BIS Scheme X Certification for Machinery & Electrical Equipment: Status, Scope & How to Apply

In 2024, BIS Scheme X was the most talked-about change in Indian product certification. The government notified an omnibus order that would have made safety certification mandatory for a long list of machinery and electrical equipment, and manufacturers rushed to understand it.

Where things stand now: the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 has been withdrawn, so Scheme X certification is not mandatory at present. Scheme X itself still exists in the BIS regulations and can be used voluntarily. This guide explains the scheme, who might still want it and how the process works.

What Is Scheme X?

Scheme X is one of the conformity assessment schemes in Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. It was designed for machinery and electrical equipment, where a single product standard often does not cover every risk. The scheme combines:

• A technical file showing how the product meets safety requirements
• Testing or type examination against the applicable Indian Standards
• Factory production control to make sure every unit matches the certified design
• Use of the BIS Standard Mark after certification

What Happened to the Omnibus Order?

The 2024 omnibus order listed a wide range of machinery and electrical equipment and set dates for mandatory Scheme X certification. The dates were extended, and the order was later withdrawn. Because of this:

• You do not need Scheme X certification to make, import or sell machinery covered by the old order
• Products that have their own Quality Control Order, such as certain pumps, motors or appliances, still need certification under that order
• The government can issue a new order at any time, so keep watching notifications

Older articles, including some written when the order was in force, may still describe Scheme X as mandatory. Check the date of anything you read.

Who Might Still Want Scheme X?

• Manufacturers selling to government buyers or large companies that ask for third-party safety certification
• Exporters who want an Indian certification alongside CE or UL
• Companies preparing for future regulation, since the technical file and risk assessment are useful under any safety regime

Scheme X Process: Step by Step

1. Identify the standards

List the Indian Standards that apply: general machinery safety standards (for example on risk assessment and guarding), electrical equipment of machines and any product-specific standard.

2. Build the technical file

Include product description and variants, general arrangement drawings, circuit diagrams, risk assessment, list of standards applied, test reports, user manual with safety instructions and warnings, and the factory's quality control plan.

3. Testing or type examination

Test a representative model in a BIS lab or BIS-recognised lab, or have it examined as the scheme requires. Electrical safety, guarding, emergency stop and control system functions are typical focus areas.

4. Apply on Manak Online

Submit the application with the technical file, test reports and fees.

5. Assessment

BIS reviews the file and may inspect the factory to check production control and consistency with the tested model.

6. Grant and marking

Once approved, the manufacturer marks the product with the Standard Mark and the details BIS specifies, and keeps the technical file updated for surveillance.

Documents Checklist

• Manufacturer's registration and address proof
• Trademark or brand authorisation
• Technical file and risk assessment
• Test reports
• User manual and labels in English
• Quality control plan and list of test equipment
• AIR nomination, for foreign manufacturers

Fees and Timeline

Costs include BIS fees, testing charges and preparation of the technical file. Testing machinery is often the largest item, because large equipment may need on-site testing. Timelines depend on the product's complexity and how complete the technical file is at submission. Ask for a product-specific estimate before you start.

Common Mistakes

• Relying on old guidance. Many pages still say Scheme X is mandatory.
• Forgetting product QCOs. Withdrawal of the omnibus order does not remove other QCOs that cover your product.
• A thin risk assessment. The technical file must show how each hazard is controlled, not just list standards.

How Instacertify Helps

We confirm whether any current order covers your machinery, build the technical file and risk assessment, arrange testing and handle the BIS application. See our BIS Scheme X service.