BIS SCHEME-X CERTIFICATION

BIS Scheme-X Certification - Overview

On March 16, 2022, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced "Scheme X". Before putting various types of assemblies, subassemblies, and machine tools up for sale in the Indian market, its main objective is to enable both foreign and Indian producers to obtain BIS certification under Schedule-II and Scheme-X.

BIS authorises the purchase of a licence or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for low voltage switchgear and control gear, machinery and electrical equipment under Scheme-X, which allows manufacturers to use the BIS Standard Mark on their goods.Scheme-X 0certified goods uphold relevant Indian standards and laws while ensuring consumer confidence.

What Is Scheme X Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 established Scheme X, a product certification program that was improved upon by the BIS Conformity Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. Aligning Indian safety standards with international ones is its primary goal. As a result, Scheme X certifies machinery and electricalequipment made or imported in India to satisfy strict technical and safety requirements.

Under Scheme-X, BIS permits the purchase of a licence or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for low voltage switchgear, control gear, machinery and electrical equipment. This permits manufacturers to use the BIS Standard Mark on their products.

This order exempts machinery, electrical equipment, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components manufactured in accordance with Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 from conformance assessment.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) created "Scheme X" for construction equipment covered by the CMVR Rules, 1989, which is a unique framework for conformance evaluation intended for products with strict technical and safety standards.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries issued the “Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024” through a Gazette notification dated August 28, 2024.

The Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) aims to ensure the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of machinery, electrical equipment, and their assemblies or components, in accordance with Scheme X of the BIS Regulations.

This regulation applies to a wide range of machinery and electrical equipment, including assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components, except in the following cases:

• Equipment or components already covered under other regulations issued under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016.
• Products manufactured within India or items produced exclusively for export.
• Construction equipment falling under the MoRTH CMVR Rules, 1989.

These exemptions help manufacturers clearly understand which products fall under the mandatory compliance framework and which do not.

As per the notification, the Omnibus Technical Regulation will become effective from August 28, 2025.

In summary, the Saw Certification Scheme X of BIS will apply to all machinery and electrical equipment covered under the Omnibus Technical Regulation, 2024, including low-voltage switchgear and control gear notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

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

Under BIS Scheme X, manufacturers receive a BIS licence or Certificate of Conformity (CoC), which allows them to use the BIS Standard Mark on their products. This certification enhances the safety, quality, reliability, and market credibility of machinery and electrical equipment.

For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), BIS certification under Scheme X is essential for ensuring compliance with safety regulations, building consumer trust, and gaining a strong competitive advantage in the market.

Products covered by Scheme X must have BIS certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS Standard Mark, also known as the BIS Scheme X Certification Mark, has the standard number at the top of the mark and the product's license number, "CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX," at the bottom.

The Bureau of Indian Standards only issues this mark upon the successful issuance of a BIS licence. Each manufacturer is required to promote their product with a valid BIS Mark and adhere to the Indian Standards regulations.

Marking any product with the license number "CM/L-XXXXXXXXXXXX" and selling it in the Indian consumer market without a BIS licence is illegal.

Products covered under Scheme X must obtain BIS certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The BIS Standard Mark includes the applicable standard number at the top and the product’s licence number (CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX) at the bottom.

Scheme-X includes various categories of high-risk and specialized products:

Manufacturers must obtain Scheme-X certification before production or sale in India.

Products Covered Under Scheme-X

According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the following types of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear must have BIS certification under Scheme X.

Machinery and Electrical Equipment covered under Omnibus Technical Regulation

The BIS Scheme-X accreditation ensures both quality and safety. The following are the fundamental safety requirements that manufacturers must meet:

• Observing IEC regulations to prevent hazards like electrical failures and short circuits.
• Mechanical safety covers modern materials, reliability of industrial machinery, and thorough testing of the main structure.
• Fire safety includes the use of fire-retardant materials and ensuring they prevent flame spreading.
• Environmental compliance involves controlled energy use and producing environmentally acceptable goods.
• Quality management includes continuous examination of machinery to ensure compliance with standards.

Conform to the corresponding Indian Standards, as applicable, as given below:

• Type A Standards:IS 16819:2018 and ISO 12100:2010 (Safety of Machinery – General Principles for Design, Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction)
• Type B Standards:As specified in the OTR Order – Second Schedule
• Type C Standards:As specified in the OTR Order – Third Schedule
• Low-Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear:IS/IEC 60947 (various parts/sections)

To obtain BIS registration for Machinery and Electricals under Scheme X (Schedule II), manufacturers must submit certain documents.

Prior Registration: Manufacturers should submit the following information during the registration process:

Registration: Registration is carried out online through the official BIS portal, Manak Online, which serves as the exclusive gateway for applications under the OTR.

Steps to Get Certified Under Scheme-X

The process to obtain BIS certification under Scheme-X is outlined below:

• Check Applicability: Determine whether your product falls under Scheme-X and complies with applicable BIS safety regulations.
• Document Preparation: Prepare essential documents such as factory layout, product specifications, test reports, and business registration records.
• Technical File Creation: Compile a technical file supported by a compliance report demonstrating that the product meets the required standards. The technical file should include product details, manufacturing process information, compliance documents, product scope, quality control records, and traceability evidence. Where applicable, details of testing, raw materials, subcontracting agreements, and test records must also be provided.
• Application Submission: Submit the application through the BIS portal after payment of the applicable fee.
• Factory Inspection: BIS conducts on-site inspections to assess manufacturing processes and quality control systems. The inspection duration is typically two days for domestic manufacturers and three days for foreign manufacturers, with extensions if required. BIS officials verify documentation, observe testing procedures, identify non-conformities, provide guidance where necessary, and issue an inspection report.
• Sample Testing: Product samples are tested either at the manufacturer’s facility or at BIS-accredited laboratories, particularly when testing is outsourced.
• Certification Issuance: Upon successful compliance with all requirements, BIS grants the licence authorizing the use of the BIS certification mark.

The BIS Scheme-X certification process applies to both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The table below provides a clear comparison of procedures and timelines.

Manufacturers are required to follow the defined pricing structure to streamline the certification procedure. The Bureau has announced the following fee schedule in accordance with Schedule-II, Scheme-X, Paragraph 5 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Products or product categories for which no separate cost has been expressly announced will be covered under this schedule.

• Validity and Renewal of Licenses: Continuous production licenses are granted for a period ranging from three to six years. These licenses may be extended for an additional period, subject to continued compliance with Scheme-X requirements.
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Applicable to both domestic and foreign manufacturers, the Certificate of Conformity is issued for one-time production only and does not carry any provision for renewal.
• Product Test Reports: During factory inspections, BIS officials may conduct witness testing to validate test results generated from the manufacturer's in-house laboratory. Subcontracted in-house testing facilities are also subject to verification and evaluation.
• Regulatory Compliance: To ensure continued approval and market access, manufacturers must consistently comply with the Scheme-X certification procedure. In accordance with Regulation 8 of the applicable regulations, BIS evaluates applications and grants renewable licenses using Form-VIII.

BIS Scheme-X Certification is essential to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of low-voltage switchgear, controlgear, machinery, and electrical equipment. Scheme-X enables manufacturers to comply with stringent Indian standards while streamlining production and conformity assessment processes. For machine tools used in the manufacture of stone, ceramic, concrete, asbestos cement, and mineral glass products, BIS Scheme-X certification is mandatory. Compliance with this scheme not only assures product dependability but also enhances consumer confidence in certified manufacturers.

To simplify the complex certification process, manufacturers may engage EVTL India, a leading BIS Scheme-X certification consultant. With over 16 years of experience as a trusted BIS consulting partner in India, EVTL India offers comprehensive support in documentation, product testing, factory inspection, and regulatory compliance. Manufacturers and importers can contact EVTL India for complete assistance with BIS Scheme-X certification, including application filing, testing, and end-to-end process management.