Get BIS Certification for Quality & Safety Compliance in India

Overview

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s National Standards Body. It manages the BIS registration process, which includes Scheme X Certification.

This registration is mandatory for manufacturers and importers of electrical products like voltage switchgear and control gear, circuit breakers, and related components. It follows Indian Standards (IS). This keeps the quality, safety, and reliability of products in India’s changing infrastructure.

As industries expand, compliance with BIS standards has shifted from optional to strategic. This guide looks at Scheme X registration. It shows how it connects with the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS) and the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). This helps businesses understand India’s rules and regulations.

Understanding BIS Scheme X Certification: Scope and Evolution

Scheme X falls under BIS’s Conformity Assessment Program, established under the BIS Act of 2016. It mandates compliance with standards like IS/ IEC 60947 for voltage switchgear and control systems.

Scheme X focuses on electrical safety components. This is different from the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS), which applies to overseas producers. The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for IT and electronics differs from this. The Information Technology Meity regulates the CRS.

Recent updates to the BIS Act improve market checks and penalties. This shows India’s commitment to global standards, like IEC standards, while addressing local challenges like voltage fluctuations.

Why BIS Scheme X Certification is Important for Market Success

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

The BIS Act enforces Scheme X Certification for 30+ electrical product categories. Non-compliant products face confiscation, fines up to ₹5 lakh, and even imprisonment.

In 2022, BIS took away the licenses of 12 manufacturers. They did this to fabricate test results. This shows the need for strong regulations.

Consumer Safety and Trust:

Substandard voltage switchgear can cause catastrophic failures. For example, researchers linked faulty circuit breakers to 15% of electrical fires in Indian industries in 2023.

The Standard Mark helps reduce risks. It certifies that products follow IS 60898 for household circuit breakers. It also certifies products for industrial use under IS 60947-2.

Market Access and Competitiveness:

India’s electrical equipment market is projected to grow at 12% CAGR, reaching $72 billion by 2027. Certification opens doors to government tenders (e.g., Smart Cities Mission) and partnerships with major distributors like L&T and Siemens.

Global Trade Harmonization:

Scheme X aligns with IEC 60947, allowing manufacturers to leverage certification for exports to ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets. 

Product List Under BIS Scheme X Certification

The table below expands on products requiring certification, including applicable standards, typical applications, and aligned global norms:

Step-by-Step Certification Process Pre-Application

1. Pre-Application Preparation:
   • Conduct a gap analysis to identify deviations from BIS standards.
   • Source components from BIS-certified suppliers (e.g., copper wiring, insulating materials). 
2. Application Submission (Form V): 
   • Submit detailed technical specifications, factory layout diagrams, and quality manuals. 
   • Include test reports from NABL-accredited labs (if available) to expedite the process.
3. Product Testing: 
   • Tests include temperature rise, dielectric strength, and short-circuit endurance. 
   • For MCCBs, IS 60947-2 mandates 8,000 mechanical operations without failure. 
4. Factory Inspection:
   • BIS auditors evaluate: 
   • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Calibration records, raw material traceability. 
   • Production Capacity: Machinery maintenance logs, worker training certifications. 
   • In-House Testing Facilities: Availability of megohmmeters, surge testers. 
5. Surveillance and Renewal: 
   • Annual audits include sample testing and process reviews. 
   • Renewal of licenses occurs after addressing nonconformities, such as outdated equipment.

Strategic Benefits Beyond Compliance

1. Government Tender Eligibility: 
   BIS certification is mandatory for bids under schemes like SAUBHAGYA (rural electrification). 
2. Insurance Premium Reductions: 
   Certified manufacturers often receive lower liability insurance rates because of reduced risk profiles.
3. Export Opportunities: 
   Dual compliance with IS/IEC standards simplifies entry into markets like Saudi Arabia (SASO) and Nigeria (SONCAP). 
4. Sustainability Credentials:
   Compliance with IS 61439 (energy-efficient switchgear) supports ESG goals, appealing to eco-conscious buyers.