The Bureau of Indian Standards launched a modified version of the Registration Scheme (Scheme-II) known as Scheme X. This new scheme will enhance the credibility of low-voltage switchgear and control gear products. It is important to remember that these devices were previously included under Scheme II. However, to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the devices, a new scheme is being launched. This aims to focus more on these goods to avoid any hazards in the future. For now, the BIS Scheme-X standard contains eight electrical devices. Let us delve into what Scheme X is and the necessary aspects associated with it.
BIS Scheme X Certification represents a product certification under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The Bureau ensures that the respective Indian standards for quality, safety, and reliability are met. As part of this scheme, manufacturers must obtain certification to get the ISI mark on the Indian market as a symbol of trust and compliance. It covers all the categories of products, including electronics and household appliances and components, to ensure auto part conformity of the products sold in the country with the established national standards.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of regulated products or services should always be certified to meet the standards of an organization. Manufacturers in electronics, medical devices, and construction must have their manufactured goods certified for issues of safety and performance. Importers and exporters need certification to comply with International standards, while providers of services, including companies having IT and telecommunication systems, require certifications related to data security and operational safety, ensuring their goods and services adhere to standards of quality, safety, and regulatory matters.
IEC 60947-2 will be adopted gradually by the particular specifications listed in the table below:
Product Category Specific Requirement Implementation Date
| AC circuit breaker category A-rating up to 630A, up to 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 except EMC | 10th May 2024
| AC circuit breaker category A rating -up to 630A, up to 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 (including EMC)d | 10th May 2026*
| AC circuit breaker category A -rating above 630A, up to 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 except EMC | 10th May 2025
| AC circuit breaker category A -rating above 630A, up to 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 (including EMC) | 10th May 2026*
| AC circuit breaker category B-rating, all Rating up to 2000A, up to 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 except EMC | 10th May 2025
| AC circuit breaker category B-rating, all Rating up to 2000A, up to 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 (including EMC) | 10th May 2026*
| AC circuit breaker category A- all Rating above 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 | 10th May 2026
| AC circuit breaker category B-, all Rating above 2000A, and up-to 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 | 10th May 2026
| AC circuit breaker category B-, all Rating above 440Vac | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 | 10th May 2027
| DC circuit breaker category A, all ratings | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 | 10th May 2027
| DC circuit breaker category B, all ratings | All tests of IS/IEC 60947-2 | 10th May 2027
Here are some more profound reasons why BIS Scheme X Certification is required:
1. Compliance with standards: BIS Scheme X certification ensures that its products are within IS/IEC 60947 standards, thus ensuring safe use in low-voltage switchgear. Ensuring it fits these standards puts one type of electrical hazard beyond preventative measures: short circuits and overloads or a power failure, among others, which protects not only the end-user but the installation itself as well.
2. Entry to Markets: Low-voltage switchgear manufacturers aiming to supply products to India require BIS certification. Their goods find it impossible to penetrate the Indian market without this certificate. Consequently, business opportunities are spurned due to the absence of this certification. This certification enables manufacturers to distribute their products lawfully in a growing market.
3. Consumer Trust: The BIS certification mark is a symbol of reliability, safety, and quality. Having this mark increases the confidence of the consumer because it assures that the product comes under the government's stringent standards. It enhances reputation in the marketplace and improves better acceptance and trust from buyers.
4. Regulatory Requirement: BIS Scheme X certification is a legal requirement for low-voltage switchgear products manufactured in India. Failure to comply with such regulations might incur financial punishment in terms of fines, court cases, and selling of the products. Therefore, the outcome of certification can be used to stay clear of such risks and, at the same time, abide by the norms of the government for its products.
The eligibility criteria where BIS Scheme X certification is mainly required for low-voltage switchgear product manufacturing companies are outlined below. Below are the BIS Scheme X requirements:
1. Indian or foreign manufacturers: Indian as well as foreign manufacturers that manufacture low-voltage switchgear products, which include circuit breakers and switches, are eligible. Foreign manufacturers need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) if applying from outside India.
2. IEC Standards: Conformity with applicable Indian Standard or IEC standards - IS/IEC 60947 details the performance, quality and safety of Switchgears.
3. Testing: In-house quality assurance system and test facilities available with the manufacturer or tested in a BIS - BIS-accredited laboratory.
4. Factory Inspection: The manufacturing facility is under periodic inspections by officials of BIS to ascertain conformity with the production processes of BIS.
5. Documents and Applications: The manufacturer shall furnish detailed documents that include: description, specifications, test reports of each product and compliance records alongside the application form for certification.
Scheme X suggests the following two steps:
1. The applicant may choose to have their sample examined in BIS Labs or BIS authorized third-party lab and authorized BIS for accreditation.
2. Observing the completion of testing for all products meant for certification, such as the facilities that the applicant has applied for subcontracted, if any.
The manufacturer may choose to submit an internal test laboratory (including subcontracted facilities) if the testing period in the BIS or BIS-recognized laboratory is longer than anticipated. The BIS officer will also be present to see these tests during the inspection visit.
If a lengthy test takes longer than 30 days, or one month, the manufacturer will obtain the BIS certification by your work. As long as the sample is being tested, either
Following the conclusion of these protracted exams, BIS will assess the certification that has already been granted.
It is important to provide clear instructions for usage, maintenance, installation, and safe operation of the product to ensure the safety of customers and the product. Below is the list provided:
1. Product Description: Provide a list of varieties, grades, types, or sizes that apply to your product to give a comprehensive description of what is to be covered for its specifications.
2. Specified Requirements: Detail which requirements need to be met in particular about the relevance of IS/IEC standards under which the product is to be certified.
3. Product Photographs: Use clear photographs for identification and verification purposes during certification.
4. Manufacturer Details: Specify the manufacturer's company name and address including the location plan with factory layout which shows areas such as manufacturing, storage, and testing location.
5. Product Identification: Explain the identification and traceability whereby the brand name, trademark, manufacture date, and batch or lot number will be available for easy trackability.
6. Design Details: Provide product design details along with appropriate drawings to establish the construction and features of the product.
7. Raw Material Information: Present raw materials and components employed within the product and how such components conform with the applicable standards.
8. Manufacturing Process: Describe in detail the manufacturing process, a mention of machinery used as well as any subcontracted arrangement for transparency and conformity.
9. Compliance Report: Compliance report stating compliance with specific requirements, such as the test reports issued by certified laboratories for all required tests.
10. Test Reports: Laboratory test reports by BIS-accredited laboratories to confirm that the entire product has complied with standards.
11. Quality Assurance: Qualifications of staff and equipment calibration status and in-house inspection plans and testing facilities.
Reach out to us for a customized quotation for a BIS Scheme X Certification for imported equipment.
The Scheme-X License lasts for three to six years and can be renewed similarly. Renewal applications should be made not less than two months before the expiry date using Form-VII. The Bureau processes the application and issues the renewed license via Form-VIII within set regulations.
ERCS acts as a bridge between you and the Scheme X BIS authorities. We are a well-experienced group of professionals who strive hard to maintain the credibility of the whole procedure of obtaining a certificate for your business. Right from checking the applicability of the product and document preparation to granting scheme X certificate, we will be with you. We are dedicated to simplifying the complexities of the whole process, making it hassle-free.
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Experience Consultants at ERCS are ready to assist you at every step of compliance so as to provide you the best services in India. Get complete information about the certification that your product need to enter in Indian market and build a good consumer base.