India is transforming its manufacturing landscape by bringing multiple industries under a unified product safety framework. The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), marks a major milestone in that journey.
For years, each machinery segment operated under separate BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs), creating overlaps, delays, and inconsistent standards. The 2024 order changes that by introducing a single compliance regime known as the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR). This regulation aims to ensure that every machine, component, and electrical assembly sold or imported in India meets uniform BIS safety standards.
Whether you are a pump manufacturer in Coimbatore, a textile machinery exporter in Surat, or an importer of electrical switchgear from Europe, OTR compliance will directly impact how you do business from 2026 onward.
The Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR) is a comprehensive safety framework that consolidates multiple product-specific QCOs into one unified regulation. It mandates that all covered machinery and electrical equipment must:
This framework is similar in structure to the European Union’s Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), aligning India’s manufacturing system with global best practices.
| Stage | Milestone | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Gazette Notification | OTR Order published by MHI | 28 August 2024 |
| BIS Portal Activation | OTR Scheme X application window opens | Early 2025 |
| Transition Phase | Industry testing and documentation phase | FY 2024–25 |
| Enforcement Deadline | Mandatory BIS license for covered products | 1 September 2026 (extended from 2025) |
Manufacturers and importers should begin sample testing and documentation by mid-2025 to avoid delays once enforcement begins.
Before OTR, manufacturers dealing in multiple machinery types needed several separate BIS registrations. This increased both compliance costs and time to market. The OTR simplifies this process through a centralized system and harmonized standards.
The government’s goal is not only to regulate but also to help Indian manufacturers compete globally. A unified BIS framework ensures consistent product quality, reduces import dependence, and enhances export credibility.
Below are the ten major sectors currently notified under the Omnibus Technical Regulation, along with upcoming categories that may follow in the next phase.
Examples: Centrifugal pumps, liquid elevators, and hydraulic systems
Standards: IS 5120 / IS 1520 series
Industries: Water infrastructure, HVAC, agriculture, and firefighting systems
A water pump manufacturer in Gujarat, for instance, had to secure early BIS testing in 2024 to qualify for government tenders. Without OTR certification, their products were ineligible for public projects.
Includes air compressors, vacuum pumps, and industrial blowers.
Standards: IS 5456 and IS 10431
Industries: Automotive, HVAC, and industrial manufacturing
Manufacturers must maintain BIS-approved test reports and factory audit evidence to ensure smooth compliance renewals.
Applies to furnaces, heating, and cooling units used in food processing, ceramics, and chemical industries. These machines must now comply with safety and efficiency standards that prevent thermal hazards.
Relevant for pharmaceutical, chemical, and laboratory sectors. OTR mandates that these machines include proper safety interlocks, containment systems, and documented waste-disposal protocols.
Includes filling, sealing, wrapping, and labeling systems.
Industries: FMCG, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical packaging
For example, a packaging importer in Noida faced costly customs delays when an unregistered machine was held for testing. Early OTR registration prevents such business disruptions.
Standards: IS 3177 and IS 807
Industries: Construction, logistics, ports, and steel manufacturing
These machines must comply with mechanical safety and load-test standards. Non-compliance can lead to penalties under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016.
Covers excavators, crushers, and road rollers used in infrastructure projects.
Requirement for foreign manufacturers: Must appoint an Indian Authorized Representative for BIS factory inspections under FMCS.
Standards: IS 2977 / IS 15353
Industries: Textile and garment manufacturing
In Surat, a weaving-loom importer reduced clearance delays by pre-registering under OTR, ensuring faster customs processing and BIS verification.
Examples: Lathes, grinders, milling machines
Standards: IS 15870 / EN ISO 23125
This category plays a vital role in export manufacturing. BIS certification under OTR boosts acceptance in ASEAN and GCC markets where reciprocal testing recognition is increasing.
Includes transformers, motors, converters, and switchboards.
Transition: Products currently under the CRS scheme must migrate to Scheme X by FY 2026.
| S.No. | Category | Examples | Indicative BIS Standards | Industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pumps | Centrifugal pumps | IS 5120 / IS 1520 | Water, HVAC |
| 2 | Compressors | Vacuum pumps | IS 5456 | Automotive |
| 3 | Thermal Machinery | Furnaces | IS 4369 | Food, ceramics |
| 4 | Centrifuges | Filters | IS 9406 | Pharma |
| 5 | Packaging | Sealers | IS 8598 | FMCG |
| 6 | Cranes | EOT Cranes | IS 3177 | Ports |
| 7 | Construction | Excavators | IS 11091 | Mining |
| 8 | Textile | Looms | IS 2977 | Textiles |
| 9 | Machine Tools | Lathes | IS 15870 | Engineering |
| 10 | Electrical | Transformers | IS 2026 | Power |
These categories are under consultation between BIS, MoP, and MoEFCC, expected to be included in future amendments.
| Step | Action | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify HS Code and applicable BIS standard | Manufacturer / Importer |
| 2 | Apply for BIS registration under Scheme X | Applicant |
| 3 | Submit samples to BIS-recognized laboratory | License applicant |
| 4 | Undergo factory inspection and audit | BIS and applicant |
| 5 | Obtain license and mark product with IS number | Licensee |
| 6 | File annual returns and allow surveillance audit | Manufacturer / Importer |
| Sector | Scheme | Deadline | Testing Start | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumps & Compressors | Scheme X | 1 Sept 2026 | Q2 FY 2025–26 | Begin testing early to avoid lab delays |
| Packaging Machinery | Scheme X | 1 Sept 2026 | Q3 FY 2025–26 | Review overlaps with 2023 QCOs |
| Cranes & Lifting | Scheme X | 1 Sept 2026 | Q1 FY 2025–26 | Maintain inspection video evidence |
| Textile Machinery | Scheme X | 1 Sept 2026 | Q3 FY 2025–26 | Prepare test documentation in advance |
| Switchgear & Transformers | CRS + OTR | FY 2026 | FY 2025 | Migrate existing CRS licenses |
| Construction & Mining | Scheme X | 1 Sept 2026 | FY 2025 | Integrate EPR and CPCB compliance |
Under Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016:
Beyond monetary penalties, non-compliance also results in loss of credibility, tender disqualification, and potential legal action.
| Region | Equivalent Regulation | Key Focus | Alignment with OTR |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) | Safety, CE marking | High |
| United States | OSHA / UL Listing | Electrical safety | Medium |
| China | CCC Mark System | Compulsory certification | High |
By aligning with international standards, OTR allows Indian manufacturers to strengthen export competitiveness and attract global investors.
Early adopters of OTR compliance are likely to face fewer disruptions, enjoy priority processing, and gain an edge in international trade.
Green Permits Consulting helps manufacturers, importers, and exporters navigate the entire BIS OTR process — from identifying applicable standards to securing certification and managing renewals.
Our expertise covers:
Contact us today to streamline your OTR certification process:
Phone: +91 78350 06182
Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
Website: www.greenpermits.in
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), Government of India.
Scheme X of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations 2018.
1 September 2026 (extended timeline).
Yes — assemblies, sub-assemblies, and critical parts fall under OTR scope.
All imports under notified HS codes must carry valid BIS registration; DGFT will not clear unlicensed goods.
Yes. Phase 2 (2025–27) is expected to include agricultural, renewable, and battery-powered machinery.
