BIS Scheme X Certification for Machinery and Electrical Equipment under Omnibus Technical Regulation

BIS Schedule-II, Scheme-X is an essential component of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations. This certification process is designed to ensure that industrial and consumer products adhere to stringent safety and quality standards before they reach the Indian market. Governed by the BIS Act, 2016, and associated rules and regulations, Scheme-X Certification is important for aligning Indian safety norms with global benchmarks. The provisions for granting licenses under Scheme-X are outlined in Regulations 4 and 5, as well as Schedule-II, Scheme-X of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The Scheme-X Certification is a product certification initiative introduced under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. It was further refined by the BIS Conformity Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. Its primary goal is to ensure that machinery and electrical equipment manufactured or imported into India meet stringent technical and safety standards. This certification enhances product reliability, ensures safety, and boosts consumer confidence.

Scope of Scheme X Certification

The "Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024" issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), will come into effect from August 28, 2025. This regulation covers machinery and electrical equipment such as pumps for handling liquids, compressors, cranes, rotary electrical machines, transformers, and switchgear. Under this order, machinery and electrical equipment, along with their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components, are subject to the conformity assessment unless they fall under exceptions. Notably, construction equipment covered under the CMVR Rules, 1989 issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is exempted from Scheme-X certification.

What is Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR)?

The "Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024," issued via gazette notification on August 28, 2024, aims to ensure the safety and compliance of machinery and electrical equipment, including their assemblies and components, under Scheme-X of the BIS Regulations. The regulation applies to all categories of machinery or electrical equipment, except those already governed by other orders under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. Additionally, domestic goods meant exclusively for export and construction equipment under the CMVR Rule 1989 are excluded. This regulation becomes effective from August 28, 2025.

BIS Certification for Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety

Under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, manufacturers of machinery and electrical equipment like pumps, compressors, centrifuges, cranes, transformers, and switchgear must obtain BIS certification under Scheme-X. This certification grants manufacturers the license to use the BIS Standard Mark, assuring safety, reliability, and quality. It is particularly essential for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to obtain BIS certification to ensure compliance with safety standards and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Products Covered under BIS Scheme X

The following are the products covered under BIS Scheme X:

Low – Voltage switchgear and control gear – Notified by Ministry of Heavy Industries

Machinery and Electrical Equipment covered under Omnibus Technical Regulation

Document Required for BIS Scheme X Certification

The following are the documents required for BIS Scheme X Certification:

Under Scheme X or Schedule II, manufacturers seeking BIS certification for Machinery and Electrical Equipment must provide specific documentation for registration. Initially, manufacturers must furnish essential details, including the registered name and complete addresses of both the factory and office. Additionally, they are required to submit Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration details. Contact information such as the email address, phone number, and office contact number of the manufacturer must also be provided.Also, the manufacturers should disclose information about key management personnel and the authorized signatory, including their names and designations. Detailed descriptions of the machinery and electrical equipment to be registered, as per the First Schedule of the OTR, are essential. Moreover, manufacturers must specify the name, type, and variety of products for which BIS certification is sought.

For registration, manufacturers are required to register on the official BIS portal called Manak Online, which offers a dedicated registration feature specifically for OTR (Online Testing Request). This systematic approach ensures compliance and facilitates a smoother certification process.

BIS Scheme X Certification Process

The BIS Scheme-X Certification, launched on March 16, 2022, applies to products like low voltage switchgear, control gear, machinery, and electrical equipment. Compliance with Indian safety standards is mandatory for machinery tools working on stone, ceramic, concrete, asbestos cement, or mineral glass products. The BIS Standard Mark, issued post successful licensing, includes the license number 'CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX' and the standard number. Any unauthorized use of this mark is considered a punishable offense.

Procedure for Domestic and Foreign Manufacturers

The certification process for domestic manufacturers involves several key steps, starting with documentation and application submission, including the application fee. The BIS records the application and scrutinizes it for queries. Once queries are resolved, BIS nominates an auditor, and the manufacturer pays the audit charges. Following this, a factory audit and product sample testing are conducted. Manufacturers must pay marking and license fees before the license is granted. The overall timeline for domestic certification is approximately 90 working days.

For foreign manufacturers, the process is slightly extended due to additional steps such as arranging visas, air tickets, and hotel bookings for auditors. The factory audit and testing are conducted similarly, and upon successful verification, the license is granted. The timeline for foreign manufacturers is approximately 6-7 months.

Key Additional Points for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers are classified as 'Large Scale' under FMCS norms. They must appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) to liaise with BIS. Factory audits are comprehensive, involving on-site inspections and product testing, typically lasting three days.

BIS Scheme X Certification Fee Structure

Manufacturers must adhere to a specific fee structure as per Schedule-II, Scheme-X of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. The fee structure includes:

• Application Fee for Grant of License: Rs.2,000

• Application Fee for Certificate of Conformity: Rs.2,000

• Certification Fee for License Grant or Renewal: Rs.25,000 per year

• Certification Fee for Certificate of Conformity: Rs.10,000

• Technical File Review Fee: Rs.20,000 per technical file

• Inspection Fees: Rs.20,000 per man-day

• Sample Procurement and Testing Charges: Based on actual costs

Validity and Renewal of Scheme-X Certificate

Licenses for continuous production are valid for 3 to 6 years, with options for renewal. The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for one-time production is valid without renewal options. BIS verifies product test reports during factory visits, ensuring rigorous compliance with certification norms.

Conclusion

BIS Scheme X Certification is important for ensuring the safety and quality of low voltage switchgear, control gear, machinery, and electrical equipment. Compliance with this certification process not only simplifies manufacturing but also enhances product reliability and consumer trust. Manufacturers, especially MSMEs, must secure this certification to maintain market competitiveness and regulatory compliance. For assistance in obtaining BIS Scheme X Certification, contact Compliance Calendar through mail info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp at +91 9988424211, a leading BIS consultant specializing in certification, inspection, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is BIS certification for Machinery and Electrical Equipment under Scheme X or Schedule II?

Ans. BIS certification under Scheme X or Schedule II ensures that machinery and electrical equipment meet the Indian standards for safety, quality, and reliability. This certification is mandatory for manufacturers to prove that their products comply with the specified standards as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Q2. What are the essential documents required for BIS certification?

Ans. Manufacturers must provide the following documents for BIS certification:

(a) Registered name and complete address of both the factory and office.

(b) PAN and GST registration details.

(c) Contact details including email, phone number, and office contact number.

(d) Information about the management and authorized signatory.

(e) Detailed information about the machinery and electrical equipment as per the First Schedule of the OTR.

(f) Specific name, type, and variety of products seeking certification.

Q3. How can manufacturers register for BIS certification?

Ans. Manufacturers must register through the official BIS portal called Manak Online. This portal provides a dedicated feature for Online Testing Requests (OTR) and simplifies the registration and application process for certification.

Q4. Is it mandatory to provide both factory and office addresses for BIS registration?

Ans. Yes, it is mandatory for manufacturers to provide complete addresses of both the factory and office during the registration process. This ensures transparency and proper identification of the manufacturing location and administrative office.

Q5. Why is it necessary to mention details of management and authorized personnel?

Ans. Including details about the management and authorized personnel ensures that BIS can contact the correct representatives for verification, communication, and authorization purposes during the certification process.

Q6. What is the importance of product details as per the First Schedule of the OTR?

Ans. The First Schedule of the OTR (Online Testing Request) defines the specific criteria and standards applicable to various machinery and electrical equipment. Providing accurate product details ensures the correct evaluation and certification of the products.

Q7. Can the BIS registration be completed offline?

Ans. No, the BIS registration process is conducted online via the Manak Online portal. This digital system ensures efficiency, transparency, and a systematic approach to processing certification applications.