Introduction
India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced a significant postponement of the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) implementation under Scheme-X, a move that directly impacts manufacturers of heavy machinery and electrical equipment. Originally set for August 2025, the new compliance deadline is now September 1, 2026, offering much-needed relief and preparation time for both local and international industries. This update follows months of stakeholder feedback on application complexity, testing challenges, and regulatory clarity. Read on to discover what’s behind the delay, the new requirements, and how your business can stay ahead in the evolving landscape of BIS certification and OTR compliance.
What Is Scheme-X?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established a new scheme called Scheme-X. Scheme-X permits manufacturers to continue with their operations in India by offering a license or certificate of conformity. The products' safety and quality are guaranteed by the license. The two main product categories are covered by Scheme-X:
Low-voltage control and switch equipment
Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR)-covered machinery and electrical equipment
The Ministry of Heavy Industries created both categories in an effort to address quality and safety issues in the heavy industries sector. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will be the certifying and enforcing body for the machines, or as it may be, electrical equipment, in accordance with the ministry's stated QCO.
Why Was OTR Implementation Delayed?
Over the past few months, the second category has been under debate. Several concerns were raised by the manufacturer, organizations, councils, associations, and other key stakeholders as a high number of discrepancies were observed by the stakeholders, for e.g., unclear process of Application, Complex criteria for testing, lack of facilities in testing of Heavy Industry equipment, etc. On 29th April 2025, the Ministry of Heavy Industries scheduled a technical committee with stakeholders and heard all the above concerns carefully.
New Implementation Date Officially Announced: 1st September 2026
After carefully considering all facts from stakeholders, finally Ministry of Heavy Industries postponed the implementation date of OTR from 28 August 2025 to 1st September 2026. The information recorded from the latest published Quality Control Order (QCO) in India gazette, and this order may be called the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Amendment Order, 2025.
This is a big relief for local & foreign Industries who are manufacturing Heavy Machinery & Equipment’s that comes under the scope of Scheme-X of BIS.
In the meantime, the manufacturer can prepare as per the requirements of this regulation. Additionally, the government will work on Guidance manual, developing more testing facilities, proper SOPs, and a channel for application. This will enable a smooth OTR implementation after one year.
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