BIS X Certification for Machines in India: Deadline suspended – what now?

If you are planning your India compliance for machinery and equipment, you should take a close look: The Indian government has  suspended BIS certification according to Scheme X for numerous products from HS 84/85 (machines/systems including components/assemblies) until further notice. Currently, there is no binding deadline for when a Scheme X license must be available.

Timeline:

1. Mandatory start originally: 28.08.2025
2. Postponed in summer 2025: to 01.09.2026
3. Now: Deadline cancelled/suspended – no implementation deadline.

Important: The registration requirement has not been abolished. It is a temporary suspension of the deadline, not a political retreat.

Why this is no surprise

It was foreseeable that it would jerk again – for three very practical reasons:

1. Regulatory framework not yet final: For many product categories, product-specific requirements and supplementary documents are still missing. Without this, BIS cannot process applications properly.
2. Standards puzzle still in progress: Scheme X refers to Indian safety standards – but many machine-specific Type C standards have not yet been finally harmonized.
3. Machine safety is new territory for BIS: know-how and test structures are only just being established; Training programs for BIS officers are underway. That takes time.

In short, BIS needs more lead time to implement Scheme X in a practical way. That’s exactly why first postponement, now suspension.

What does this mean for manufacturers now?

✅ No immediate import/sales stop as long as there is no new deadline.

✅ Certification is still possible – and strategically smart. Applications are accepted, the first procedures are underway (especially Indian manufacturers).

⚠️ Duty is coming back. As soon as the open points have been resolved, a new deadline will be announced  – many expect it to be concretized in 2026 and implemented in the direction of 2027.

⏳ If you wait, you lose time. Document preparation often takes months, processing times can  be >12 months – and experience has shown that BIS will process the applications that have already been submitted first.

Our clear recommendation

Even without a deadline, the following applies: Prepare smartly now instead of reacting frantically later.

1. Check scope: HS codes, product lists, components.
2. Prepare technology and standards: gap analysis, documents, audit trails.
3. Start your strategy early: Finish your application – or submit it directly.

This way, you are able to act immediately when the BIS flips the switch again and do not risk any delivery failure.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – December 2025

We regularly publish advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regarding upcoming Quality Control Orders. Affected products must be BIS-certified in order to be imported and sold in India. Several standards will come into effect over the next month, one for the chemicals p-Xylene and one for Toluene.

The Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are mandatory regulations that ensure certain products comply with national quality standards. While BIS standards are usually voluntary, QCOs make compliance compulsory for the specified products. This is intended to protect human health, animals, and the environment, as well as to ensure product quality in India. QCOs apply to a wide range of products such as chemicals, metals, toys, and electrical goods. Violations of QCOs can result in severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

Below is an overview of the new Quality Control Orders that will come into force next month:

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

India – Implementation of BIS Scheme X Certification Requirement for Electrical Equipment Postponed

The Indian Ministry of Heavy Industries has announced a postponement in the implementation of the next phase of the Electrical Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020, as amended by the Second Amendment Order, 2024. According to Notification S.O. 5038(E), issued on November 6, 2025, the enforcement date for all product categories listed in the amendment’s table—excluding those under Sr. No. 1.1(a), which took effect on November 10, 2024—has been deferred until further notice. This delay follows previous extensions granted under earlier notifications, including the latest issued on May 5, 2025. According to the original implementation plan, the affected products were to require BIS Scheme X certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The original 2020 Quality Control Order was first notified under S.O. 4044(E) on November 11, 2020, and has since undergone multiple timeline extensions and amendments. These include S.O. 4492(E) dated October 18, 2021, S.O. 5083(E) dated October 28, 2022, and S.O. 2007(E) dated May 5, 2025. Further modifications were introduced through the Amendment Order, 2023 (S.O. 2132(E), May 9, 2023) and the Second Amendment Order, 2024 (S.O. 1896(E), May 3, 2024).

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

Updated BIS Standard for Audio/Video and ICT Equipment in India

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has formally initiated the transition from IS 13252: Part 1: 2010 and IS 616:2017 to the updated IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 standard, as detailed in a Gazette notification dated November 7, 2025. This move introduces a newly defined product category while allowing for a concurrent period during which the old and new standards will remain in effect. The revised standard, IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, titled “Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements,” will fully replace IS 13252 and IS 616 after November 1, 2028. Audio/Video and ICT products usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The shift to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 brings several advantages, including the unification of AV and ICT safety requirements into a single framework, which eliminates redundancies and simplifies compliance. The new standard also enhances compatibility with international IEC norms, improving global trade prospects and market accessibility. Additionally, it supports emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). MeitY has allowed a three-year transition period for current license holders, following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. Comprehensive migration guidelines for both existing and new BIS licensees are expected to be released in the near future.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Issues New Safety and Marking Requirements for LED Modules

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced a revision of the standard governing LED modules used in general lighting applications. The updated regulation, IS 16103 (Part 1):2025 / IEC 62031:2018, replaces the previous version, IS 16103 (Part 1):2012, and will be enforced starting January 21, 2026. Key changes in the new standard include the introduction of definitions for various types of LED modules, updated marking requirements, the addition of safety tests such as abnormal temperature and photobiological safety testing, and changes related to voltage marking and luminaire design. After the implementation date, the previous version will be withdrawn and licenses not complying with the new requirements will be subject to cancellation. LED modules used in general lighting usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

BIS certification is a mandatory compliance system under Indian law to ensure product safety, quality, and performance. For electrical components like LED modules, manufacturers must demonstrate conformity with the applicable IS standards through testing by BIS-recognized laboratories. Both existing licensees and new applicants must align with the updated IS 16103 (Part 1):2025 standard before the final implementation date to obtain or retain certification for market access in India.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

India Revises Compliance Deadlines for Six Chemical Quality Control Orders

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, through a series of notifications published in the Gazette of India on April 25, 2025, has amended the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for several chemical substances. These include Lauric Acid, Acid Oil, Palm Fatty Acids, Rice Bran Fatty Acids, Coconut Fatty Acids, and Hydrogenated Rice Bran Fatty Acids. Each amendment introduces a revised enforcement date—now uniformly set to October 24, 2025. These updates follow consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and are deemed necessary in the public interest under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. The amendments are formal continuations of previously issued QCOs originally notified between 2022 and 2024. Many chemicals usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – October 2025

We provide regular updates from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on upcoming Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that are about to take effect. Products covered by these orders require BIS certification to be eligible for import and sale in India. Over the next month, multiple new standards will be enforced, including those for aluminium semi-finished products for engineering applications, tools such as wrenches and pipe wrenches, household items made of stainless steel and aluminium, metals and alloys like nickel and zinc as well as various chemicals.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforces mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to ensure that certain products comply with national quality requirements. Unlike voluntary BIS certification, QCOs are legally binding for both domestic manufacturers and foreign suppliers. They aim to protect human health, the environment, and animal welfare, while also promoting consistent product quality across the market. QCOs apply to a wide range of product categories including electronics, metals, chemicals, and toys. Non-compliance may result in legal penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

Here an overview of the relevant Standards that will come into effect next month:

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

Revised BIS Standards to cover Broad Range of Screws in India

The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the implementation of the Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2025, superseding the 2024 version. Under the new directive, a broad range of screws must comply with relevant Indian Standards, and only those bearing the BIS Standard Mark—licensed under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018—will be permitted for distribution. The order comes into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, with phased implementation deadlines based on enterprise size. Most types of screws require BIS Certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

This regulation applies to a wide variety of screw types, including pan head, countersunk, raised countersunk, and hex washer head screws with tapping threads, among others. Exemptions have been granted for goods intended solely for export, components imported as part of assemblies, and imports meant for R&D up to 200 kg annually by OEMs, provided they are not sold commercially and are properly recorded. Additionally, certain small and micro enterprises registered under the Udyam portal are conditionally exempted based on investment and turnover thresholds. Certification and enforcement responsibilities fall under the Bureau of Indian Standards, with penalties outlined under the BIS Act, 2016.

Here a list of products and applicable standards:

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – September 2025

We regularly publish advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect shortly. Affected products must have BIS certification in order to be approved for import and distribution in India. Within the next month, several new standards will come into effect for different kinds of textiles as well as chemicals like polycarbonate, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer.

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforces Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to make compliance with national quality standards mandatory for certain products. In contrast to voluntary BIS certifications, QCOs are legally binding for both local producers and international suppliers of the specified goods. These regulations aim to safeguard consumer health, environmental protection, and animal welfare, while promoting consistency in product quality throughout the market. QCOs apply to diverse product categories, including electronics, chemicals, metals, and toys. Non-compliance can lead to legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

Here is an overview of the new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect next month:

India introduces new AIS Standards for Vehicle Safety and Construction

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has issued an updated list of Automotive Industry Standards (AIS). These standards are typically mandated under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) in India. The new publications cover various constructional and safety requirements for different vehicle types and systems. Many automotive products usually require AIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The newly published standards are as follows:

• AIS-180 – Specific requirements for motor vehicles intended for the carriage of dangerous and hazardous goods with regard to their constructional features
• AIS-181 – Approval of tank vehicles with regard to rollover stability
• AIS-188 – Approval of vehicles with regard to Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS)
• AIS-191 (Part 1) – Approval of vehicles with regard to Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS)
• AIS-192 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to Event Data Recorders (EDR)
• AIS-195A – Safety and procedural requirements for type approval of hydrogen-powered construction equipment vehicles
• AIS-199 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of road illumination devices (lamps) and systems for power-driven vehicles
• AIS-200 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of retro-reflective devices and markings for power-driven vehicles and their trailers
• AIS-201 – Requirements for the protection of occupants in the event of a frontal collision with a focus on restraint systems
• AIS-204 – Requirements for school vans
• AIS-206 – Safety and procedural requirements for type approval of hydrogen-powered vehicles (compressed gaseous hydrogen)

Depending on the product category, there are different certification steps. We will be happy to advise you on certification in India like AIS, BIS, WPC, TEC or PESO and are always available to answer your questions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details and consultation. You can contact us via e-mail, or call us (UK: +44 2071931135, Rest of Europe: +49 69 2713769261, US: +1 773 654-2673).
If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

You can also check out our free AIS-Brochure, which can be downloaded right here as a PDF file.