Machinery & Electrical Equipment Safety (OTR) Order Withdrawn – Impact on BIS Scheme X Certification

Introduction

The Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, has issued a significant Gazette notification in January 2026 withdrawing the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024. This notification has created widespread discussion among manufacturers, importers, and compliance professionals, particularly regarding the status of BIS Scheme X certification.

In this article we explain the exact legal meaning of the Scheme X - OTR notification, its impact on Scheme X, and what manufacturers should do next—based strictly on the official Gazette of India.

Official Gazette Notification – BIS Scheme X Certification 2026

As per the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, published by the Ministry of Heavy Industries:

• Notification Number: S.O. 239(E)
• Order Date: 14 January 2026
• Gazette Publication Date: 16 January 2026
• Issued Under: Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016

The Central Government has rescinded (withdrawn) the earlier notification S.O. 3649(E) dated 28 August 2024, which had introduced the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, with immediate effect.

• The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024
• The legal enforcement mechanism that made Scheme X certification mandatory for machinery and electrical equipment

What Exactly Has Been Withdrawn Under the Latest Scheme X notification?

It is extremely important to understand the scope of this withdrawal.

Withdrawn:

• The Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024
• The legal enforcement mechanism that made Scheme X certification mandatory for machinery and electrical equipment

NOT Withdrawn:

• BIS Scheme X
• BIS Act, 2016
• Product standards or Indian Standards (IS)
• BIS's authority to operate Scheme X

The Gazette notification does not mention the withdrawal of Scheme X anywhere in the document

Why the Government Withdrew the OTR Order?

While the Gazette does not provide detailed reasoning, it clearly states that the action was taken "in the public interest" under the powers conferred by Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. This indicates a policy-level decision, not a rejection of product safety or certification systems.

Common Misconception: "Scheme X Has Been Withdrawn"

Many online sources and industry discussions incorrectly claim: that "Scheme X has been permanently withdrawn in 2026".

This statement is legally incorrect.

The official Gazette:

• Withdraws the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order
• Does NOT withdraw Scheme X

Using incorrect wording can lead to misguidance, compliance errors, and legal exposure for manufacturers.

What Should Manufacturers Do Now?

For Indian Manufacturers

• No immediate mandatory Scheme X certification requirement
• Continue monitoring Government and BIS notifications
• Voluntary certification may still be considered for market credibility

For Foreign Manufacturers & Importers

• Mandatory Scheme X compliance is currently not enforceable
• However, product-specific QCOs or future re-notifications may apply

Strategic Recommendation

Manufacturers should stay prepared for re-introduction of technical regulations under a revised framework.

Will Scheme X Become Mandatory Again?

The withdrawal of the OTR Order does not prevent the Government from:

• Issuing a new technical regulation
• Re-notifying enforcement dates
• Introducing product-specific Quality Control Orders (QCOs)

Hence, Scheme X may still become mandatory in the future through a new Gazette notification.

Conclusion

The Gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries marks an important regulatory development for manufacturers dealing in machinery and electrical equipment. As per S.O. 239(E) dated 14 January 2026, the Government has rescinded the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024 with immediate effect. This action has led to widespread confusion in the industry, particularly around the status of BIS Scheme X.

It is crucial to clearly understand that Scheme X itself has not been withdrawn, cancelled, or abolished. The Gazette notification does not mention Scheme X withdrawal anywhere. What has been withdrawn is only the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order, 2024, which earlier acted as the legal instrument to make Scheme X compliance mandatory for certain categories of machinery and electrical equipment. As a result, the mandatory enforcement of Scheme X currently stands suspended.

Scheme X continues to exist as a valid BIS conformity assessment scheme under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, and the Government retains full authority to reintroduce mandatory requirements through a fresh notification or a new regulatory framework in the future. Manufacturers, importers, and foreign manufacturers are therefore advised to stay updated with official BIS and Gazette notifications and avoid relying on unverified claims. Strategic compliance preparedness remains essential despite the temporary regulatory relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is BIS Scheme X withdrawn in 2026?

No, BIS Scheme X has not been withdrawn in 2026. The Gazette notification withdraws only the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024. Scheme X continues to exist as a BIS conformity assessment scheme.

2. What exactly does the notification say?

The notification rescinds S.O. 3649(E) dated 28 August 2024, which introduced the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order, 2024. The withdrawal is effective immediately and is issued under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016.

3. Is Scheme X mandatory after the notification?

No. Since the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order has been withdrawn, mandatory enforcement of Scheme X is currently on hold until further notification by the Government.

4. Does this affect Indian and foreign manufacturers equally?

Yes. The withdrawal of the Omnibus Technical Regulation Order applies to all manufacturers and importers, including foreign manufacturers, as far as mandatory Scheme X enforcement is concerned.

5. Where can the official notification be verified?

The notification is published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, dated 16 January 2026, issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.