BIS Scheme-X Certification for
Low–Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear: Switches, Disconnectors, Switch Disconnectors and Fuse – Combination Units – IS/IEC 60947: PART 3: 2012 in India

If you are a manufacturer of Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear mainly switches, disconnectors, switch Disconnectors and fuse Combination units under IS/IEC 60947:PART 3: 2012, it is important to know that the government has reformulated Scheme II and named it Scheme X. The main purpose of the newly formed scheme is to focus more on low-voltage switchgear and controller devices. This will ensure the safety and reliability of the manufactured products. This will build a great relationship between the producer and the consumer, as it will increase trust and a sense of dependability on the goods without any question mark on the security.

Switches need to be opened or closed manually to break the electrical circuit. They are mainly used in lighting and power distribution applications. Disconnectors are designed to isolate the power supply with a break that has to be explicitly visible for safety confirmation. A switch disconnector is one unit that contains both switches and disconnector functionalities. These types are very common in motor control and power distribution systems. The fuse combination units consist of a combination of switches or disconnectors along with fuses, which are protected from short circuits and overloads, so suitable applications require high protection.

To guarantee the dependability and efficiency of switches, disconnectors, and fuse combination units in regulating the flow of electrical current, you must install and maintain them correctly. Frequent examination and testing of these devices can help identify and address any problems before they pose a risk to public safety. A BIS certification under Scheme 10 verifies that the electrical system and control devices are appropriately designed to handle the load in a way that guards against equipment damage and guarantees worker safety, which is also crucial.

Requirements  for Load Management and Protection Devices to Own a  BIS Scheme X License 

Manufacturers: A manufacturer is eligible to own a BIS Scheme X certification and not importers and traders. If an overseas manufacturing license is issued to the producer, it must have an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) acting as an importer.

Address of Manufacturing Unit: The manufacturer's address on the business license and the address on the application should be the same. Every production site that a firm owns requires a separate BIS license.

Details on the product: Information on the goods' identity, description, materials, manufacturing process, quality assurance check, conformance reports, instructions, design, manufacture, and operation are all included in the technical file that is provided. Subcontract agreements, test equipment specifications, and comprehensive compliance criteria to demonstrate conformance are further standards.

The Procedure of BIS Certification (Scheme X)

Both domestic and foreign manufacturers must follow the same procedure in order to obtain Scheme X Certification for Low-Voltage Controlgear Proximity Switches; however, foreign producers must take additional procedures. This thorough manual for the same:

A Comprehensive Guide for Homegrown Producers:

1. Understanding BIS Standards: Acquire knowledge of the IS relevant to your specific product.

2. Online portal submission: filling out the online form and mailing it in with the required paperwork, such as a compliance statement, technical data, and product details.

3. Creating a technical file entails creating a comprehensive technical file that includes

• The product's dimensions, specifications, and types of needs are all included in the description.
• Technical drawings for the design switchover are included in the design.
• Components and Raw Materials: Detailed data on materials and suppliers.
• Manufacturing Process: Every stage of the procedure is documented, from acquiring raw materials to conducting final testing.
• Plans, outcomes, and compliance reports for quality control and internal testing

4. Internal testing: Performance, safety, and sustainability tests must be carried out in compliance with the BIS's regulations.

5. Third-party testing, if applicable: The labs perform the testing if a sample needs to be collected following the inspection.

6. BIS Factory Inspection: BIS can examine the equipment, procedures, quality assurance, and compliance standards of the production facility.

Process for International Manufacturers:

International businesses need to take extra measures to adhere to cross-border regulatory regulations.

1. Knowledge of Indian Standards: To run BIS and handle documentation, compliance, audits, and other responsibilities on behalf of a foreign business, foreign manufacturers need to have an AIR.

2. Application Submission: Submit an online application for BIS certification, which covers AIR, along with any additional information needed on the product or manufacturing process.

3. Writing Technical Documents

All of the following will be included in the technical file:

• Product description: Information about the product, including its size, type, and attributes.
• Product design requires design drawings.
• Details about Materials and Components: Details about suppliers and raw materials
• Manufacturing Process Documentation: Production Procedure, Process Flow, and Quality Controls.
• Third-party reports, internal testing logs, and adherence to BIS Standards are a few examples of quality control techniques.

5. Testing and Compliance Report: If necessary, have a respectable laboratory test the products.

6. Factory Inspection (Foreign): Request that a BIS inspection team visit the manufacturing facility abroad so that the layout, standards, and production quality can be compared.

7. Import Permits and Customs Clearance: Foreign businesses must abide by Indian customs laws to make sure that their import certificates and documentation are appropriately aligned for regulatory clearance and a smooth entry into the Indian market.

A summary of the main distinctions:

• Selecting an approved Indian representative is a requirement for international producers.
• Factory inspection: Additional planning and clearances may be required for BIS inspections of factories located overseas.
• Due to the need for import and customs paperwork, this makes the import and distribution procedure more difficult.

Both domestic and international producers have to demonstrate that they met Indian regulations in order to market their goods in India under the trustworthy Scheme X BIS certificate.

The guidelines for the nomination of an authorized Indian representative (air):

International applicants must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to conduct business in India to receive a BIS Bureau of Indian Standards Scheme X Certificate. In India, a local office is essential. AIR is responsible for managing and submitting certification applications as the local agent. You can also contact them with questions.

Foreign firms must stick to the given guidelines while selecting an authorized Indian representative (AIR):

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

That liaison officer will be paired with an AIR officer.

Situation 2: The foreign producer has neither a branch office nor a liaison office in India.

India is home to the owner or registered user of the brand or trademark mentioned in the article:

The brand or trademark will belong to AIR.

The brand or trademark mentioned in the article does not have a proprietor or registered user in India.

Other businesses or organizations will take the position of the AIR.

Cost For Acquiring BIS Scheme X Certificate:  Switches, Disconnectors, Switch Disconnectors And Fuse Combination Units—IS/IEC  60947:Part 3: 2012

Cost For BIS Scheme X Certification / Electronics Products
Sl. No. | Fee Type | Fee ( in ₹)
(1) | (2) | (3)
1. | Application fee for grant of license | 2,000
2. | Application fee for grant of certificate of conformity | 2,000
3. | Certification fee for grant of license or renewal of license  | 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 license or certificate of conformity or change in scope of license  | 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 Bureau reserves the right to collect the fees in advance2.  The manufacturers that are situated outside the territory of India shall bear all expenses, including the cost to the Bureau of the days spent by its certification officer(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 the testing fee, as the case may be, as decided by the Bureau.3. The following concessions shall be applicable in respect of all types of fees mentioned in the above table, except for the application fee for grant of license or certificate of conformity and those collected on actuals: (1) For small and medium-scale enterprises, the concession of 20%.(2) For micro-scale enterprises, the concession of 80% for the initial three years from the date of this notification and an additional concession of 10% on the fees applicable to small and medium-scale enterprises afterwards. For start-up enterprises, a concession of 50% for the first three years from the date of this notification and thereafter under its applicable micro, small, or medium-scale categories.(4) Women entrepreneur enterprises: 50% concession for the first year from the date of this notification and 10% concession afterwards on its applicable micro, small, or medium scale categories afterwards.
(5) For north-eastern areas as defined in the North-Eastern Council Act, 1971 (84 of 1971), an additional concession of 10% irrespective of the scale of the enterprises.  

• Assessing the product determines whether its quality characteristics satisfy Indian standards, making it the most important step in the certification procedure.
• Therefore, investments in testing facilities are also necessary to set up test equipment in internal manufacturing test laboratories.
• A pre-visit to your factory may be included in the rates listed above to make sure your product meets BIS certification requirements and appropriate Indian regulations.

Documents Required For Switching And Isolation Units

The documents that are needed at the time of BIS Scheme X Certification:

Proper Protocol for Filling out BIS Application Form: Applying Step-wise Correct Procedures and Guidelines.

Factory and Applicant Information: Both Factory and Applicant Names with Addresses on Official Paper

Third-Party Lab Test Report: Lab Test Report of Third Party from Independent Lab Complying with Indian Standards.

Authorization Letter for Authorized Signatory: If an authorized signatory is filing the application, then the CEO should provide an authorization letter in the name of that person.

Technical Information and Product Documentation: Insert technical details like PCB layout diagrams, user manuals, and a list of vital components.

Receipt of Acknowledgement: Obtain and maintain the receipt of acknowledgement after submitting the BIS application.

Affidavit of NRI Representative (Foreign Manufacturers): An affidavit duly signed by the appointed NRI Representative with an identification document if the manufacturer's manufacturing facility is abroad.

Test results from BIS-approved laboratories are to be attached while applying for certification.

Guidelines To Consider For acquiring  BIS Certification of  Scheme X 

While registering for the BIS scheme X License, certain points need to be considered, which are:

• While choosing the agency and lab to register for BIS scheme X, the license of the lab should not be suspended.
• The manufacturer, the owner of the brand, and the authorized Indian representative must all sign the paperwork.
• Product details should be carefully entered in CDF, and product component information should be accurate in CCL.
• The test report is good for 90 days or three months. It must be turned into BIS before that time.
• Before your sample is tested at the lab, all necessary paperwork must be ready.

The Role Of ERCS Private Limited In Product Certification

Manufacturers also need to test their products against the Indian Standards in order to get a BIS certification and make sure that products are of superior quality. With ERCS Private Limited as your guide, you will be assisted through every process of the certification process, making the requirements fulfilled by all the relevant authorities and departments a hassle-free piece of cake.

ERCS Private Limited is a trusted BIS scheme X consultant that helps in securing BIS scheme X certificates along with other essential licenses and approvals from all concerned authorities and departments. With this commitment, it means we can deliver a smooth process with minimal delays to ensure your product is as maximally compliant for market success as possible.

The Importance Of ERCS Pvt. Ltd. In Your Process Of BIS Scheme X Certification 

Meeting the Indian Standards Requirements: The production needs to conform with the Indian Standards for safety and quality. ERCS Pvt. Ltd. assists the manufacturers in understanding the requirement so that there is an easy journey towards BIS certification of low-voltage switchgear and control gear, thus adding value to the credibility of the product.

Comprehensive Network and Expertise: ERCS Pvt. Ltd. has established an extensive network in the electronics industry and in numerous departments of BIS. Such networks support them in delivering necessary support towards certification. It offers manufacturers the necessary resources and knowledge necessary for a hassle-free passage through the complicated BIS certification procedure.

Detailed Documentation and Quality Control: We take very significant care in documentation as per the guidelines of BIS Scheme-X. Our team with more than 500 successful projects ensures that your items are documented reliably and effectively to enable quality control staff with accurate interpretations of Indian Standard Specifications and BIS regulations for ease of compliance.