Scheme-X
We make it effortless to stay BIS Scheme X compliant by managing all certification steps in line with Indian safety standards for machinery and electrical devices.
Introduction
To enhance product reliability and safety across industries, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched Scheme X in March 2022. This framework ensures that assemblies, sub-assemblies, and machine tools meet compliance requirements before entering the Indian market.
What is BIS Scheme-X Certification?
Introduced under the 2018 BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, Scheme X is a dedicated certification process designed to confirm that machinery, electrical equipment, and control gear—whether imported or manufactured domestically—meet Indian Standards and carry the BIS Standard Mark before being placed on the Indian market.
By harmonizing with global benchmarks for safety and performance, Scheme X reduces approval complexities for manufacturers while giving buyers confidence in dependable, certified products.
Electrical Equipment Low-Voltage Switchgear
Order 2022
The Ministry of Heavy Industry (MHI), Government of India, has listed eight products in the category of low-voltage switchgear and control gear, based on the IS/IEC 60947 standards series.
Initially governed under Scheme-II, these items were later brought under Scheme-X after Amendment-1 to the Energy Efficiency (Quality Control) Order (EEQCO).
Scheme-X specifically addresses low-voltage switchgear and control gear products, with implementation planned in a phased rollout.
Implementation Timeline
Covered Product Categories
Ensure smooth market entry by staying compliant with BIS Scheme X requirements
Product Standards by Ministry
Low-Voltage Switchgear and Control Gear Order for Electrical Equipment — implementation will proceed phase-wise.
| S.No. | IS Standard | Product |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IS/IEC 60947-2 | Circuit - Breakers |
| 2 | IS/IEC 60947-3 | Switches, disconnectors, switch disconnectors and fuse- Combination units |
| 3 | IS/IEC 60947-4-1 | Contactors and motor, Starters, electromechanical contactors, and motor |
| 4 | IS/IEC 60947-4-2 | Contactors and motor Starters, AC semiconductor motor controllers and starters |
| 5 | IS/IEC 60947-4-3 | Contactors and motor Starters, AC semiconductor motor controllers and contactors for non - Motor loads |
| 6 | IS/IEC 60947-5-1 | Control circuit devices and switching elements, electromechanical control circuit devices |
| 7 | IS/IEC 60947-5-2 | Control circuit devices and switching elements, proximity switches |
| 8 | IS/IEC 60947-5-5 | Control circuit devices and switching elements, and electrical emergency stop devices With a mechanical latching function |
OTR Order 2024
Machinery & Electrical Equipment — Omnibus Technical Regulation Order
Effective Date: September 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
BIS Scheme-X is a certification scheme that ensures imported or domestically manufactured products meet Indian quality and safety standards before they are placed on the market.
Importers, manufacturers, and brand owners of products notified under mandatory BIS certification must apply for Scheme-X approval before selling in India.
Applicants need to submit product test reports from BIS-recognized labs, manufacturer’s details, brand authorization (if applicable), technical documents, and an undertaking of compliance.
The license is generally issued for a period of 2 years and can be renewed for 2–5 years, depending on compliance history and applicant’s requirements.
Selling products without the mandatory BIS certification can lead to penalties, product seizures, cancellation of licenses, and legal action under the BIS Act, 2016.
Scheme-I involves full-fledged licensing for Indian manufacturers, while Scheme-X is designed specifically for foreign manufacturers who do not have a manufacturing unit in India.
Any foreign manufacturer exporting products to India that fall under the mandatory BIS certification list can apply for certification under Scheme-X through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
An AIR acts as the local representative of a foreign manufacturer in India and is responsible for liaising with BIS, handling documentation, and ensuring compliance with Indian regulations.
A BIS license under Scheme-X is typically valid for two years initially and can be renewed for a further period of up to five years depending on compliance.
Yes, BIS officials conduct an on-site factory inspection of the foreign manufacturing facility before granting certification under Scheme-X.