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Background: India BIS Certification Requirements for the Automotive Sector

India’s automotive industry is operating under increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks designed to enhance safety, and product quality. At the core of these regulations are the Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR), 2024 (Scheme X) and BIS Scheme I (ISI Mark).

While these are distinct frameworks, both require BIS certification for automotive components falling under their respective scopes by designated deadlines.

This newsletter explores the impact of India’s BIS certification under both OTR and BIS Scheme I and outlines the key steps that domestic and foreign manufacturers in the automotive sector must take to achieve and maintain compliance.

Omnibus Technical Regulation (OTR), 2024

Under OTR 2024 (also referred to as Scheme X), BIS certification is mandatory for 20 categories of machinery and electrical equipment, including a wide range of automotive components.

All products within the OTR scope must obtain BIS certification as per the order issued by Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India.

Examples of affected automotive products include:

• Liquid Filter, Air filters
• Gear & Gear Box
• Chain sprocket
• Transmission elements ball or roller screws,
• Speed changers, and more…

On the 13th of November 2025, the Ministry of Heavy Industries issued the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Second Amendment Order, 2025. With this amendment, the previously notified enforcement date of 1 September 2026 for the OTR has now been kept in abeyance, and the new effective date will be announced separately by the Government through a future notification.

This amendment provides additional time for manufacturers to complete their compliance activities for certification.

BIS Scheme I

BIS Scheme I mandates compulsory certification for a range of automotive components critical to safety, durability, and performance. These products must comply with Indian quality and safety standards before being placed on the market.

Examples of automotive products covered under BIS Scheme I include:

 

Keep in mind that automotive components under BIS Scheme I must be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Without this certification, they cannot be sold in India.

Starting the certification process early helps avoid costly delays and ensures uninterrupted market access to India.

Impact of BIS Certification on Automotive Component Manufacturers

Both OTR and BIS Scheme I impact automotive component manufacturers in India and abroad. To sell in the Indian market, manufacturers must ensure that all products within these schemes are BIS-certified and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

Domestic Manufacturers

• Compliance with OTR (Scheme X): Domestic manufacturers must ensure that automotive components such as Filters, gears, and other regulated items meet OTR’s technical and safety standards.
• Compliance with BIS Scheme I (ISI): For products such as Tires, Rims and safety glass for road transport, domestic manufacturers must adhere to BIS quality standards, complete the certification process, and must remain compliant to regulation.

Foreign Manufacturers

• Compliance with OTR (Scheme X): Foreign manufacturers selling automotive components in India must ensure compliance with OTR’s technical and safety standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards has recently issued a detailed Checklist for Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) under Scheme X (OTR), outlining requirements for documentation, technical files, appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), Factory Inspection and conformity with Indian Standards. The checklist helps ensure accurate and complete submissions by the applicable deadline, supporting a smooth certification process.
• Compliance with BIS Scheme I (ISI): Foreign manufacturers supplying automotive components to India, such as tires, Rims must also obtain BIS certification to demonstrate compliance with Indian Standard requirements.

Failure to comply with BIS regulations can lead to import, sales, distribution & manufacturing restrictions, market withdrawal, or other penalties, emphasizing the importance of timely and thorough certification.

Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)

For foreign manufacturers, appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is a mandatory and critical step. The AIR serves as the official liaison with BIS, managing communications, documentation, testing coordination, and compliance maintenance.

Foreign companies cannot register their products for BIS certification without an AIR, making this appointment essential to achieving certification and ongoing compliance.

How to Achieve Compliance with OTR and BIS Scheme I

Successfully navigating India’s regulatory landscape requires a structured and proactive approach to BIS certification. Key steps include:

1. Understanding the applicability of BIS Regulation and Budgeting: Review the Quality Control Order (QCO), the applicable Indian standards and identify whether they fall under OTR or BIS Scheme I for mandatory certification with applicable deadlines.
2. For Foreign Manufacturers: Review the Checklist from BIS to prepare all required documentation and appoint an AIR early.
3. Submit your applications(s) on time: Prepare and submit the application with required documentation, prepare for factory inspection, get sample tested at BIS recognized labs. Compliant products are awarded the BIS certification and allowed to use BIS standard mark, allowing them to be legally sold or manufactured in India.
4. Maintain Ongoing Compliance: Compliance is a continuous effort. Manufacturers must renew the certification on time, adhere to quality norms, maintain records of export and should be responsive to BIS.

Key Takeaways for the Automotive Sector

• BIS certification is mandatory for automotive components covered under OTR (Scheme X) and BIS Scheme I to ensure market access in India.
• Both domestic and foreign manufacturers must comply with India’s Quality Control Orders to meet required Quality, and safety standards.
• Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to manage the BIS certification process.
• The certification process includes documentation, factory inspection, testing and ongoing compliance maintenance.
• If your organization lacks in-house expertise, partner with an experienced BIS service provider to guide you through the process.
• BIS certification can be complex and time-consuming. Start early to ensure compliance before the applicable deadlines for your products listed under OTR and/or Scheme I.

Need Expert Support?

Not sure whether your automotive components require India BIS certification? Contact us for support.

REACHLaw India has extensive experience managing India BIS certification requirements. We act as both an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and a BIS compliance service provider, offering comprehensive support to the automotive industry and other sectors impacted by these regulations.

For expert guidance on India BIS certification or compliance with OTR Scheme X and BIS Scheme I (ISI), reach out to our team at indiabis@reachlaw.fi