the OTR Order.

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Type C Standards

OTR Third Schedule

Product-specific machinery safety standards prescribed under the Third Schedule of the OTR Order.

IS/IEC 60947 Standards

Low-Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear

Applicable to Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear products under various parts and sections.

BIS Scheme-X Certification Process

01

Check Product Applicability

Determine whether the product falls under the scope of BIS Scheme-X and complies with applicable safety requirements and Indian Standards.

02

Prepare Required Documents

Manufacturers must prepare business registration documents, product specifications, factory layout, quality control documents, and existing test reports.

03

Preparation of Technical File

A comprehensive technical file is prepared containing product specifications, manufacturing process details, compliance records, testing reports, raw material details, inspection records, and subcontract agreements (if applicable).

04

Submission of Application

The BIS application is submitted online through the official BIS portal along with the prescribed government fee.

05

Factory Inspection

BIS officials conduct factory inspections to verify manufacturing capability, technical documentation, quality assurance systems, and witness product testing. Domestic inspections generally last 2 days, while foreign manufacturer inspections last 3 days.

06

Sample Testing

Product samples are tested either at the manufacturer’s premises or through BIS-recognized laboratories to verify compliance with prescribed standards.

07

Grant of BIS Licence

After successful verification, testing, and compliance review, BIS grants the licence permitting the use of the BIS Standard Mark.

Procedure for Grant of Licence — Domestic Manufacturers

  • Documentation Process
  • Submission of Application with Fees
  • Application Recording by BIS
  • Scrutiny of Application and Query Resolution
  • Auditor Nomination & Audit Fee Payment
  • Factory Audit & Sample Submission for Testing
  • Testing at BIS-Recognized Laboratory
  • Payment of Marking Fee & Licence Fee
  • Grant of BIS Licence

Procedure for Grant of Licence — Foreign Manufacturers

  • Documentation Process
  • Submission of Application with Fees
  • Application Recording by BIS
  • Scrutiny of Application and Query Resolution
  • Auditor Nomination & Audit Fee Payment
  • Audit Preparation (Visa, Travel & Accommodation Arrangements)
  • Factory Audit & Sample Submission for Testing
  • Testing at BIS-Recognized Laboratory
  • Payment of Marking Fee & Licence Fee
  • Grant of BIS Licence

BIS Scheme-X Certification Fee Structure

Sl. No. Type of Fees / Charges Amount
1
Application Fee for Grant of Licence
₹2,000
2
Application Fee for Certificate of Conformity
₹2,000
3
Certification Fee for Licence Grant / Renewal
₹25,000 per year
4
Certification Fee for Certificate of Conformity
₹10,000
5
Technical File Review Fee
₹20,000 per technical file
6
Inspection Fees (Including Surveillance)
₹20,000 per man-day
7
Sample Procurement Charges
As per actual cost
8
Testing Charges
As per actual cost

Validity & Renewal of BIS Scheme-X Licence

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Licence Validity

BIS Scheme-X licences for continuous production are generally granted for 3 to 6 years depending on the product category and compliance scope.

  • Applicable for continuous manufacturing operations
  • Valid for both domestic & foreign manufacturers
  • Renewal permitted for the same validity duration
  • Subject to continued BIS compliance & surveillance
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Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued for one-time production or limited supply under BIS Scheme-X.

  • Applicable for both Indian & foreign manufacturers
  • Suitable for non-continuous production cases
  • No renewal option available
  • Fresh application required for new production cycle
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Product Test Report Verification

Where testing is conducted in the manufacturer’s in-house laboratory, BIS officials may perform witness verification during inspection.

  • Verification during factory inspection
  • Witness testing may be conducted by BIS officials
  • Review of test records & calibration status
  • Validation of compliance with applicable Indian Standards

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – BIS Scheme-X Certification

1. What is BIS Scheme-X Certification?

BIS Scheme-X Certification is a mandatory certification scheme introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for machinery, electrical equipment, low-voltage switchgear, and controlgear products covered under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR).

2. Which products are covered under BIS Scheme-X?

Scheme-X mainly covers high-risk industrial and electrical products such as:

  • Industrial machinery
  • Electrical equipment
  • Low-voltage switchgear & controlgear
  • Machine tools
  • Machinery used for stone, ceramic, concrete, asbestos cement, and mineral glass processing
3. Is BIS Scheme-X Certification mandatory?

Yes. Products notified under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) must obtain BIS Scheme-X Certification before manufacturing, importing, or selling them in India.

4. Who can apply for BIS Scheme-X Certification?

Both domestic manufacturers and foreign manufacturers can apply for BIS Scheme-X Certification.

5. What is the difference between Scheme-I and Scheme-X?

Scheme-I mainly applies to consumer products and standard ISI-marked items, whereas Scheme-X is specifically designed for industrial machinery, electrical equipment, and high-risk products requiring stricter safety compliance.

6. What is the validity of a BIS Scheme-X licence?

The BIS licence is generally granted for 3 to 6 years and can be renewed for the same duration upon continued compliance.

7. What is a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under Scheme-X?

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued for one-time production or limited product batches. It is non-renewable and applicable to both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

8. What documents are required for BIS Scheme-X Certification?

Commonly required documents include:

  • Company registration documents
  • PAN & GST details
  • Product specifications
  • Factory layout
  • Technical file
  • Quality control documents
  • Test reports
  • Authorized signatory details
9. What is a technical file in BIS Scheme-X?

A technical file is a detailed compliance document containing:

  • Product information
  • Manufacturing process details
  • Risk assessment
  • Test reports
  • Quality control procedures
  • Traceability records
  • Compliance declarations
10. How long does the BIS Scheme-X certification process take?
  • Domestic manufacturers: Approximately 90 working days
  • Foreign manufacturers: Approximately 6–7 months
    The timeline may vary depending on documentation, testing, and audit observations.

Ready to Get Your BIS Scheme-X Certification?

Ensure smooth market access and regulatory compliance for your machinery and electrical equipment with expert BIS Scheme-X Certification support from PCN Global India. Our specialists handle the complete certification process — from documentation and technical file preparation to BIS application filing, factory audit support, testing coordination, and licence approval.