BIS Scheme X – Strengthening India’s Industrial Safety and Quality Framework

India’s industrial ecosystem is entering a new phase of standardization and global competitiveness with the implementation of SCHEME X, a comprehensive conformity assessment scheme under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Developed in accordance with the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, and reinforced by the 2022 amendment, BIS SCHEME X establishes a transparent and robust mechanism for ensuring that industrial and electrical machinery adhere to stringent safety and performance norms.

With the upcoming enforcement of the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR SCHEME), this initiative represents a decisive step toward harmonizing India’s manufacturing standards with global benchmarks.

The Genesis and Objective of Scheme X

SCHEME X was conceived to provide a unified compliance framework for high-risk industrial and electrical products.

Its core objective is to ensure that machinery used in sectors such as energy, construction, transport, and manufacturing meets the highest quality and safety parameters.

The BIS SCHEME X CERTIFICATION process is designed to validate a product’s conformity with Indian Standards (IS) through meticulous testing, inspection, and surveillance. By integrating both domestic and imported products under one certification regime, BIS SCHEME X ensures fairness, consistency, and accountability across industries.

Regulatory Foundation – BIS Certification X QCO

The BIS CERTIFICATION X QCO (Quality Control Order) serves as the statutory instrument mandating certification for specified product categories.

It ensures that all industrial machinery and electrical systems falling under its scope cannot be manufactured, imported, or sold in India without a valid BIS SCHEME X CERTIFICATION.

The BIS CERTIFICATION X QCO not only enhances industrial safety but also protects end-users by eliminating substandard equipment from the market.

It establishes a framework of accountability, compelling manufacturers to adopt comprehensive quality management systems and maintain continuous conformity with Indian Standards.

The Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR Scheme): A Landmark Reform

The OTR SCHEME, formally known as the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, is a landmark initiative issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).

It requires that all listed machinery and electrical equipment—whether manufactured domestically or imported—obtain BIS SCHEME X CERTIFICATION under the provisions of SCHEME X.

Originally scheduled for implementation from August 28, 2025, the effective date for enforcement has now been extended to September 1, 2026, providing industries ample time to adapt their manufacturing and testing systems to the new requirements.

The OTR REGISTRATION process ensures a systematic evaluation of each product’s compliance with Indian Standards, encompassing design, safety features, and operational reliability.

Scope and Applicability

The BIS SCHEME X covers an extensive range of industrial products, including:

• Electrical machinery such as motors, transformers, and switchgear assemblies

• Mechanical equipment including pumps, compressors, and cranes

• Control systems and industrial panels used in process industries

However, certain exemptions apply. Products already regulated under separate Quality Control Orders (QCOs) or governed by other regulatory frameworks, such as the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), are excluded from the scope of SCHEME X. Additionally, equipment manufactured solely for export is exempt from the certification requirement.

Process of BIS Scheme X Certification and OTR Registration

The process of obtaining BIS SCHEME X CERTIFICATION involves multiple stages of verification and documentation, ensuring complete product transparency and quality assurance.

1. Application Submission:

   Domestic manufacturers apply via the BIS Manak Online Portal, while foreign manufacturers submit their applications directly to BIS Headquarters in India.

2. Documentation and Technical File:

   Applicants must provide a comprehensive technical dossier including product specifications, manufacturing processes, factory layout, and quality control measures.

3. Testing and Factory Inspection:

   Products undergo testing in BIS-recognized laboratories. In parallel, BIS officials conduct on-site factory audits to verify production consistency and adherence to safety standards.

4. Grant of Certification:

   Upon successful evaluation, BIS issues either a BIS Licence (for domestic manufacturers) or a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) (for importers). These documents authorize the manufacturer to affix the BIS Standard Mark — a hallmark of compliance under SCHEME X.

The OTR REGISTRATION process ensures that manufacturers—both Indian and foreign—demonstrate full compliance with the OTR SCHEME before their products are placed on the market.

Foreign Manufacturers and the Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

Foreign manufacturers seeking certification under SCHEME X must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The AIR acts as the local liaison with BIS, managing all regulatory communications, inspection arrangements, and post-certification compliance obligations.

This requirement ensures that BIS maintains a reliable channel for accountability and monitoring of imported products certified under the OTR SCHEME.

Strategic Importance of BIS Scheme X

The implementation of BIS SCHEME X and BIS CERTIFICATION X QCO carries significant national and industrial implications:

• Promotes industrial safety and consumer protection

• Reduces the prevalence of substandard and non-compliant machinery

• Aligns Indian manufacturing with international quality standards

• Enhances investor and consumer confidence in Indian-made and imported products

• Encourages the adoption of structured quality management practices across sectors

By mandating uniform certification, India positions itself as a global leader in product reliability, standardization, and industrial safety.

Conclusion

The BIS SCHEME X represents more than a compliance requirement—it signifies India’s transition toward a globally integrated industrial economy built on safety, quality, and accountability.

Through BIS SCHEME X CERTIFICATION, BIS CERTIFICATION X QCO, and the OTR REGISTRATION process, India is building a foundation for sustainable industrial growth rooted in international best practices.

The OTR SCHEME stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to enhancing product quality and public safety.

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He sunconsultants.co.in is a crucial requirement for any foreign manufacturer exporting regulated products to India. It guarantees that imported goods meet India’s strict safety and quality standards, benefiting both businesses and consumers.