OTR Compliance Deadline Deferred: Government Puts Machinery & Electrical Safety Timeline on Hold
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Second Amendment Order, 2025, introducing a major change to the OTR compliance timeline. For manufacturers and importers, the previously fixed deadlines are now officially on hold.
The regulatory landscape for machinery and electrical equipment in India has seen a significant shift. The government recently notified the Second Amendment Order, 2025, bringing crucial flexibility to the implementation of the comprehensive Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) Order, 2024.
If your business deals with the manufacture or import of products under the OTR framework, this amendment provides a much-needed window for preparation.
The Core Change: From Fixed Date to ‘To Be Notified’
The original OTR Order, 2024, established uniform safety standards under the BIS Act, 2016. Its implementation date has been a closely watched detail:
- Original Timeline: The Order was set to come into effect one year after its publication.
- First Amendment: This timeline was later revised to a fixed date of September 1, 2026.
- The Second Amendment (Current Update): The Ministry of Heavy Industries has now replaced the fixed September 2026 deadline with a new clause: “from such date as may be notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.”
This is the most critical update: the mandatory compliance date is no longer fixed and is officially paused until the Government announces a new enforcement date separately.
Why This Amendment is a Game-Changer for Industry
The decision to shift to a “to-be-notified” date is a responsive measure that offers several key benefits to manufacturers, importers, testing labs, and certification bodies:
- Enhanced Industry Readiness: It provides a necessary extension for stakeholders to fully understand the technical requirements, update documentation, and align their processes with the new OTR standards.
- Supply Chain Stability: By withdrawing the fixed deadline, the government helps prevent potential last-minute disruptions in domestic manufacturing and international supply chains that a rigid enforcement date might have caused.
- Regulatory Clarity: It signals that the government is committed to implementing the regulation thoroughly, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and clarity are in place before enforcement begins.
Action Plan: What Manufacturers and Importers Must Do Now
While the official mandatory date is deferred, the underlying necessity for compliance remains. This is not a cancellation, but a delay for better preparation.
- Do Not Halt Preparation: Continue with technical documentation, product safety assessments, and preparatory testing required under the OTR framework. The requirements themselves have not changed.
- Monitor Official Gazette: The new enforcement date could be announced at any time. Businesses must actively track notifications from the Ministry of Heavy Industries to ensure they do not miss the new deadline.
- Engage Compliance Experts: Use this extended preparation time wisely. Consulting with BIS compliance specialists is crucial for a smooth and risk-free transition when the final date is announced.
The Second Amendment offers invaluable time for businesses to perfect their compliance strategy, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet India’s commitment to enhanced machinery and electrical safety.
