BIS Scheme-X Certification for
Low–Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Proximity Switches – IS/IEC 60947: PART 5: SEC 2: 2007 in India

BIS Scheme II was reorganized, and the outcome is BIS Scheme X for a few products by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The products listed in this scheme include low-voltage switchgear, control gear proximity switches, and other machinery and electrical equipment. This will increase the products' legitimacy. Having BIS Scheme X certification will increase the credibility of your product and eventually increase the profits of your business. 

Control equipment and low-voltage switchgear Proximity switches are electrical devices that determine whether objects are nearby to be in touch with them. They work by emitting an electrical or magnetic field that interacts with the object to be detected, producing an electrical signal for use in operating machinery or equipment. All kinds of low-voltage switchgear and control equipment use proximity switches to monitor the position of objects in industrial automation applications.

For these devices, a BIS Scheme X license is crucial since it serves as a guarantee that the product is dependable and safe to use. It follows the Indian Government's standards for the specified product and has passed all required tests and criteria. Let us dwell deep into this topic to understand it clearly. 

Prerequisites For Obtaining BIS Scheme X Certificate—IS/IEC 60947-5-2 2007 Standard For Proximity Switch

The necessity for getting a Scheme X BIS license is explained below:

• Manufacturers: The manufacturer receives a BIS Scheme X license, which is not available to importers or traders. A foreign manufacturing license that will be granted to the manufacturer may have an importer acting as its Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

• Manufacturing Unit Address: The address listed in the business license must match the address provided by the manufacturer in the application. A different BIS license  is needed for each manufacturing location if a manufacturer has multiple locations.

• Products Information: A technical file is being submitted with information such as detailed design, manufacture, and operation features, including product description, identification, manufacturer's details, materials used, manufacturing process, quality assurance check, reports on conformity, and product instructions. Further, there are other requirements that cover sub-contract agreements, test equipment details, and specific compliance criteria to show conformity.

Procedure to Obtain BIS Scheme X Certification of Low-Voltage Controlgear Proximity Switches

Scheme X Certification for Low-Voltage Controlgear Proximity Switches entails a similar process both for foreign and domestic manufacturers; however, the additional steps for foreign manufacturers are necessarily more. Here is a comprehensive guide both ways:

Step-by-step Process for Domestic Manufacturers:

1. Knowing BIS Standards: Familiarize yourselves with the relevant IS relating to your particular product.

2. Submission through the online portal: Submission through the online portal by providing the form with the submission of necessary documents like technical details, product, and a compliance statement.

3. Technical file preparation: This comprises making a complete technical file, including; Product description. Specifications types, sizes, and details in the product.

• Design and Drawings: Technical drawings of the design switch
• Raw Material and Components: All details of material as well as supplier
• Manufacturing Process: From raw material to final testing, the process is recorded
• Quality Control and Test Reports: In-house test plans, results, and compliance reports

4. Testing in-house: Sustainability, safety, and performance tests are to be conducted in accordance with the specifications released by the BIS. 

5. Third-party testing, if applicable: If the sample needs to be drawn out after the inspection, the testing is done in the labs.

6. BIS Inspection of Factory: BIS may inspect the manufacturing facility at processes, equipment, quality controls, and standards of compliance.

Procedure for Foreign Manufacturers:

Foreign manufacturers require a few extra steps to be taken from them due to cross-border regulatory requirements.

1. Indian Standards Familiarization: Foreign manufacturers are mandatorily to have an AIR that will deal with BIS and accept the liabilities of documents, compliance, audits, etc. and related matters on behalf of a foreign company.

2. Application Submission: Submit an application for BIS certification online that mentions AIR and all other required details and information regarding the product or manufacturing.

3. Preparation of Technical File

The technical file will include all the following:

• Product Description: Characteristics of the product specifications, type, and size.
• Design Drawings: Design specifications of the product.
• Information on Materials and Components: Information on raw materials and suppliers
• Manufacturing Process Documentation: The production process, quality controls, and the process flow.
• Quality Control Measures: Internal testing records, third-party reports, and compliance with BIS Standards.

5. Testing and Compliance Report: Obtain the products tested in an accredited laboratory if required.

6. Factory Inspection (Foreign): Solicit a BIS inspection team to inspect the overseas manufacturing facility to be tested against the standards, quality of production, and arrangement of the facility.

7. Import Permits and Clearance from Customs: The foreign manufacturers need to be in line with the customs compliance of India so that their certifications and documentation for imports are aligned correctly for regulatory approval for hassle-free entry into the Indian market.

Main difference summary

- Requirement for appointment of an authorized Indian representative by foreign manufacturers.

- Factory inspection: BIS inspection for factories situated abroad may involve additional logistics and approvals.

All this requires customs and import documentation, adding more complexity to the process of import and distribution.

The procedures made the manufacturers overseas and at home in India to show compliance with Indian standards and thus get a chance to market products in India with the trustable BIS Standard Mark.

Directions for Nomination of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR):

Foreign applicants must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for business operations in India in order to get a Bureau of Indian Standards Scheme X Certificate. Unless they have a local office in India. In its capacity as the local representative, AIR is responsible for managing the submission and administration of certification applications and is available to answer questions.

When choosing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), foreign manufacturers must follow the below-given rules:

Case 1: Foreign manufacturers keep a liaison or branch office in India:

That liaison officer will be paired with an AIR officer. 

Case 2: A foreign manufacturer does not have a liaison office or branch office in India. The proprietor or registered user of the brand/trademark appearing in the article is located in India:

• The AIR will be the brand's or trademark's owner: No proprietor or registered user of the brand/trademark appearing in the article is located in India.

• Other entities and companies will become the AIR : Cost For Acquiring BIS Scheme X Certification For Low-Voltage Switchgear And Control Gear Proximity Switches—Is/Iec 60947: Part 5: Sec 2: 2007 In India

COST FOR BIS SCHEME X Licensing  / ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS
Sl. No. | Fee Type | Fee ( in ₹)
(1) | (2) | (3)
1. | Application fee for grant of licence | 2,000
2. | Application fee for grant of certificate of conformity | 2,000
3. | Certification fee for grant of licence or renewal of licence  | 25,000 per year
4. | Certification fee for grant of certificate of conformity  | 10,000 
5. | Fee for review of technical file for grant of licence or certificate of conformity or change in scope of licence  | 20,000 per technical file 
6. | Inspection fees, including surveillance, for any site visit  | 20,000 per man-day 
7. | Sample procurement charges  | On actuals
8. | Testing Charges  | On actuals

Note*1. The fee may be collected in advance by the Bureau2. The expenditure, which shall include the cost to the Bureau of the days spent by its certification officers(s) in connection with the inspection, audit, or evaluation at the manufacturing facility, testing laboratory, or any other premises (from the time of departure from the place of posting till return thereto), and testing fee as the case may be, as decided by the Bureau, shall be borne by the manufacturers that are located outside India.3. The following concession shall be admissible in case of all the kinds of charges referred to in the table hereinafter, except the application fee for the grant of license or certificate of conformity and those collected on actuals:(1) For small and medium-scale enterprises, concession of 20%.(2) For micro-scale units, 80% concession for the first three years from the date of this notification and 10% concession on the fees applicable to small and medium-scale units thereafter.(3) For start-up units, 50% concession for the first three years from the date of this notification and according to its applicable micro, small, or medium category thereafter.4) For women-entrepreneur enterprises, 50% relief for the initial year from the date of this notification and a further 10% more relief thereafter on its applicable micro, small, or medium-scale categories thereafter.5. For northeastern areas as defined in the North-Eastern Council Act, 1971 (84 of 1971), additional relief of 10% without any reference to the size of the undertakings.

• The most crucial step in the certification procedure is product testing, which establishes whether the product's quality standards satisfy Indian requirements.
• Installing test equipment in the internal manufacturing test laboratories for the same reason requires investment in testing facilities.
• In addition to the fees listed above in the table, we might ask you to cover the cost of a pre-visit at your factory to make sure your product complies with applicable Indian Standards and BIS certification requirements. 

Documents Required For BIS Certification Under Scheme X 

The list of documents that BIS requires is as follows:

• The BIS application form is filled out by proper procedure.
• Name and address documentation for the factory and the applicant.
• Third-party lab test report by Indian Standards.
• If the application is signed by an authorised signatory, an authorization letter from the CEO in that person's name is necessary.
• The Indian Agent and Nomination Form information applies to overseas or international manufacturers.
• Technical information on the items, including the PCB layout, the schematic diagrams, the user guide, and the critical component list
• Recognition receipt
• Undertaking and Affidavit certified with ID Proof and authorised Native Representative's signature" (in case of the foreign or overseas manufacturer)
• Official Test Results from the BIS Laboratory

Important Points To Consider for BIS Scheme X Certification In India 

Points to remember while applying for a BIS Scheme X license:

• Select a testing lab with BIS recognition and a seasoned service provider
• Remember that a lab's license should be active and unrestricted before selecting one for sample testing.
• The manufacturer, the owner of the brand, and the authorized Indian representative must sign all paperwork.
• Product details must be accurately filled out in the Design Data Form (CDF), and product component information must be precise in the Critical Components List (CCL).
• The test report is good for 90 days or three months. You must submit it to BIS beforehand.
• Before the sample is analyzed at a lab, all paperwork needs to be ready.

Role Of ERCS Private Limited In Getting Your Product Registered:

• The manufacturer must ensure that their product satisfies specific Indian Standard Specifications (ISS), which we directly interpret from BIS authorities following the Indian Standards, to register with BIS and make a standard quality product.

• Throughout the process of obtaining product certifications from relevant authorities and departments, ECRS Private Limited will serve as a friend, advisor, and mentor.

Scope of work by ECRS Private Limited:

Verifying your product's compliance with Indian Standards 

To facilitate the compliance of the product—voltage switchgear and control gear proximity switches—ERCS Pvt Ltd has established a wide network within the Electronic Industry and several BIS departments.

Good documentation combined with knowledge of BIS regulations:

We provide the most appropriate interpretation to the Quality Control Personnel in order to perform dependable and efficient documentation of your product in compliance with the BIS since we are well-versed in Indian Standard Specifications and BIS standards.