The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established comprehensive guidelines for machinery used in working with rubber and plastics, aiming to standardize safety, performance, and quality across the industry. These guidelines, detailed in the Machine Category Specific Guidelines for Machinery for Working Rubber and Plastics, provide a clear framework for manufacturers to obtain BIS certification, ensuring their equipment complies with national safety and operational standards.

For manufacturers producing machines such as injection moulding machines, extruders, blow moulding machines, and related processing equipment, adhering to BIS guidelines is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical step toward ensuring workplace safety, product reliability, and consumer confidence. Certification helps prevent operational hazards, protects workers, and ensures that the machines perform consistently under defined parameters.

Purpose and Scope of the Guidelines

The Machine Category Specific Guidelines for Machinery for Working Rubber and Plastics, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), aim to:

• Ensure Safety: Establish safety protocols to protect operators and maintenance personnel.

• Guarantee Quality: Maintain consistent performance and reliability of machinery.

• Achieve Compliance: Align with the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024, under Scheme-X of BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

These guidelines apply to machinery used in the processing of rubber and plastics, specifically:

• Injection Moulding Machines

• Extruders

• Blow Moulding Machines

The guidelines cater to both continuous and non-continuous production scenarios, providing a framework for obtaining:

• Grant of License (GoL): For manufacturers producing machinery on a continuous basis.

• Certificate of Conformity (CoC): For machines not intended for continuous production, specifying batch numbers or serial numbers.

Application Process for BIS Certification

Obtaining BIS certification for machinery used in working rubber and plastics involves a structured application process under Scheme-X of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. This process ensures that manufacturers comply with the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024.

• Determine the Appropriate Certification:

  • Grant of License (GoL): For manufacturers producing machinery on a continuous basis.

  • Certificate of Conformity (CoC): For machines not intended for continuous production, specifying batch numbers or serial numbers.

• Prepare Technical File :

  • Compliance reports demonstrating adherence to relevant Indian standards.

  • Design and technical specifications of the machinery.

  • Sample details, including batch numbers or serial numbers.

  • Risk assessments and safety measures implemented.

• Submit Application :

  • Apply to the Bureau of Indian Standards, ensuring that the scope of the license or certificate is clearly defined.

  • For CoC applications, specify the batch numbers or serial numbers covered under the certification.

• Undergo Evaluation: BIS will assess the technical file and may conduct inspections or tests to verify compliance with safety and quality standards.

• Receive Certification: Upon successful evaluation, BIS will grant the appropriate certification, allowing the use of the BIS Standard Mark on the machinery.

Key Components of the Technical File

Manufacturers should include the following in their technical file:

• Compliance Reports: Demonstrate adherence to relevant Indian standards and essential requirements.

• Design Details: Provide technical specifications, including electrical ratings and safety features.

• Sample Information: Include details of samples, specifying batch numbers or serial numbers for machines not intended for continuous production.

• Risk Assessments: Conduct and document assessments to identify potential hazards and mitigation measures.

• Safety Measures: Outline implemented safety protocols to protect operators and maintenance personnel.

Grouping and Series Guidelines

Manufacturers producing multiple models or variants of machinery may group them under a single license, provided they demonstrate compliance with standards for each model. The scope of the license or Certificate of Conformity (CoC) must clearly define the type, model, and series covered. Any changes in the scope or design of the machinery must be updated accordingly. Engaging a third-party service provider can assist in preparing the technical file, ensuring compliance with standards, and streamlining the certification process.

Benefits of Outsourcing Certification Support

Working with a trusted third-party like Absolute Veritas offers several advantages:

• Time-Saving: Focus on core manufacturing operations while we handle the certification process.

• Reduced Errors: Minimize mistakes in technical files and applications, increasing the likelihood of approval.

• Faster Approval: Streamlined documentation and pre-audit checks lead to quicker certification from BIS.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)