BIS Scheme X

Scheme X is the Bureau of Indian Standards' (BIS) specialized framework for the mandatory certification of high-risk machinery and electrical equipment. Unlike standard registrations, it demands a deep dive into design safety and risk mitigation.

• Global Alignment: Harmonizes Indian safety norms with international ISO and IEC standards.
• Safety First: Focuses on the "Life Cycle" safety of machinery to prevent workplace hazards.
• Dual Pathway: Offers both long-term licensing and batch-wise Certificates of Conformity (CoC).
• Rigorous Oversight: Combines technical file reviews with mandatory physical factory audits.

The introduction of Scheme X isn't just about red tape; it is about market integrity.

1. Eliminating Substandard Imports: It prevents the dumping of low-quality, unsafe machinery from overseas markets.
2. Liability Mitigation: Certification provides a legal shield, ensuring that manufacturers have met the "state-of-the-art" safety requirements.
3. Market Access: Without the ISI Mark under Scheme X, products cannot clear Indian Customs or be sold domestically, effectively halting business operations for non-compliant entities.

The list of products under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) is extensive. Key categories include:

• Earth Moving & Construction: Excavators, loaders, and road rollers.
• Electrical Infrastructure: Low-voltage switchgear, control gear, and power transformers.
• Manufacturing Tools: Metal-working machinery, textile machines, and printing equipment.
• Industrial Components: Compressors, industrial pumps, and centrifuges.
• Safety Parts: Emergency stop devices and safety sensors integral to machine operation.

Success in a Scheme X application hinges on the Technical File. You will need:

• Design Specifications: Detailed engineering drawings and electrical schematics.
• Risk Assessment Report: A formal document identifying potential hazards and mitigation strategies.
• Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR): A checklist proving compliance with Annexure I of the regulation.
• Component List: Data sheets for all critical safety components (switches, motors, etc.).
• Instruction Manuals: User guides in English and/or Hindi including maintenance and safety protocols.

1. Product Classification: Identify the relevant Indian Standard (IS) and whether you need a License or CoC.
2. Portal Registration: Register the manufacturing unit on the BIS Manak Online portal.
3. Technical Submission: Upload the comprehensive Technical Dossier and Risk Assessment for BIS review.
4. Factory Audit & Sampling: A BIS auditor visits the site to verify production quality and seal samples for testing.
5. Lab Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-recognized or NABL-accredited labs.
6. Grant of License: Upon successful test results and audit clearance, the license is issued.

From my experience, patience is key. The typical timeline ranges from 4 to 8 months.

• Documentation & Prep: 4–6 weeks.
• Audit Scheduling: 4–8 weeks (depending on auditor availability, especially for foreign units).
• Testing Phase: 4–12 weeks (complex machinery requires longer testing cycles).
• Final Review: 2–4 weeks.

The financial commitment varies based on the location of the factory and the complexity of the machine.

• Application Fee: A nominal processing fee (approx. ₹1,000–₹5,000).
• Audit Charges: Covers the auditor’s travel and per diem (significantly higher for Foreign Manufacturers).
• Testing Fees: Varies by lab and machine type; this is often the largest cost component.
• Annual Marking Fee: A recurring fee based on the volume of production/units sold.

A Scheme X license is typically granted for an initial period of 2 years.

• Renewal: Can be renewed for a period of up to 5 years.
• Ongoing Compliance: Renewal is not automatic; it requires a track record of consistent quality, payment of marking fees, and periodic "Surveillance Audits" by BIS.
• Modifications: Any significant change in machine design requires an immediate notification to BIS to ensure the license remains valid.