India's regulatory landscape for machinery and electrical safety is in flux, marked by recent withdrawals and extensions of key Quality Control Orders (QCOs), leaving the implementation date for crucial safety rules uncertain. This situation has created a mixed response from domestic manufacturers and foreign suppliers, who are navigating the evolving compliance requirements.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) initially issued the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024, mandating Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for a wide range of machinery and electrical equipment. This order aimed to enhance product safety and quality, aligning with international standards. The original implementation date was set for August 2025, one year after its publication. However, the MHI has since extended the enforcement date to September 1, 2026, providing much-needed relief to both Indian and foreign entities.
The extension was granted through the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Amendment Order, 2025. This amendment reflects the government's consideration of challenges raised by the industry, including the complexities of the licensing process and the overall compliance burden, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs face substantial hurdles in meeting the requirements of the OTR Order, including increased costs and intricate procedures.
The BIS is developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and operational mechanisms to streamline the implementation process. One guideline regarding the application process was issued on July 11, 2025.
Adding to the shifting regulatory environment, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has also extended the implementation timeline for the QCO on Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances. Originally slated to take effect earlier, the order will now be enforced from March 19, 2026, for domestic large and medium enterprises, as well as foreign manufacturers. This decision followed stakeholder consultations led by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, acknowledging concerns about implementation challenges and existing inventory. Further concessions include additional time for small and micro-enterprises to comply.
These QCOs are part of a broader government initiative to establish a robust quality ecosystem in India and curb the import of substandard products. This initiative involves developing quality testing labs and product manuals to support the "Made in India" campaign.
The OTR Order's impact is expected to be significant, potentially affecting approximately 4% of India's total imports. Imports of HSN codes falling under the OTR Order's scope, including both complete equipment and components, amounted to roughly USD 28.86 billion in the financial year 2024-25. The order covers 20 categories of machinery and electrical equipment, along with their assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components, mandating compliance with Indian Standards and the use of the BIS Standard Mark.
While the extension provides additional time for businesses to adapt, the effective date for enforcement concerning assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components will be separately notified by the MHI, adding another layer of complexity to the implementation process.
