The Indian industrial and electrical equipment market has become increasingly regulated, especially with the rollout of mandatory certification schemes. One such regulation, the BIS Scheme‑X Certification process, is a government-mandated pathway for manufacturers of high-risk industrial machinery to gain market access.
This certification process is not only complex but also highly technical—covering everything from product safety to control systems to factory audits. Whether you're a domestic or foreign manufacturer of transformers, motors, pumps, switchgear, or generators, understanding and successfully navigating the Scheme‑X certification process is vital.
In this article, we explore everything you need to know about the BIS Scheme‑X Certification process, and how Standphill India, a leading compliance consulting firm, can help you complete it with ease and efficiency.
What Is BIS Scheme‑X Certification?
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) launched Scheme‑X under the Omnibus Technical Regulation framework to regulate high-risk machinery and electrical equipment. This includes:
Industrial pumps
Compressors
Motors and drives
Electrical switchgear
Generators and alternators
Textile weaving and knitting machines
CNC and heavy-duty industrial equipment
The goal is to ensure that these machines meet Indian safety and performance standards before they are introduced into the market—whether through domestic production or importation.
Why Scheme‑X Exists
Due to the complexity, moving parts, and energy use of industrial equipment, malfunctions can lead to serious injury or catastrophic damage. The BIS Scheme‑X Certification process was designed to:
Reduce risk to workers and facilities
Standardize product performance
Improve interoperability and installation safety
Eliminate sub-standard imports
Boost consumer and institutional confidence
Who Needs Scheme‑X Certification?
1. Domestic Manufacturers
Indian companies producing equipment in Scheme‑X categories must obtain BIS certification to sell their products legally.
2. Foreign Manufacturers
Companies exporting machinery to India must comply with the same Scheme‑X requirements and appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to coordinate BIS procedures.
3. Importers and Distributors
If you’re importing and distributing machinery in India, ensure your supplier has BIS certification or is in the process of acquiring it through the proper channels.
Overview of the BIS Scheme‑X Certification Process
Successfully obtaining certification involves several key steps. Below is a detailed breakdown of each stage in the BIS Scheme‑X Certification process:
1. Product Classification
The first step is identifying whether your product falls under the Scheme‑X scope. This involves reviewing HS codes, technical specs, and use-case scenarios. Standphill India helps accurately classify your product against relevant Indian Standards (IS/IEC).
Example:
A high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker may fall under IS/IEC 60947-2 (low-voltage switchgear) or IS/IEC 62271 (high-voltage switchgear), depending on its design.
2. Technical File Preparation
Once the classification is confirmed, a Technical File must be prepared. This file includes:
Design drawings
Product risk assessment
Safety function description
User manual
Control system documentation
Compliance with relevant IS/IEC standards
Manufacturing flowcharts
Labels and markings
This stage is highly documentation-intensive. Standphill India's experts create this file in the required BIS formats and templates, ensuring there are no omissions that could delay approval.
3. Application Filing on Manak Portal
All applications must be submitted digitally through the BIS Manak Online Portal. This includes:
Manufacturer registration
Scheme‑X application form
Technical documentation upload
Fee payment
Declaration of conformity
Standphill India handles this portal interface on your behalf, ensuring no technical errors or missing information derail the process.
4. Testing at BIS-Recognized Laboratories
Product samples are submitted to BIS-accredited testing laboratories. Depending on the product type, tests may include:
Electrical safety
Mechanical endurance
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
IP protection level
Thermal and vibration performance
These tests must be conducted in Indian labs unless specifically exempted. Standphill India coordinates testing, expedites appointments, and tracks progress to minimize delays.
5. Factory Audit by BIS Officials
An on-site audit is one of the most crucial steps in the BIS Scheme‑X Certification process. The audit verifies:
Production line quality controls
Process consistency
Documentation availability
Calibration of instruments
Safety system integration
For domestic units, BIS sends a team of 1–2 auditors for 1–3 days. For foreign units, the audit requires coordination of visas, travel, language assistance, and translation.
Standphill India conducts mock audits, pre-audit training, and full logistics management to ensure you're fully prepared.
6. Response to BIS Queries
After the audit and testing, BIS may raise technical questions or ask for clarifications. Common issues include:
Incomplete risk documentation
Improper control diagrams
Test report discrepancies
Labeling inconsistencies
Standphill India handles all responses within BIS-mandated timelines (usually 15 days), ensuring that your certification stays on track.
7. Licence or CoC Issuance
Once BIS is satisfied, they issue either:
A Licence (valid 1–2 years, renewable) for continuous production
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for single batches or prototype imports
This certificate must be presented for customs clearance, government tenders, and sales.
8. Ongoing Compliance & Renewal
Scheme‑X licenses must be renewed regularly and are subject to surprise surveillance audits. Renewal involves:
Submission of surveillance reports
Updated test certificates
Process audit reports
Payment of annual fees
Standphill India monitors renewal schedules, alerts clients, and ensures all compliance metrics are met in advance.
Posted: Mon, 28 Jul. 2025
Expires: Tue, 28 Jul. 2026
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