Scheme X Machinery and Electrical Equipment
All types of switchgear and control gear above 1000V, including all related parts.
Strategic Recommendations for High-Voltage Switchgear & Control Gear Certification
- Engage Early with BIS and NABL-Accredited Labs
- Partner with Experienced Compliance Consultant
- Get in touch with domain experts  ERA’s internal team for documentation, audit preparation, and technical file submission.
email cs@eraglobal.co.in,
phone : +91 9599296331, WhatsApp - Leverage their expertise in the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order 2023.
- Get in touch with domain experts  ERA’s internal team for documentation, audit preparation, and technical file submission.
- Track Gazette Notifications and BIS Circulars
 Monitor amendments, exemptions, and enforcement timelines via ERA’s News Letter.
- Conduct Product Readiness Gap Assessment
Evaluate your switchgear/control gear portfolio against IS standards (e.g., IS 3427, IS 9920, IS 8623).
Use ERA’s compliance scoring to prioritize high-risk SKUs.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | All types of switchgear and control gear equipment operating above 1000V, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components. |
| HS Codes | 8535, 8537, 8538. |
| QCO Title | Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 & Amendment Order, 2025. |
| Notification Numbers | Original: S.O. 3649(E), dated 28 August 2024, Amendment: S.O. 2579(E), dated 12 June 2025. |
| Issued By | Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India. |
| Effective Date | 1 September 2026 (for complete equipment); date for components/sub-assemblies to be notified separately via Gazette. |
| Certification Requirement | Mandatory BIS certification under Scheme X (ISI Mark or Certificate of Conformity). |
| Pre-Certification Requirement | BIS registration, technical file preparation, lab testing, IS selection, and factory audit (if applicable). |
| Labeling Requirements | ISI mark or CoC, manufacturer details, model/type number, voltage & rating info, safety pictograms, technical markings as per Scheme X. |
| Applicable Standards | IS 3427, IS/IEC 62271-1, IS/IEC 60204-1, IS 16504, IS 16569 (Type B); additional Type C standards if notified. |
| Industries Affected | Power distribution companies, substations, heavy industry plants, switchgear OEMs, EPC contractors. |
| Target Stakeholders | Manufacturers (domestic & foreign), importers, electrical control panel fabricators, utility service providers. |
| Exemptions | Products meant only for export, those covered under other QCOs, or regulated under CMVR 1989 (MoRTH). |
| Scheme X Highlights | Product-specific certification, ISI or CoC, labeling as per standards, factory audit, BIS lab testing, safety markings. |
| Enforcement Authority | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — empowered to inspect, seize, cancel licenses, and prosecute under BIS Act, 2016. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance (Manufacturers failing to get certified by, 1 September 2026 , face) | Cancellation of license or CoC. Product seizure & ban on sale. Disqualification from government tenders. Fines up to ₹2 lakh (₹5 lakh for repeat offences). Imprisonment (up to 2 years) and other legal action under BIS Act, 2016. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Begin BIS registration, identify relevant IS codes, prepare safety documentation, complete certification by 1 Sept 2026. |
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QCO Title & Notification
This product group is regulated under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, notified through S.O. 3649(E) dated 28 August 2024, and later amended by S.O. 2579(E) dated 12 June 2025. The Order is issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, under the authority of Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016.
Objective & Coverage
The QCO aims to enforce mandatory BIS certification for all switchgear and control gear operating above 1000 volts, including their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components. The primary objective is to ensure operator safety, electrical reliability, and standardization in power infrastructure. This regulation covers both domestic and imported switchgear products used in industrial, utility, and power distribution sectors.
Effective Date
The mandatory compliance for fully assembled switchgear equipment starts from 1 September 2026.
The implementation date for components and sub-assemblies will be notified separately via Gazette.
Certification & Scheme
Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS certification under Scheme X, either through an ISI Mark license or a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Products that do not conform to BIS standards cannot be sold, distributed, or imported in India after the enforcement date.
Pre-Certification Requirement
Before applying for BIS certification, stakeholders must complete:
- BIS Registration.
- Identification of relevant IS standards.
- Preparation of technical documentation (e.g., risk assessments, operating manuals).
- BIS-recognized laboratory testing.
- Factory audit (if required by BIS).
Labeling & Compliance
Certified switchgear must display:
- ISI mark or CoC number.
- Manufacturer’s name and address.
- Product model/type.
- Voltage rating, warning signs, safety symbols.
- Compliance markings as per Scheme X.
Applicable Indian Standards (IS Codes)
These high-voltage switchgear products are primarily governed by the following IS codes:
- Type A: IS 16819 (General safety design principles based on ISO 12100).
- Type B: IS 3427 (Metal-enclosed switchgear), IS/IEC 60204-1 (Electrical safety), IS 16504 (Mechanical risks), IS 16569 (Safety labels).
- Type C: Specific IS/IEC standards applicable to high-voltage switchgear and control assemblies (to be notified).
In the event of any overlap, Type C standards (product-specific) override Type A or B standards.
HS Code and Product Description
8535 : Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, fuses, lightning arresters, voltage limiters, surge suppressors, plugs, junction boxes), for a voltage exc.
8537 : Boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases, equipped with two or more apparatus of heading 8535 or 8536, for electric control or the distribution of electricity, including those incorporating instruments or apparatus of chapter 90, and nume.
8538 : Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of headings 8535, 8536 or 8537 -boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases for the goods of heading 8537, not equipped with their apparatus: for industrial use.
Product Coverage, IS Standards, HS Codes, and Impacted Industries
| Product Type | HS Codes | Relevant IS Standards | Standard Type | Impacted Industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-voltage Switchgear Panels | 8535, 8537 | IS 3427, IS/IEC 62271-1, IS/IEC 60204-1 | Type B/C | Power Utilities, Electrical Infra, EPC |
| Control Panels & Assemblies | 8537 | IS 16504, IS 16569, IS/IEC 60204-1 | Type B | Industrial Plants, Smart Grid Infrastructure |
| Electrical Components & Subparts | 8538 | To be notified | Type B | Switchgear OEMs, Panel Builders |
Additional Notes
- Products under this QCO must be certified for electrical, mechanical, and operational safety.
- Scheme X includes conformity documentation, lab testing, proper labeling, and ongoing surveillance by BIS.
- Certification is location-specific (applies to each manufacturing location individually).
- Importers must source from BIS-certified foreign suppliers.
Industries & Stakeholders Impacted
- Power generation and transmission utilities.
- Electrical equipment manufacturers and OEMs.
- EPC contractors and infrastructure developers.
- Government agencies and public procurement bodies.
- Importers and suppliers of high-voltage switchgear.
Exemptions
This QCO does not apply to:
- Products manufactured only for export.
- Products covered under other BIS QCOs.
- Switchgear already regulated by CMVR, 1989 (under MoRTH).
Legal Consequences & Penalties
Failure to comply with this QCO can result in penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, including:
- Cancellation of BIS license or CoC.
- Ban on sale/import of uncertified products.
- Seizure of non-compliant goods.
- Fines up to ₹5 lakh.
- Imprisonment up to 2 years for repeat violations.
- Disqualification from tenders & public procurement.
Summary & Next Steps
All switchgear and control gear products operating above 1000V must be BIS-certified under Scheme X before 1 September 2026. Stakeholders must initiate registration, identify applicable IS codes (such as IS 3427 and IS/IEC 60204-1), prepare the required technical documents, and undergo lab testing to meet certification timelines. Products without proper certification and labeling will not be permitted for sale or import in India beyond the enforcement date.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.