Scheme X Machinery and Electrical Equipment
All types of switchgear and control gear below 1000V, including all related parts
Strategic Recommendations for Switchgear under 1000V
Engage Early with BIS & NABL-Accredited Labs
Initiate your certification journey with trusted, accredited partners.
Partner with Experienced Compliance Consultants
Work with domain experts for end-to-end regulatory support.
Leverage ERA’s In-House Expertise
Our internal team assists with documentation, audit readiness, and technical file submissions.
📧 Email: cs@eraglobal.co.in
📞 Call: +91 9599296331 | 📱 WhatsApp Available
Stay Ahead with Real-Time Notification Tracking
Follow Gazette updates, BIS circulars, and implementation changes through ERA’s compliance newsletter.
Conduct Product Readiness & Gap Assessment
Benchmark your switchgear/control gear inventory against IS standards like IS 3427, IS 9920, and IS 8623.
Use ERA’s compliance scoring tool to identify and prioritize high-risk SKUs.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | All types of switchgear and control gear equipment operating at voltages not exceeding 1000 volts, including assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components. |
| HS Codes | 8536, 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 equipment); for sub-assemblies/components – date to be separately notified via Gazette. |
| Certification Requirement | Mandatory BIS certification under Scheme X (ISI Mark or Certificate of Conformity). |
| Pre-Certification Requirement | BIS registration, IS standard selection, technical documentation, lab testing, and factory audit (if required). |
| Labeling Requirements | ISI mark or CoC, manufacturer name, voltage ratings, model number, safety warnings, and markings per Scheme X |
| Applicable Standards | IS 8623 (for LV panels), IS 14700, IS/IEC 60204-1, IS 16504, IS 16569 (Type B); Type C standards (if notified for product-specific gear). |
| Industries Affected | Electrical panel manufacturers, OEMs, construction contractors, power distribution companies, infrastructure developers. |
| Target Stakeholders | Manufacturers (domestic/foreign), importers, panel integrators, suppliers |
| Exemptions | Export-only products, items covered under other BIS QCOs, or those regulated under CMVR, 1989. |
| Scheme X Highlights | Certification includes registration, technical file, safety marking, ISI or CoC option, and BIS-authorized lab testing. |
| 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 registration with BIS, identify relevant IS codes, start compliance process and complete certification before 1 Sept 2026. |
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.
Get in touch with us today
QCO Title & Notification
This product category is covered under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, issued via S.O. 3649(E) on 28 August 2024 and later amended by S.O. 2579(E) on 12 June 2025. The regulatory framework is enforced under Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the BIS Act, 2016, and notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India.
Objective & Coverage
The QCO aims to enhance the safety, reliability, and quality of low-voltage switchgear and control gear equipment used in electrical panels and distribution systems. It applies to all devices operating at voltages not exceeding 1000V, including complete assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components—both manufactured in India and imported. This ensures conformity with Indian Standards and eliminates substandard electrical products from the market.
Effective Date
The Order will be enforced from 1 September 2026 for all fully assembled switchgear and control gear equipment.
For components and sub-assemblies, the enforcement date will be notified separately via Gazette.
Certification & Scheme
All manufacturers and importers must obtain mandatory BIS certification under Scheme X. They may either:
- Obtain a License to use the ISI Mark, or
- Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) if the ISI mark isn’t applicable.
Without BIS certification, the sale, import, or distribution of such products is prohibited post the effective date.
Pre-Certification Requirement
To qualify for BIS certification, the manufacturer must:
- Register with BIS.
- Identify relevant IS standards.
- Submit a complete technical file with risk assessment, drawings, and product specs.
- Undergo type testing through a BIS-recognized lab.
- Participate in a factory audit (if required by BIS).
Labeling & Compliance
Certified products must bear the following:
- ISI mark or Certificate of Conformity number.
- Manufacturer’s name and address.
- Product type/model and voltage rating.
- Safety instructions and pictograms.
All labeling must conform to Scheme X requirements and Indian safety labeling protocols.
Applicable Indian Standards (IS Codes)
The following standards apply for product compliance:
- Type A: General safety design (IS 16819 based on ISO 12100).
- Type B: Electrical/mechanical safety (IS/IEC 60204-1, IS 16504, IS 16569, IS 14700).
- Type C: Product-specific standards like IS 8623 (for low-voltage switchboards and panels).
Type C standards take precedence if there is a conflict with Type A or B standards.
HS Code and Product Description
8536 : Electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1000 V.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LV Switchgear Panels & Boards | 8536, 8537 | IS 8623, IS 14700, IS 16504 | Type B/C | Power Distribution, Commercial Buildings, OEMs. |
| Control Gear Components | 8538 | IS/IEC 60204-1, IS 16569, IS 16819 | Type A/B | Panel Builders, Automation Industry, Infra Projects |
Additional Notes
- Scheme X mandates the submission of a technical compliance file, proper labeling, and surveillance by BIS.
- Certification is site-specific—each manufacturing location requires separate approval.
- Imported goods must be sourced from BIS-certified foreign manufacturers.
- The regulation aims to eliminate unsafe, non-standard switchgear from the Indian market.
Industries & Stakeholders Impacted
- Electrical equipment manufacturers.
- Panel builders and integrators.
- EPC and power utility contractors.
- Importers and commercial/residential project developers.
- Government and private procurement agencies.
Exemptions
This Order does not apply to:
- Products manufactured exclusively for export.
- Items already covered under other BIS QCOs.
- Products under MoRTH’s CMVR regime, if applicable.
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.
- Blacklisting from public procurement or tenders.
- Fines up to ₹2 lakh (₹5 lakh for repeat offences),
- Imprisonment (up to 2 years) and other legal action under BIS Act, 2016.
Summary & Next Steps
All switchgear and control gear equipment operating at or below 1000V must comply with BIS certification under Scheme X by 1 September 2026. Stakeholders must complete registration, identify applicable IS standards (especially IS 8623), conduct lab testing, and ensure accurate labeling. Products without certification or proper markings will be prohibited from sale or import. BIS will monitor compliance via inspections and enforcement powers.
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.