India’s regulatory landscape continues to evolve as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) strengthens its framework for product quality, safety, and global competitiveness. Following major announcements in early 2025, companies exporting to or manufacturing in India now face both new opportunities and stricter compliance requirements.
This article highlights the most recent BIS updates (March–July 2025) and provides a practical look at the certification pathway under Scheme-X, the scheme that regulates high-risk industrial machinery and electrical equipment under the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR).
In March 2025, BIS released more than 200 new or updated standards across critical industries:
A six-month transition period allows use of older versions until September 17, 2025, after which only the new standards remain valid.
On April 10, 2025, BIS announced 16 additional standards covering:
These new standards replace outdated ones, which will be withdrawn by October 10, 2025. Hospitals, manufacturers, and service providers are advised to transition without delay.
Between April and May 2025, BIS engaged with more than 300 startups across Chennai, Mumbai, and Varanasi. These discussions focused on harmonizing Indian standards with global ones and supporting innovation through product and system standardization—an important move to make Indian startups more competitive internationally.
March 2025 saw the implementation of new QCOs covering chemicals and hardware products. Examples include:
These standards now fall under mandatory BIS certification, reinforcing compliance in critical industrial sectors.
A significant development for the furniture industry was the notification of the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 on February 14, 2025. Products covered include:
Implementation begins February 13, 2026, with an extended deadline of August 2026 for MSMEs under India’s MSME Act. Importantly, the QCO applies to finished furniture products, not raw materials like wood boards, laminates, or upholstery.
India will host the 89th International Electrotechnical Commission General Meeting (IECGM 2025) in New Delhi from September 15–19, 2025, under the theme “Fostering a Sustainable World.” With more than 2,000 delegates from 150+ countries, the event will spotlight green energy, AI, e-mobility, and smart standardization.
Scheme-X provides two routes:
Applicants must prepare a detailed file that includes:
The Product Compliance Report must cover:
Foreign companies face additional obligations:
Provision of a Performance Bank Guarantee of USD 10,000
BIS has defined clear statutory fees for Scheme-X:
Applications may be rejected for:
BIS operates multiple certification pathways, each with distinct requirements:
Licenses under Scheme I and II are valid for two years, while Scheme-X licenses are valid for three years.
With the OTR deadline of September 1, 2026, companies have just over a year to prepare. The recent updates make it clear that compliance will not only be strictly enforced but also resource-intensive, especially for foreign manufacturers.
Businesses should prioritize:
India’s BIS framework is rapidly aligning with international standards, but the compliance requirements are also becoming more stringent. For manufacturers and exporters of industrial machinery, electrical equipment, and regulated consumer goods, Scheme-X represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Those who prepare early—by building technical documentation, engaging local partners, and staying informed of BIS notifications—will be well-positioned to access India’s growing market. Those who delay risk costly disruptions, delayed approvals, or even exclusion from the market.
Now is the time to invest in compliance readiness. The 2026 OTR deadline will arrive faster than expected.
