BIS Scheme X certification for switchgear and machinery — what’s mandatory in 2026.
Scheme X is the BIS certification route for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear under the Electrical Equipment Quality Control Order, and for machinery safety. The rules changed sharply in late 2025 and January 2026. We tell Indian and overseas manufacturers exactly what applies to their product today, then take them from technical file and testing to a BIS licence.
What changed, and what it means for your product
Many guides online still describe the 2024 rules. This is the position on the official BIS list today.
Mandatory now: Category A AC circuit breakers up to 630 A Since 10 Nov 2024
AC circuit breakers of Category A up to 630 A and 440 V AC, mostly moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs), need a BIS licence under IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 to be made, imported or sold in India. Every test in the standard applies except the EMC and application-specific annex tests, which are in a later, deferred phase.
Deferred: all other switchgear and controlgear Order of Nov 2025
In November 2025 the Ministry of Heavy Industries deferred every remaining phase of the Electrical Equipment QCO until further notice: larger and Category B breakers, switches and disconnectors, contactors and starters, soft starters, control circuit devices, proximity switches and emergency stops. New dates will be notified later, so licences can still be obtained now, ahead of enforcement.
Rescinded: the machinery Omnibus Technical Regulation 16 Jan 2026
The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, which would have made Scheme X compulsory for pumps, compressors, machine tools, generators, transformers and more, was rescinded by S.O. 239(E). Machinery certification under Scheme X is now voluntary, and the government may bring sector-specific orders instead.
BIS Scheme X certification: the key facts
| Scheme | Scheme X, Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 |
| Mandatory products | Category A AC circuit breakers up to 630 A and 440 V AC under IS/IEC 60947-2:2016, since 10 November 2024 (Electrical Equipment QCO, 2020) |
| Deferred | All other phases of the Electrical Equipment QCO, deferred until further notice by the Ministry of Heavy Industries in November 2025 |
| Machinery | The Machinery OTR Order, 2024 was rescinded on 16 January 2026 (S.O. 239(E)); machinery certification is voluntary |
| Who applies | The manufacturing unit only, with one application per factory and per Indian Standard. Importers and dealers cannot hold the licence. |
| Foreign manufacturers | Apply under BIS’s foreign manufacturers route with an Authorised Indian Representative and a USD 10,000 performance bank guarantee |
| Evidence | Technical file plus testing at BIS-recognised labs; prior test reports no older than 1 year (type test reports under 5 years may be accepted), then a BIS visit to the factory |
| Validity | Initial licence of not less than 3 and up to 6 years |
| Consultant | Bizpro Compliance Services, New Delhi, handles Scheme X for Indian and overseas manufacturers: +91 920 500 6364, contact@bizprocompliance.com |
Every Scheme X product, with its current status
All 27 switchgear and controlgear entries under the Electrical Equipment QCO, plus the 20 machinery categories from the rescinded OTR order, which can now be certified voluntarily. Search by product, standard or name, such as MCCB or contactor.
Showing all 47 Scheme X entries
| No. | Product | Indian Standard | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1(a) | AC circuit breakers, Category A, up to 630 A and 440 V AC (all tests except EMC and application annexes) | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Mandatory now | |
| 1.1(b) | AC circuit breakers, Category A, up to 630 A: EMC (Annex J) and application-specific annex tests | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 1.2 | AC circuit breakers, Category A, above 630 A, up to 440 V AC | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 1.3 | AC circuit breakers, Category B, up to 2000 A, up to 440 V AC | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 1.4 | AC circuit breakers, Category A, above 440 V AC | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 1.5 | AC circuit breakers, Category B, above 2000 A, up to 440 V AC | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 1.6 | AC circuit breakers, Category B, above 440 V AC | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 1.7 | DC circuit breakers, Category A, all ratings | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 1.8 | Circuit breakers, Category B, all ratings (entry 1.8 of the BIS list) | IS/IEC 60947-2:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 2.1 | Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units, AC up to 250 A, 440 V | IS/IEC 60947-3 | Deferred phase | |
| 2.2 | Switches, disconnectors and fuse-combination units, AC up to 630 A, 440 V | IS/IEC 60947-3 | Deferred phase | |
| 2.3 | Switches, disconnectors and fuse-combination units, AC above 630 A, up to 440 V | IS/IEC 60947-3 | Deferred phase | |
| 2.4 | Switches, disconnectors and fuse-combination units, AC above 440 V | IS/IEC 60947-3 | Deferred phase | |
| 2.5 | Switches, disconnectors and fuse-combination units, DC, all ratings | IS/IEC 60947-3 | Deferred phase | |
| 3.1 | Electromechanical contactors, AC, up to 32 A | IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 | Deferred phase | |
| 3.2 | Electromechanical contactors, AC, above 32 A | IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 | Deferred phase | |
| 3.3 | Direct-on-line AC motor starters | IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 | Deferred phase | |
| 3.4 | All other AC motor starters | IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 | Deferred phase | |
| 3.5 | DC contactors and motor starters, all ratings | IS/IEC 60947-4-1:2018 | Deferred phase | |
| 4 | Semiconductor motor controllers, starters and soft starters | IS/IEC 60947-4-2:2020 | Deferred phase | |
| 5 | Semiconductor controllers and contactors for non-motor loads | IS/IEC 60947-4-3:2020 | Deferred phase | |
| 6.1 | Electromechanical control circuit devices (push buttons, selector switches, pilot devices), AC up to 440 V | IS/IEC 60947-5-1:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 6.2 | Electromechanical control circuit devices, AC above 440 V | IS/IEC 60947-5-1:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 6.3 | Electromechanical control circuit devices, DC, all ratings | IS/IEC 60947-5-1:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 7 | Proximity switches | IS/IEC 60947-5-2:2007 | Deferred phase | |
| 8.1 | Emergency stop devices with mechanical latching, button actuator | IS/IEC 60947-5-5:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| 8.2 | Emergency stop devices with mechanical latching, all actuator types | IS/IEC 60947-5-5:2016 | Deferred phase | |
| M1 | Pumps for liquids and liquid elevators (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M2 | Compressors (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M3 | Machinery for treating material by change of temperature (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M4 | Centrifuges, filtering and purifying machinery for liquids and gases (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M5 | Filling, sealing, labelling, packing and wrapping machinery (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M6 | Cranes (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M7 | Construction, earthmoving and mining machinery (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M8 | Weaving machines (looms) (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M9 | Embroidery machinery (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M10 | Metal cutting machine tools (HS 8456 to 8461) (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M11 | Machine tools for stone, ceramics, concrete and glass (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M12 | Machinery for working rubber and plastics (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M13 | Other machines and mechanical appliances under HS chapter 84 (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M14 | Gears, gearboxes, speed changers and transmission elements (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M15 | Rotary electrical machines such as generators (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M16 | Diesel generators (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M17 | Transformers (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M18 | Power semiconductor converters (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M19 | Switchgear and controlgear up to 1000 V (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) | |
| M20 | Switchgear and controlgear above 1000 V (and assemblies, sub-assemblies, components) | IS 16819 / ISO 12100 + Type B & C | Voluntary (machinery) |
“” isn’t on the Scheme X list
It may fall under the ISI mark, BIS CRS or another approval, or be listed under a different name.
Tell us what the product is and we’ll confirm which approvals it needs, free.
Source: BIS Scheme X product list, checked on 1 November 2026, with the Ministry of Heavy Industries deferment order of November 2025 and the OTR rescission order S.O. 239(E) of 16 January 2026. Statuses change when new orders are notified; we confirm yours before filing.
Get your Scheme X quote and timeline
Tell us the product, standard and where your factory is. A BIS specialist confirms its current status, the test plan, total cost and timeline, in writing.
- Reply within one business dayFrom a named consultant, not an automated sales sequence.
- Fixed written quoteGovernment fees, lab charges and our fee listed separately before you commit.
- Technical file and test planPrepared to the BIS product manual, for Indian and overseas factories.
What a Scheme X licence involves
We confirm current BIS fees in your written quote. MSEs and start-ups get concessions.
Request received
Thanks. A BIS specialist will reply within one business day with your standard, test plan, cost and timeline.
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Indian and overseas manufacturers, on two routes
The licence goes to the factory that makes the product. Dealers, importers and distributors can’t hold it; they must source from licensed factories.
| Factor | Factory in India | Factory Outside India |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Scheme X licence via BIS branch office | Scheme X licence via BIS’s foreign manufacturers route |
| Indian representative | Not needed | Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) required |
| Factory visit | BIS officers visit your factory | BIS officers visit your factory abroad; the applicant bears travel costs |
| After grant | Licence agreement and fees | Agreement, indemnity bond and USD 10,000 performance bank guarantee |
| Applications | One per factory, per Indian Standard | One per factory, per Indian Standard |
Your Scheme X licence in five tracked stages
The technical file and test evidence decide how fast this goes. Applications without a complete technical file can be rejected outright.
Status & Scope Check
We confirm whether your product is mandatory, deferred or voluntary, the exact standard part and the ratings to group under one licence.
Week 1Technical File
Design, manufacturing and operation documents, drawings, critical components and quality controls, prepared to the BIS product manual.
Week 1–4Testing
Testing at BIS-recognised labs, with the full test sequence at one lab. Reports must be under 1 year old at filing; type tests under 5 years may be accepted.
Week 2–8Application & Factory Visit
Filed on Manak Online. BIS reviews the file and visits the factory to assess infrastructure, process and quality controls and in-house testing.
After filingGrant & Marking
The licence is granted for 3 to 6 years. Tested ratings carry the Standard Mark; overseas licensees also sign the agreement, bond and bank guarantee.
On grantScheme X support for switchgear and machinery makers in any country
The BIS process is the same wherever your factory is. We work with your engineering team in English on the technical file, test plan and BIS audit, including manufacturers in:
What you’ll need, and what you’ll pay for
The product manual for your Indian Standard sets the exact document list and grouping rules.
Documents Usually Needed
- Technical fileDesign, manufacture and operation of the product, with drawings, critical component list and in-house quality controls.
- Test reportsFrom BIS-recognised labs, covering every accessory supplied with the product.
- Factory and testing detailsManufacturing infrastructure, in-process controls and in-house test equipment.
- Ratings and variety listAll ratings to be covered, grouped as per the product manual.
- Brand declarationBrand names that will be used, declared to BIS.
- AIR nomination (overseas factories)The Authorised Indian Representative’s nomination and consent.
| Cost Head | Who Pays / Amount |
|---|---|
| BIS application and processing fees | Per BIS schedule |
| Testing at BIS-recognised lab | Paid to the lab |
| BIS factory visit | Per man-day |
| Officers’ travel (overseas factories) | As per BIS norms |
| Performance bank guarantee (overseas) | USD 10,000 |
| Annual licence and marking fees | Per BIS schedule |
| Bizpro professional fee | Fixed, in your quote |
BIS publishes fees on its website, and they’re revised from time to time, so we confirm the current amounts in your written quote. Micro and small enterprises and start-ups receive fee concessions.
Common Scheme X mistakes
Switchgear licences are technical. These are the issues that stall applications most often.
Incomplete Technical File
BIS can process an application without a complete technical file for rejection, wasting the fee and the queue time.
Old or Split Test Reports
Reports over 1 year old aren’t accepted, and reports from different labs can only be combined if the full sequence was done at one lab.
Untested Ratings Marked
The licence covers only the ratings tested. Untested ratings can’t carry the Standard Mark.
Importer Applies Instead
Only the manufacturing unit can hold the licence, one per factory and per Indian Standard.
Waiting for Deferred Dates
When new dates are notified, labs and BIS queues fill fast. Factories licensed early keep shipping.
Relying on Outdated Advice
The machinery OTR was rescinded in January 2026. Check what your product actually needs before spending on certification.
Common questions about BIS Scheme X
What is BIS Scheme X certification?
Which Scheme X products are mandatory in 2026?
Is BIS certification still required for machinery after the OTR was withdrawn?
Should I get a licence for deferred switchgear products now?
Can a foreign manufacturer get a Scheme X licence?
Can an importer or distributor apply for Scheme X?
Are IEC test reports accepted for Scheme X?
How long is a Scheme X licence valid?
Is a factory inspection required?
Are MCBs covered under Scheme X?
Find out where your product stands under Scheme X
Send us the product, standard and ratings. We’ll confirm whether it’s mandatory, deferred or voluntary, and the test plan, total cost and timeline, in writing, free.