BIS Guidelines for Metal Cutting Machines under Scheme-X (OTR 2024)

The Indian manufacturing landscape is rapidly transforming — driven by automation, innovation, and a renewed emphasis on safety and global standards.

To strengthen this ecosystem, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released Machine Category Specific Guidelines under the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order, 2024 — popularly known as the OTR 2024.

One of the most significant updates under this order applies to Metal Cutting Machines the backbone of modern manufacturing. Let’s understand what these new guidelines mean, why they matter, and how manufacturers can prepare for BIS certification under Scheme-X.

🧩 What Are These Guidelines About?

The BIS Metal Cutting Machine Guidelines (July 2025) are designed to help manufacturers, importers, and compliance professionals meet India’s mandatory safety and performance requirements.

In simpler terms — if you manufacture or import machines like milling, turning, EDM, sawing, or press machines, you’ll now need to prove that your machines meet Indian safety standards before they can be sold or installed in the country.

These guidelines act as a comprehensive roadmap for the certification process — explaining documentation, testing, risk analysis, and even how machines should be labelled and marked once certified.

⚙️ Why Did BIS Issue These Guidelines?

With India’s manufacturing industry expanding globally, ensuring worker safety and product reliability is now a national priority.

The guidelines were created to:

• Standardize how safety and conformity are assessed for each type of metal-cutting machine.
• Ensure uniformity in BIS certification across all regional and branch offices.
• Help manufacturers clearly understand what technical and safety data they need to submit.
• Align Indian practices with global ISO standards for machinery safety.

This marks a major step towards making Indian machinery globally compliant, safer, and more competitive.

🛠️ What Manufacturers Need to Know

Here’s what’s inside the new BIS framework for metal-cutting machines under Scheme-X:

1. Machine-Specific Technical Files
   Every manufacturer must submit a technical file for each machine type or model.
   This includes safety assessments, compliance reports, and risk evaluations based on applicable Indian Standards such as IS 16819 (ISO 12100) and various Type-C safety standards like IS 17253, IS 17258, IS 17277, etc.
2. Series and Grouping Guidelines
   Manufacturers with multiple machine models can group them under a single “family.”
   The most complex or high-risk machine in the family (known as the lead model) represents the group for certification — reducing repetitive testing and saving time.
3. Risk Assessment and Safety Checks
   Detailed checklists are provided for different machine types, covering mechanical, electrical, ergonomic, and radiation risks.
   Manufacturers must demonstrate that every identified hazard is minimized through design, protective measures, or clear safety instructions.
4. Labelling and Marking Requirements
   Every certified machine must carry:
• The BIS Standard Mark (CM/L number)
• Safety labels and warnings in English
• Clear information about the manufacturer, model, and applicable standards.
5. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
   For machines not made continuously (like custom or one-time builds), BIS will issue a CoC instead of a full licence — covering specific batch numbers or serials.

🌐 What This Means for Manufacturers and Importers

These new BIS guidelines are not just about compliance — they’re about building trust and credibility in India’s industrial ecosystem.
For manufacturers, this ensures:

• Fewer safety incidents and recalls.
• Greater acceptance in international markets.
• A stronger brand reputation backed by BIS approval.

For importers, it means clarity and consistency — every machine entering India will now meet the same safety benchmark.

💡 How to Prepare for BIS Certification

If you’re planning to apply for BIS certification under Scheme-X, here’s a quick roadmap:

1. Identify applicable Type A, B, and C standards for your machine.
2. Prepare a technical file with all compliance documentation.
3. Conduct a risk assessment and include supporting evidence.
4. Apply to BIS for Grant of Licence (GoL) or Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
5. Coordinate inspections and verification with BIS officials.

✅ Conclusion: A Step Toward Safer, Smarter Manufacturing

The introduction of these Machine Category Specific Guidelines represents a landmark move by BIS to create a safer, standardized, and more transparent industrial environment in India.

For the metal-cutting machine sector, this means the dawn of a new compliance era — one where safety, performance, and innovation work together to shape India’s global manufacturing future.