BIS Scheme X

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042).

Overview of BIS Scheme X:

Introduction
In a move to enhance electrical safety and standardization, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced Scheme X, a compulsory certification program for “low-voltage switchgear and control gear” products. With enforcement beginning from May 10, 2024, this regulation is critical for manufacturers, importers and distributors of industrial electrical equipment in India.

At iKargos, we understand the compliance challenges our clients face. Here is a concise guide to help you understand what BIS Scheme X is and how it affects your imports.

What is BIS Scheme X?

BIS Scheme X is a mandatory certification requirement under the BIS Act, 2016, covering a specific list of “low-voltage (LV) electrical products” used in power distribution and control systems. It ensures that these products conform to Indian safety and performance standards.

Products Covered Under BIS Scheme X:

Products falling under IS/IEC 60947 standards include:-

• Circuit breakers.
• Switch disconnectors.
• Fuse-combination units.
• Contactors.
• Motor starters (electromechanical).
• Emergency stop devices.
• Rotary cam switches.
• Control circuit devices (mechanical).

These components are widely used in industrial automation, electrical panels and distribution networks.

Who Needs to Comply?

• Overseas manufacturers exporting to India.
• Indian importers and distributors sourcing from abroad.
• OEMs and EPC contractors using such components in industrial projects.

Enforcement Timeline:

• Notification Date: March 16, 2022.
• Enforcement Start: May 10, 2024.

After this date, non-certified products cannot be sold or imported in India.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Violations under the BIS Act can result in:-

• Fines.
• Seizure of goods.
• Prosecution.

It is essential to ensure compliance before import or sale. 

Products Covered under Bis Scheme X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Machinery and Electrical Equipment covered under Omnibus Technical Regulation

Benefits of BIS Scheme X:

✅ 1. Legal Market Access in India

• Mandatory compliance: For many electrical products (like switchgear, breakers, motr starters), Scheme X compliance is legally required under Indian Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
• Without BIS certification, import/sale is prohibited, and goods can be seized or rejected by customs.

📈 2. Access to Lucrative Government & Corporate Contracts

• PSU and government tenders often require BIS-marked products only.
• Many private enterprises (e.g. EPC contractors, infrastructure developers, MNCs) mandate BIS-certified components in their vendor qualification process.

🛡️ 3. Demonstrates Product Safety and Reliability

• Products certified under Scheme X are tested as per IS/IEC 60947 standards.
• This provides confidence to customers and regulators regarding safety, durability, and quality.

🌍 4. Brand Credibility and Competitive Advantage

• The ISI mark is widely recognized and respected across India.
• It acts as a trust seal and can be prominently displayed on packaging, websites, marketing, and export documentation.

🔄 5. Streamlined Import and Supply Chain Operations

• Products with valid BIS certification avoid customs delays, detentions, and rejections.
• Ensures smooth clearance at Indian ports and faster delivery to customers.

⚖️ 6. Protection Against Penalties and Compliance Risk

• Non-compliance under the BIS Act, 2016 can result in:
  • Heavy fines
  • Criminal proceedings
  • Market bans
• A valid BIS license under Scheme X protects you from these risks.

🌱 7. Builds Long-Term Compliance Culture

• Encourages better documentation, traceability, quality assurance, and lab testing culture within your organization.
• Makes it easier to scale certifications across other products and schemes (like CRS, Scheme I, Scheme II).

🧾 8. Easier to Expand Product Portfolio

• Once licensed under Scheme X, you can add similar models/types under the same product category more efficiently (especially if testing infrastructure remains common).
   

Documents Required for Scheme X: 

You can fill out the details
Key Requirements for Compliance:

A. BIS License: Manufacturers (local or overseas) must obtain a BIS license for covered products.

B. Testing & Inspection: Products must be tested at BIS-recognized laboratories. A BIS audit of the manufacturing facility is also mandatory.

C. Labelling: Products must be marked with:-

• IS standard (e.g. IS/IEC 60947-2).
• BIS license number.
• BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark).
• Manufacturer/importer details.

D. Validity: The BIS license is typically valid for one year initially and can be renewed for up to five years.

Fees and Timeline:

Fees:

For a customized and attractive quotation, please contact with your product details to Rekha Atri (+91 98118 03136) or Manju Laur (+91 9711994042).

Timeline:

BIS aims to grant licences within 60 days, or 90 days for new product categories.

 Process to apply for BIS/CRS Registration:

1. Application Submission

   • Use Form-I with details about the company, factory, and product.

   • Submit a complete technical file with:

     • Product specifications, photos

     • Factory layout

     • Manufacturing process

     • In-house quality control systems

     • Testing and compliance reports

2. Product Compliance Report

   • Must include test reports from:

     • BIS-recognized labs (third-party)

     • or in-house labs (with witness testing by BIS)

   • Previous reports (up to 1 year old) may be accepted in some cases.

3. Sample Submission & Pre-registration

   • Applicants must register on the BIS IT portal and provide a unique code to labs for test tracking.

4. Factory Inspection

   • BIS officials inspect the factory (2 days for Indian firms, 3+ for foreign).

   • They verify documents, witness tests, and evaluate quality assurance.

5. Witness Testing (if in-house reports submitted)

   • BIS officers must be able to watch tests being performed, either in the applicant's facility or subcontracted sites.

6. Long Duration Tests (30+ days)

   • Applicants must provide test evidence or let BIS witness the test.

   • If tests fail, the license can be cancelled.