BIS Scheme X

BIS Scheme X Certification is a conformity-assessment framework under the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 for specified machinery and electrical equipment and other products covered under applicable Indian regulations. Scheme X is particularly relevant to products notified for compulsory certification under government orders, including specified machinery, electrical equipment, low-voltage switchgear and controlgear.

BIS assesses conformity through the applicable technical documentation, product compliance evidence, testing and audit/evaluation requirements. The exact route depends on the product, applicable Indian Standard, notification and product-specific BIS guidelines.

iKargos helps manufacturers understand Scheme X applicability, identify the relevant Indian Standards, prepare the technical file, coordinate testing and support the BIS certification process for domestic and eligible foreign manufacturers.

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042). 

Overview of BIS Scheme X:

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 certification scheme introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It is used for Low Voltage Switchgear & Control Gear notified under the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020, and was also to cover Machinery and Electrical Equipment under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR), which was withdrawn on 14 January 2026. This scheme was officially implemented on March 16, 2022.

Under the OTR, compliance with safety standards would have been mandatory for machine tools used for working on stone, ceramic, concrete, asbestos cement, mineral glass products and their assemblies, with BIS Scheme X Certification required before selling or distributing them in India. With the OTR withdrawn on 14 January 2026, this OTR requirement no longer applies.

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 was to come into force on 28th August 2025.

As per the original notification, the Omnibus Technical Regulation was to come into effect on August 28, 2025. That date was deferred by later amendments, and the OTR was withdrawn with immediate effect by Order S.O. 239(E) dated 14 January 2026.

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.

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

Products must conform to the relevant Indian Standards, as applicable, outlined below:

Type A standards – IS 16819:2018 / ISO 12100:2010 (Safety of Machinery General Principles for Design – Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction)

Type B Standards – as per the Second Schedule of the OTR order

Type C Standards – as per the Third Schedule of the OTR order

IS/IEC 60947 (various parts/sections) – Low-Voltage switchgear and controlgear

Products Covered under Bis Scheme X      

Machinery and Electrical Equipment covered under Omnibus Technical Regulation (withdrawn on 14 January 2026)

Which BIS scheme do I need?

Toys and footwear are under ISI (Scheme-I) Quality Control Orders. Since 25 June 2026, a DPIIT-permitted Scheme-II route is also available for them (S.O. 3417(E)). Fees exclude GST and lab charges. Sources: BIS, crsbis.in, MHI.

Check any product free with our BIS checker → · Compare BIS fees across schemes → · BIS QCO list, updated monthly →

Benefits of BIS Scheme X:

• 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: Instils 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 Scheme X Registration: 

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 Services Tax (GST) registration details.
• Contact details: Email, phone number, and office contact number of the manufacturer.
• Details of the management and authorised person: Names and destinations of key management personnel and authorised signatory.
• Details of the machinery and electrical equipment to be registered: Equipment details as per the first Schedule of the OTR.
• Name/Type and variety of products: Specific name, type, and variety of products for which BIS Certification is sought 

Fees and Timeline:

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042). 

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.

Timeline:

• Procedure for Grant of Licence for Domestic Manufacturers: approx 90 working days as per BIS practice.
• Procedure for Grant of Licence for Domestic Manufacturers: Approx. 6-7 months, based on current practices.

The final certification budget can therefore vary significantly depending on product complexity, number of Technical Files, testing requirements, site visits and the applicable certification route. iKargos can prepare a product-specific commercial quotation after reviewing the equipment and applicable standards.

 Process to apply 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.

Procedure for Grant of License for Domestic Manufacture 

The following steps will take place for Domestic Manufacture mentioned below:

1. Documents Process
2. Submission of Application along with Application fee
3. Application recording by BIS
4. Scrutiny of Application and response to any queries raised by BIS
5. Nomination of Auditor & Payment to BIS (Audit charges)
6. Factory Audit and Sample sending for Testing at OSL
7. Testing of sample in BIS recognised lab & Payment to Laboratory for Testing.
8. Payment to BIS
9. Grant of license

Procedure for Grant of Licence for Foreign Manufacturers 

The following steps will take place for Foreign Manufacturing mentioned below:

1. Documents process
2. Submission of Application along with Application Fee
3. Application recording by BIS
4. Scrutiny of Application and response to any queries raised by BIS
5. Nomination of Auditor & Payments to BIS
6. Audit preparation, including arrangements for Visa, Air tickets, Hotel Booking
7. Factory Audit and sample sending for Testing at OSL
8. Testing of sample in BIS recognised lab & Payment to Laboratory for Tessting
9. Payment to BIS
10. Grant of License  

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.
• Specialised Consumer Electronics: Medical Grade Electrical Appliance that has prominent safety features.