BIS Scheme X Certification for Heat Treatment Equipment in India

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Heat treatment and thermal processing equipment are essential to various industries—from metallurgy and chemicals to food processing, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace. These machines modify material properties through controlled heating or cooling, enabling processes like hardening, drying, melting, and sterilization.

Acknowledging their vital importance in ensuring industrial safety, operational efficiency, and energy conservation, the Government of India has mandated BIS certification for all machinery involved in temperature-based processes—along with their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components.

This requirement falls under the BIS Scheme X Certification, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as part of the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order (OTRO), 2024, and will be enforceable from 28th August 2025.

What is Thermal Processing Machinery?

Thermal processing machinery refers to equipment used to alter materials through heat, cold, or both. This includes:

Heating Equipment: Furnaces, ovens, incinerators
Cooling Systems: Chillers, cryogenic units
Drying Units: Kilns, industrial dryers
Melting/Hardening Systems: Induction furnaces, annealing machines
Sterilizers & Pasteurizers: Used in pharmaceutical and food sectors
Heat Exchangers & Thermal Units

Understanding BIS Scheme X Certification

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) serves as India’s national authority responsible for establishing and enforcing quality and safety standards for products across various industries. Introduced on 16th March 2022, Scheme X is a regulatory framework developed under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018, aimed specifically at machinery and electrical equipment.

Key features include:

Mandatory compliance with relevant Indian Standards (IS)
Testing in BIS-approved laboratories
Factory audits and process verification
Granting of a license to use the ISI mark

Omnibus Technical Regulation Order, 2024

To enhance product safety and standardization, the Ministry of Heavy Industries released the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order (OTRO), 2024. It mandates that all types of machinery that alter materials via temperature—along with their assemblies and components—must be BIS certified under Scheme X by 28th August 2025.

This mandate applies to both Indian and foreign manufacturers, making it illegal to manufacture, import, sell, or distribute non-certified equipment in the Indian market beyond the deadline. Non-compliance may lead to:

Scope of Certification: What’s Covered?

Complete Equipment

Industrial furnaces (electric, oil/gas-fired)
Heat treatment ovens, kilns
Annealing and tempering machines
Boilers (within prescribed pressure ranges)
Cooling systems and chillers

Assemblies & Sub-Assemblies

Heating coils, burners, thermocouples
Temperature control units & panels
Heat exchanger systems
Refrigeration units and compressors

Components

Pressure valves, thermostats, insulation materials
Sensors, actuators, expansion tanks
Casings, safety enclosures

Also Read: Quality Control Order for Scheme-X

Each unit must comply with relevant IS codes for performance, safety, and energy efficiency.

Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process

Identify Relevant Indian Standards: Determine applicable IS codes for your product type.
Product Testing: Conduct mandatory testing in BIS-recognized laboratories for safety, efficiency, and durability.
Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect your facility for compliance with quality control and production standards.
Document Submission: Submit technical specifications, quality manuals, test reports, and necessary application forms.
Grant of License: Upon approval, BIS issues a license allowing the use of the ISI mark under Scheme X.
Surveillance and Renewal: Regular inspections and testing ensure ongoing compliance and license renewal.

Conclusion

The mandatory BIS Scheme X certification for heat treatment and thermal processing equipment is a major milestone in India's move toward safer and more standardized industrial practices. For manufacturers, this is not just about legal compliance—it's a strategic move to enhance product quality, reliability, and market reputation.

Whether you're a domestic manufacturer or an international exporter, aligning with Scheme X will be crucial for maintaining access to the Indian market beyond August 28, 2025.

For more information contact us at cs@absoluteveritas.com