BIS Scheme X (Certification)

Introduction

Scheme X, introduced under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, marks a pivotal step in India's regulatory framework for product certification. This scheme was further refined by the BIS Conformity Assessment (Amendment) Regulations, 2022, ensuring better alignment with global standards. This article delves into the key aspects of Scheme X, its application procedure, and its implications for manufacturers and consumers.

Mandatory BIS Certification Schemes

The Bureau of Indian Standards mandates several certification schemes to ensure product quality and safety. These include:

• Scheme-I: ISI Mark Certification Scheme

• Scheme-II: Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

• Scheme-IV: Grant of Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

• Scheme-X: Certification for LV Switchgear & Controlgear (Newly Introduced)

• Hallmarking Scheme: Jeweller Registration Scheme

In this article, we focus on the recently introduced Scheme X and its significance in the certification process.

What is Scheme X?

Scheme X is a specialized conformity assessment framework designed for products requiring stringent technical and safety standards. This scheme allows manufacturers to acquire a BIS license or a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), enabling them to use the BIS Standard Mark on their products. The scheme primarily targets products that demand rigorous safety compliance, ensuring reliability and consumer trust.

Scope of Scheme X

Scheme X applies to products requiring adherence to specific technical expectations outlined in Indian Standards (IS). Unlike other BIS schemes, Scheme X provides flexibility for manufacturers to choose between:

• A license for continuous production, or

• A Certificate of Conformity for batch production.

This flexibility benefits industries producing high-quality products intermittently while ensuring compliance with established standards.

Application Process for Scheme X

The application process for Scheme X involves the following key steps:

1. Selection of Indian Standard (IS): Applicants must select the relevant Indian Standard from an approved list during the application process.

2. Technical Documentation: A comprehensive technical file must be uploaded, including product descriptions, compliance reports, designs, drawings, and quality assurance measures. This documentation is essential for the desk evaluation and on-site inspection conducted by BIS.

3. Online Application Submission: Manufacturers are required to submit their applications via the BIS Manak online portal. While a dedicated module for new applicants is under development, applications are currently processed via the Scheme I portal.

4. Evaluation and Inspection: BIS evaluates the submitted technical file and may conduct on-site inspections at the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance with the applicable standards.

5. Grant of License or Certificate: Upon successful evaluation and payment of the necessary fees, BIS grants the manufacturer a license or Certificate of Conformity, allowing them to apply the BIS Standard Mark on their products.

6. Surveillance: BIS retains the authority to conduct random surveillance inspections during the validity period of the license to verify ongoing compliance with the required standards.

Conformity to Standards and Essential Requirements

1. Standards Compliance: Each machine or electrical equipment listed in the First Schedule shall conform to the applicable Indian Standards as specified below:

• Type A Standards: IS 16819:2018/ISO 12100:2010 (Safety of Machinery—General Principles for Design: Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction)

• Type B Standards: As specified in the Second Schedule

• Type C Standards: As specified in the Third Schedule. Note: If a Type C standard differs from one or more technical provisions of Type A or Type B standards, the Type C standard will take precedence.

2. Labeling and Marking Requirements: All machinery and electrical equipment listed in the First Schedule must meet the labeling and marking requirements outlined in Scheme X of the Conformity Assessment Regulations. This includes mandatory safety instructions or symbols to be labeled or marked on the equipment.

3. Technical File Requirement: Compliance with the technical file requirements as outlined in Scheme X of the Conformity Assessment Regulations is mandatory.

4. Compulsory Certification: Each machine or electrical equipment listed in the First Schedule must:

• Bear the standard mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS); or

• Obtain a certificate of conformity if not manufactured on a continuous basis, as specified in Scheme X of the Conformity Assessment Regulations.

Certification and Enforcement Authority

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) shall act as the certifying and enforcement authority for all machinery and electrical equipment.

Scope and Applicability

This Quality Control Order (QCO) applies to the following:

1. Pumps and Liquid Handling Equipment: All types of pumps for handling liquids, liquid elevators, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

2. Compressors: All types of compressors and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

3. Thermal Treatment Machinery: All machinery for material treatment involving temperature changes, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

4. Centrifuges and Filtering Machinery: Centrifuges, filtering or purifying machinery for liquids or gases, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

5. Packaging Machinery: Machinery for filling, closing, sealing, labeling bottles, packing, or wrapping, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

6. Cranes: All types of cranes and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

7. Construction, Earthmoving, and Mining Machinery Machinery for construction, earthmoving, and mining, along with their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

8. Textile Machinery: Weaving machines (looms), embroidery machines, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

9. Metalworking Machinery: Metal cutting machine tools, and machinery for working on stone, ceramics, concrete, asbestos cement, or similar materials, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

10. Rubber and Plastic Processing Machinery: Machinery for working rubber and plastics, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

11. General Machinery and Mechanical Appliances: Machines with specific functions not categorized elsewhere in Chapter 84, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

12. Transmission Elements: Gears, gearboxes, toothed wheels, ball or roller screws, torque converters, and other transmission elements, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

13. Rotary Electrical Machines: Generators and other rotary electrical machines, and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

14. Diesel Generators: Diesel generators and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

15. Transformers: Transformers and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

16. Power Semiconductor Converters: Power semiconductor converters and their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

17. Switchgear and Control Gear: Switchgear and control gear equipment operating at voltages:
    Not exceeding 1000 volts, and Exceeding 1000 volts, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, or components.

Products Covered under Scheme X

Scheme X includes the following categories of LV switchgear as notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Machinery and Electrical Equipment Included in the Omnibus Technical Regulation

Fee Structure for Scheme X Certification

Manufacturers must adhere to the following fee structure to simplify the certification process under Scheme X:

Important Notes:

Advance Payment: All fees must be paid upfront to initiate the certification process.

Fees for Foreign Manufacturers: Manufacturers outside India are responsible for all associated expenses, including:

• Travel and stay costs for BIS certification officers during inspections, audits, or evaluations.

• Testing fees as determined by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Validity and Renewal of Scheme-X Certificate

The Scheme-X Certificate is initially issued for a validity period of three to six years. After its expiration, the BIS license can be renewed for an additional term of three to six years. It's essential to understand that the certificate of conformity is strictly applicable to a specific product prototype, lot, or batch. It does not permit the ongoing production of similar products without proper authorization.

For BIS license renewal, the licensee must submit an application at least two months before the expiration date using Form-VII, as outlined in this Scheme. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will review the application and issue the renewed license using Form-VIII, adhering to Regulation 8 of the applicable regulations.

Stay compliant with the Scheme-X Certification process to ensure your product maintains its conformity and approval.

Quality Control Order & Penalties

The regulation is backed by a Quality Control Order (QCO), which ensures that every product meets the required safety standards. Failing to comply could result in penalties, market bans, or even product recalls, making it essential to start the certification process well in advance.

Deadline to Act

You have until August 28, 2025, to comply with this regulation. The earlier you begin the certification process, the better, to ensure your products remain market-ready without disruption.

Conclusion

Scheme X, introduced under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, establishes a strong foundation for product quality and safety in India. By defining a clear and structured certification process, Scheme X enables manufacturers to meet the rigorous standards of Indian Standards while offering flexibility in production methods.

For consumers, Scheme X ensures confidence in the safety and quality of products, fostering trust in certified brands and enhancing the market’s overall reliability.

Adhering to the guidelines and fee structure of Scheme X helps manufacturers streamline compliance, ensuring a smooth certification journey and access to the Indian market.