India’s industrial ecosystem is undergoing a major transformation with the introduction of BIS Scheme X, a structured conformity assessment mechanism under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Designed to enhance product safety, reliability, and performance, this scheme marks a new era of industrial standardization in India.

Developed as per the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, and updated through the 2022 amendment, the BIS Scheme X License ensures that industrial and electrical machinery meet strict safety and performance benchmarks. With the upcoming enforcement of the OTR Scheme (Omnibus Technical Regulation), India is aligning its manufacturing standards with global norms — reinforcing its position as a trusted manufacturing hub.

The Genesis and Objective of Scheme X

Scheme X was established to bring uniformity and accountability to the certification process for high-risk industrial and electrical equipment. Its core objective is to make sure that machinery used across vital sectors like energy, construction, transport, and manufacturing adheres to the highest safety and quality standards.

The BIS Scheme X License process verifies a product’s compliance with Indian Standards (IS) through detailed testing, inspection, and ongoing surveillance. What makes Scheme X distinctive is its universal application — both domestic and imported products must conform to the same quality benchmarks. This ensures fairness, transparency, and consistency in India’s industrial environment.

Regulatory Foundation – BIS Certification X QCO

At the heart of the regulation lies the BIS Certification X QCO (Quality Control Order) — the legal framework that mandates certification for specific categories of industrial machinery and electrical systems.

The QCO ensures that no covered product can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India without a valid BIS Scheme X License. This not only enhances industrial safety but also prevents the circulation of substandard or unsafe equipment in the market.

By requiring manufacturers to adopt comprehensive quality control systems, the BIS Certification X QCO promotes a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, ensuring long-term compliance with Indian Standards.

The OTR Scheme – A Landmark Reform for Industrial Safety

The OTR Scheme, formally known as the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, is one of the most significant regulatory reforms introduced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).

Under the OTR Scheme, all listed machinery and electrical equipment — whether made in India or imported — must obtain a BIS Scheme X License before being placed on the market. This move ensures that every industrial product sold in India undergoes rigorous safety validation.

Initially set for implementation on August 28, 2025, the effective enforcement date has now been extended to September 1, 2026. This extension allows manufacturers ample time to align their production processes and testing facilities with BIS requirements.

The OTR Scheme registration involves an in-depth evaluation of product design, safety features, and operational reliability — all benchmarked against Indian Standards.

Scope and Applicability of BIS Scheme X

The BIS Scheme X License covers a wide range of industrial and electrical products, including:

• Electrical machinery: motors, transformers, switchgear assemblies

• Mechanical equipment: pumps, compressors, cranes

• Control systems and industrial panels used in process industries

However, certain categories are exempt. Products already regulated under other Quality Control Orders (QCOs) or by separate authorities — such as the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways — are outside the scope of Scheme X. Similarly, machinery manufactured solely for export does not require a BIS Scheme X License.

Process for BIS Scheme X License and OTR Registration

Obtaining a BIS Scheme X License involves a step-by-step process to ensure full compliance with Indian Standards and product traceability:

1. Application Submission:
   Indian manufacturers apply via the BIS Manak Online Portal, while foreign manufacturers submit their applications directly to the BIS headquarters in India.

2. Technical Documentation:
   Applicants must provide detailed technical files, including product specifications, manufacturing processes, and factory layouts.

3. Product Testing and Factory Inspection:
   The product is tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory, and BIS officials conduct on-site factory inspections to verify production consistency and adherence to standards.

4. Grant of BIS Scheme X License:
   Once the evaluation is successful, BIS grants either a BIS License (for Indian manufacturers) or a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) (for importers). These credentials authorize the manufacturer to affix the BIS Standard Mark to their products.

The OTR Scheme registration ensures that all certified products meet safety and design requirements before entering the Indian market.

Role of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for Foreign Manufacturers

Foreign manufacturers applying for a BIS Scheme X License must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
The AIR acts as a liaison between the manufacturer and BIS, handling compliance communication, inspection coordination, and post-certification obligations.

This requirement ensures BIS maintains direct accountability within India, even for imported products, strengthening enforcement under the OTR Scheme.

Strategic Importance of BIS Scheme X

The implementation of the BIS Scheme X License and OTR Scheme holds transformative significance for India’s industrial and economic growth:

• Promotes industrial safety and reliability

• Prevents circulation of substandard machinery

• Aligns Indian manufacturing with global quality standards

• Builds investor and consumer confidence

• Encourages quality management and operational discipline

By enforcing uniform certification, India is positioning itself as a global leader in product reliability, compliance, and safety.

Conclusion

The BIS Scheme X License represents far more than a regulatory requirement — it is a milestone in India’s pursuit of industrial excellence. Through BIS Scheme X, the BIS Certification X QCO, and the OTR Scheme, India is establishing a globally respected framework for manufacturing quality, industrial safety, and sustainable growth.