The Government of India, through the Ministry of Heavy Industries, has taken a significant step toward ensuring the safety and compliance of machinery and electrical equipment in India. The new regulation titled “Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024” was notified via Gazette on August 28, 2024, and is scheduled to come into force from August 28, 2025. This order introduces mandatory BIS Certification under Scheme X of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for a wide range of industrial machinery and electrical components.
Objective of the Regulation
The primary goal of the Omnibus Technical Regulation is to enhance the safety, reliability, and quality of machinery and electrical equipment used in India. By enforcing uniform safety standards through BIS certification, the government aims to reduce safety risks, ensure consumer protection, and eliminate substandard or unsafe products from the Indian market. It also supports the government’s broader goals of industrial modernization and alignment with international quality standards.
Scope of Machinery and Equipment Covered
This regulation applies to a wide array of machinery and electrical equipment, including:
Pumps
Compressors
Centrifuges
Cranes
Electrical transformers
Switchgear and control gear assemblies
Other mechanical and electrical industrial components
The regulation covers complete equipment, assemblies, sub-assemblies, and individual parts or components. Whether manufactured locally or imported, these products must be certified under the BIS Scheme X before being placed on the Indian market.
Key Exemptions
The Omnibus Technical Regulation also defines specific categories that are exempt from compliance under this Order. These include:
Machinery or components already covered under other BIS Orders issued under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016.
Export-only products are manufactured domestically and are not intended for sale in the Indian market.
Construction equipment is regulated under CMVR, 1989, by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
These exemptions help avoid regulatory duplication and provide flexibility to businesses operating under other technical frameworks.
What is BIS Scheme X?
Scheme X is a specific certification mechanism under the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations. It applies to products covered under government-notified technical regulations. Under this scheme, manufacturers can obtain:
A BIS License, which allows the use of the Standard Mark on certified products.
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for those who meet compliance but may not hold a BIS license.
Scheme X ensures that certified products comply with specific Indian Standards (IS) related to safety, quality, and performance.
Mandatory Certification for Manufacturers and Importers
All manufacturers—whether Indian or foreign—must obtain BIS Certification under Scheme X for the listed machinery and electrical products. This includes:
Domestic manufacturers of industrial machinery and electrical equipment.
Importers who bring such equipment into India for sale, lease, or distribution.
Contract manufacturers or MSMEs are involved in assembling sub-systems or machinery for commercial purposes.
Failure to comply with the certification requirements may result in legal penalties, confiscation of goods, and market restrictions.
Certification Process
To obtain BIS Certification under the Omnibus Technical Regulation, the following steps are generally involved:
Identification of Relevant Standards: Understand which Indian Standard(s) apply to the product.
Application Submission: Submit the application for the BIS License or CoC along with product details and test reports.
Testing and Inspection: BIS will conduct product testing at approved laboratories and may perform factory inspections.
Approval and Marking: Upon successful verification, BIS will issue the license or CoC, authorizing the use of the Standard Mark.
Benefits of BIS Certification
Obtaining certification under the Omnibus Technical Regulation offers several advantages:
Assured Product Safety: Ensures that only reliable and high-quality machinery enters the market.
Market Access: Certification is a legal requirement for domestic sales.
Brand Credibility: Enhances brand trust among industrial buyers, contractors, and end-users.
Consumer Protection: Reduces the risk of accidents caused by non-compliant or defective products.
MSME Competitiveness: Helps smaller enterprises meet safety norms and compete with larger players.
Compliance Timeline and Industry Readiness
Since the regulation becomes effective from August 28, 2025, manufacturers and importers have a 12-month window from the date of notification to achieve compliance. This transition period should be used to:
Review product lines
Identify applicable standards
Apply for BIS certification.
Upgrade testing and production processes, if needed
Early action will help avoid disruptions and ensure smooth market operations once the regulation is enforced.
Conclusion
The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2025, represents a significant advancement in India’s industrial regulatory framework. It ensures that machinery and electrical components sold in India meet strict safety and quality requirements. For manufacturers and importers, obtaining BIS Certification under Scheme X is not just a legal formality but a strategic move toward market credibility, consumer trust, and long-term business sustainability.
List of 32 ISO Standards on machinery safety adopted as Indian
Standards by BIS