Important Update on India BIS Certification: New Requirements for Machinery & Electrical Equipment Manufacturers
We would like to inform you of an important regulatory change that will affect both foreign and local manufacturers, as well as importers, suppliers, and distributors, of machinery and electrical equipment in India. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MoHI) has introduced the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) for Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety, which will take effect on 28 August 2025.
Through the Quality Control Order (QCO), 20 categories of machinery and electrical equipments, as well as their sub-assemblies and components, are covered under compulsory certification of BIS.
Key Requirement Under the OTR: Mandatory Certification
All machinery and electrical equipment, including assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components covered under the OTR, must be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification ensures compliance with safety norms and quality, before these products can be sold or distributed within the country.
Who Must Comply with the OTR?
The OTR impact various stakeholders involved in manufacturing, importing, and distributing machinery and electrical equipment in India. The following groups need to comply:
1. Foreign Manufacturers
Any foreign manufacturing company exporting machinery and electrical equipment, including assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components to India – subject to the OTR obligations – must obtain BIS certification for their products as foreign manufacturer using an Authorized India Representative.
2. Domestic Manufacturers
Indian companies manufacturing machinery and electrical equipment, including assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components – subject to the OTR obligations – must obtain BIS certification for their products.
Important Note
Importers, suppliers, and distributors based in India who supply machinery and electrical products under the scope of the OTR – without manufacturing them – must ensure that their foreign manufacturing partners obtain BIS certification for these products before the 28th of August 2025. This BIS certification will cover the products they import, supply, or distribute in India as part of the Foreign Manufacturer Certification process. Collaborating with foreign suppliers is crucial to ensuring compliance.
Product Scope
The OTR covers a huge range of products identified by specific HS codes which include hundreds of items across various industries, from industrial machinery to electrical equipment. To determine if your products fall under the OTR, contact us at indiabis@reachlaw.fi for a detailed list and guidance on your BIS certification strategy.
Why Compliance Is Critical
1. Market Access
BIS certification is required for products under the scope of the OTR. Non-compliance will result in a ban on sales from 28 August 2025.
2. Avoiding Disruptions
Failure to comply will cause supply chain disruptions, for both foreign and local manufacturers.
3. Product Safety
Compliance ensures products meet high safety, quality, risk assessment and risk reduction standards, safeguarding consumers and enhancing your brand reputation.
4. Substandard Imports
Compliance helps prevent the entry of low-quality products, ensuring machines are safe for intended use.
5. Legal Protection
Non-compliance can lead to penalties and legal consequences, disrupting business operations.
In summary, complying with the OTR ensures continued market access, product quality, and regulatory alignment, while protecting your business from legal and operational risks.
Next Steps
We recommend initiating the BIS certification process now to ensure compliance ahead of the 2025 deadline. REACHLaw India is ready to assist you as your Authorized Representative or service provider throughout this BIS certification process including its maintenance.
Enforcement & Compliance
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will oversee OTR enforcement. MoHI has launched awareness programs and an online registration system for OEMs, including foreign manufacturers and their subsidiaries, to streamline the compliance process.
To avoid disruptions and maintain market access, begin the certification process immediately. For assistance or more information, contact us at indiabis@reachlaw.fi.