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The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established a new scheme called Scheme-X, which allows manufacturers to continue operations in India by offering a license or certificate of conformity that guarantees product safety and quality. Scheme-X covers two main product categories:
Low-voltage control and switch equipment
Omnibus Technical Regulation-covered machinery and electrical equipment
The Ministry of Heavy Industries created both categories in an effort to address quality and safety issues in the heavy industries sector. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will serve as the certifying and enforcing body for the machines, or as it may be, electrical equipment, in accordance with the ministry's stated Quality Control Order (QCO).
From past few months the second category has been under debates. Manufacturer, organizations, councils, associations, and other key stakeholders raised several concerns, citing a high number of discrepancies such as unclear process of application, complex criteria for testing, and a lack of testing facilities for heavy Industry equipment.
On April 29, 2025, the Ministry of Heavy Industries scheduled a technical committee with stakeholders to carefully address these concerns.
After considering all facts from stakeholders, the Ministry of Heavy Industries finally postponed the implementation date of Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) from August 28, 2025 to September 1, 2026. The information is recorded in the Quality Control Order (QCO) latest published on the India gazette on June 12, 2025 and this Order may be called the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Amendment Order, 2025.
This postponement is a big relief for both local and foreign industries manufacturing heavy machinery and equipment under Scheme-X of BIS.
In the meantime, manufacturer can prepare as per the requirements of this regulation. Additionally, the government will work on a guidance manual, develop more testing facilities, establish proper SOPs, and streamline application process. This will enable a smooth OTR implementation after one year.
For more updates and clarifications related to BIS, please contact REACH24H Consulting Group.
