BIS Metal - Cutting Machinery Guidelines

Table of Content

Guidelines for Metal Cutting Machines

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released the document titled “Machine Category Specific Guidelines – Metal Cutting Machines” on 16 July 2025. This document serves as an official guideline for granting BIS Certification to metal - cutting machinery under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024 (OTR 2024). It was issued by the Central Marks Department-III (CMD-III) of BIS and is designed to help manufacturers, certification officers, and auditors understand the specific safety and compliance requirements for machines used in metal cutting processes.

The guideline aims to standardize and simplify the process of certifying metal-cutting machines in India. It ensures that all such machines meet Indian safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing reliability in industrial environments.

Why these BIS Guidelines are Important?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines for metal-cutting machines, released on 16 July 2025 , hold a significant place in India’s industrial safety and quality assurance framework. These guidelines were introduced to bring uniformity, accountability, and safety to the certification process for all metal-cutting machinery operating under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024 (OTR 2024).

By defining clear technical requirements, documentation standards, and safety benchmarks, BIS ensures that every machine manufactured, sold, or imported in India meets national and international quality expectations.

Also Read: BIS Scheme X Certification for Metal Cutting Machine Tools

Here are some key Benefits :

One of the primary goals of these guidelines is to eliminate workplace hazards associated with metal - cutting operations.
The BIS Metal - Cutting Machines Guidelines 2025 introduce a standardized evaluation system ensuring that every manufacturer, regardless of size or scale, adheres to the same compliance benchmarks.
The guidelines emphasize transparency in documentation, testing, and certification.By requiring a detailed technical file, safety audits, and traceable records, the BIS ensures that only genuinely compliant machines receive certification.
Simplifies the Licence and Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Process.

Technical File Requirements for Metal-Cutting Machines

As per the guidelines for metal-cutting machines, every manufacturer must prepare a comprehensive technical file to prove compliance with national and international safety norms. This document is a mandatory component of the certification process . It acts as a detailed record showcasing that the machine design, manufacturing process, and safety controls meet all applicable standards.

Section B of this document focuses on the machine specific details that manufacturers must include in the technical file while applying for BIS certification or a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This section ensures that every machine sold or used in India (from milling and turning machines to presses and sawing systems) adheres to the highest safety, quality, and performance benchmarks.

General Compliance Requirements

Manufacturers must submit proof that their machines conform to Indian and international safety standards categorized as Type A, Type B, and Type C under OTR 2024.

Type	Standard Reference	Purpose
Type A	IS 16819:2018 / ISO 12100:2010	Covers general design principles, risk assessment, and risk reduction.
Type B	As listed in the Second Schedule of OTR 2024	Defines specific safety components such as controls, guarding, and stability.
Type C	As listed in the Third Schedule of OTR 2024	Specifies detailed safety requirements for individual machine types.

If any Type C standard differs from the provisions of Type A or B, the Type C standard takes precedence.

Each machine model must clearly identify applicable Indian Standards (IS) and essential safety requirements.
These standards should be listed in the technical file submitted during the certification process.
If a machine type has no defined Type C Standard, the manufacturer must comply with Type A and B and can voluntarily include relevant Type C standards from similar machines for enhanced safety validation.
The standards applied must also be reflected in the scope of the BIS licence or CoC.

Submission of Technical File

Each type and model of machine whether a Milling Machine, Electro-Discharge Machine, Turning Machine, or Press must have a separate technical file.
However, if several models belong to the same product series:

The manufacturer can submit a combined technical file based on a lead model.
This file should include full technical justification, specifying all models covered under that series.
Model names, variants, and configuration details must be clearly listed for transparency and traceability.

Suggestive Checklists for Safety and Conformity

To help manufacturers ensure compliance, the BIS provides suggestive checklists and risk assessment templates for various machine types. These checklists are not exhaustive but serve as a guideline to help identify potential risks and ensure adequate safety measures.

Machine Type	Standard Reference	Verification Basis
Electro-Discharge Machines	IS 17259 / ISO 28881	Table 3 of the standard; verified during BIS inspection.
Machining Centres, Milling, Transfer Machines	IS 17253 (Part 1) / ISO 16090-1	Table 3 of the standard; safety measures must be submitted to BIS.
Presses	IS 17277 (Part 1) / ISO 16092-1	Table 1 of the standard; measures verified on factory visit.
Turning Machines	IS 17258 / ISO 23125	Table 4 of the standard; verification by BIS during inspection.
Sawing Machines (Cold Metal)	IS 17254 / ISO 16093	Verified against standard parameters during on-site inspection.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What are the BIS Machine Category Specific Guidelines for Metal Cutting Machines?

These guidelines, issued on 16 July 2025, detail the requirements for obtaining BIS certification under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024. They apply to various metal cutting machines, including milling machines, turning machines, presses, and electro-discharge machines.

How should compliance be documented?

Manufacturers must identify the applicable Indian standards and essential requirements for each machine model and submit this information in the technical file along with the application for BIS certification.

What if there is no Type C standard for my machine?

If no Type C standard is mapped for a machine, compliance should include Type A and B standards. Manufacturers may also identify applicable Type C Indian standards and submit compliance to these standards as well.

What are the labelling and marking requirements?

Absolute Veritas performs mock inspections, documentation reviews, and product grouping assessments to identify compliance gaps before the official BIS audit, ensuring that manufacturers are fully prepared and minimizing audit risks.The guidelines specify that machines must bear appropriate labels and markings to indicate compliance with BIS standards. These requirements are detailed in Section D of the guidelines.