BIS Scheme X Certification
What is BIS Scheme X Certification about?
BIS Scheme X refers to the Management Systems Certification services offered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Unlike BIS's product certification schemes like the ISI Mark, Scheme X focuses on certifying an organization's management processes rather than individual products.
Under this scheme, BIS provides certification for various international and national standards like ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems).
By obtaining certification under Scheme X, an organization proves that it operates in a systematic, efficient, and quality-driven manner, enhancing trust among customers, regulatory bodies, and international markets.
For example, a manufacturing company certified for ISO 9001 under Scheme X assures its clients that their processes are standardized to deliver consistent quality, minimize defects, and continually improve operations.
Similarly, ISO 14001 certification under this scheme would show that the organization systematically manages its environmental responsibilities, such as reducing waste or pollution.
Certification under Scheme X is voluntary but highly valuable — it enhances brand reputation, improves internal efficiencies, ensures compliance with regulations, and boosts competitiveness both domestically and internationally.
Which products are covered?
BIS Scheme X does not directly certify products.
Instead, it certifies the management systems of organizations across all industries.
The major standards certified under BIS Scheme X include:
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ISO 9001 — Quality Management Systems
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ISO 14001 — Environmental Management Systems
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ISO 45001 — Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
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ISO 22000 — Food Safety Management Systems
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ISO 27001 — Information Security Management Systems
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ISO 50001 — Energy Management Systems
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ISO 13485 — Medical Devices Quality Management Systems
Any organization — whether private, public, NGO, manufacturing, service sector, or educational institution — can apply for certification under BIS Scheme X.
This includes:
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Manufacturers
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Exporters
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Government bodies
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Hospitals
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Schools and universities
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IT service companies
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Food processing industries
Essentially, any entity seeking to standardize its internal management processes and demonstrate commitment to quality, safety, environment, or information security can apply.
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The typical timeline for obtaining certification under BIS Scheme X is:
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Initial Application + Document Review: 1–2 months
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Pre-assessment / Stage 1 Audit: 1 month
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Final Certification Audit / Stage 2 Audit: 1–2 months
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Certification Decision and Grant: 1 month
Total estimated timeline: 4–6 months, depending on the organization's size, complexity, and readiness.
Organizations that already have well-implemented management systems and internal audits completed may experience faster processing.
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Before applying for BIS Scheme X certification, an organization should ensure:
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Management system implementation: The applicable ISO standard(s) must already be implemented internally.
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Internal audits and Management Review: These must be completed before applying.
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Proper documentation: Includes Quality Manual, Procedures, Work Instructions, and Records.
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Top management commitment: Senior leadership must actively support certification efforts.
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Corrective actions on non-conformities: Any issues found in internal audits should be closed.
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No, it is voluntary. However, it is often required when bidding for large projects, government tenders, or expanding internationally.
Certification is typically valid for 3 years, subject to annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
The certificate may be suspended or withdrawn if the company fails to maintain the certified management system.