Understanding the OTR Scheme in India: A Simple Guide

In recent years, the Indian government has taken strong steps to ensure that only high-quality and safe products are made available to Indian consumers. One of the key initiatives under this goal is the OTR Scheme, also known as OTR BIS Registration Scheme. This scheme helps regulate and monitor the quality of products through mandatory certification and registration.

If you're a manufacturer, importer, or business dealing with products under the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), understanding the OTR Scheme is crucial. This blog will explain everything you need to know about the OTR Scheme in India in the simplest way possible.

What is the OTR Scheme?

OTR stands for Other Than Regular. It is a special type of registration process introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This scheme is designed for products that fall under specific QCOs (Quality Control Orders) but are not covered under the regular BIS certification schemes.

In simple terms, when a product doesnt fall under the usual BIS schemes like CRS or ISI, but is still regulated under a QCO, it must follow the OTR BIS Registration process.

Why is the OTR Scheme Important?

• Compliance with Indian Standards: OTR ensures that your product meets the Indian Standard even if its not part of the regular BIS list.

• Market Access: Products registered under the OTR scheme can be legally sold in the Indian market.

• Avoid Penalties: Non-compliance with QCOs can lead to product seizures, penalties, and even bans.

• Customer Safety: It helps in ensuring that only quality and tested products reach consumers.

What is BIS OTR QCO?

BIS OTR QCO refers to the combination of two important concepts:

• BIS: Bureau of Indian Standards the national standards body of India.

• OTR QCO: Products that are under a Quality Control Order but follow the Other Than Regular route for registration.

In this process, the Ministry of Commerce or other regulatory bodies notify certain products to be certified under QCOs. If your product is listed under a QCO but doesn't fall under ISI or CRS, then you must follow the OTR registration route.

Which Products Come Under the OTR Scheme?

OTR applies to unique or non-standard products that dont fit into existing regular certification schemes. These can include:

• Specialized machinery

• Industrial components

• Certain chemicals

• Technical or engineering products

The exact product list can vary based on government notifications and BIS updates.

Step-by-Step Process of OTR BIS Registration

Getting a BIS certificate through the OTR scheme involves the following steps:

1. Check Applicability

Check if your product is covered under any BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) but not under regular BIS schemes.

2. Filing the Application

You need to submit an application to BIS through their prescribed format for the OTR scheme. This includes:

• Product details

• Technical specifications

• Manufacturing unit information

3. Document Submission

Submit required documents such as:

• Factory license

• Test reports

• Manufacturing process details

• Undertakings and declarations

4. Product Testing

Samples of your product may need to be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory to verify compliance with Indian Standards.

5. Assessment by BIS

BIS will review the application and test results. If everything meets the standards, they will approve the registration.

6. Grant of Registration

Once approved, you receive the BIS certificate under the OTR scheme, which allows you to manufacture or import the product in India.

Role of an OTR BIS Registration Consultant

Understanding the technicalities and documentation involved in the OTR process can be difficult. Thats where a professional OTR BIS Registration Consultant can help.

A consultant can:

• Identify whether your product requires OTR registration

• Handle document preparation and application filing

• Coordinate with labs for testing

• Assist in communication with BIS officers

• Ensure timely approval of your certificate

For this reason, businesses prefer working with experienced and trusted consultants.

Looking for the Right BIS OTR Consultant?

If you're searching for a reliable and experienced OTR BIS registration consultant, EVTL India is one of the leading names in this field.

With years of experience in BIS consultancy, EVTL India offers:

• End-to-end support in the OTR application process

• Technical guidance for complex product categories

• Fast and efficient handling of BIS documentation

• Assistance in lab testing and compliance

Whether you are a manufacturer or an importer, EVTL India ensures that you stay compliant and avoid any legal hurdles.

Documents Required for OTR BIS Registration

Heres a general list of documents needed during the application process:

• Cover letter and application form

• Product specifications

• User manuals or catalog

• Test report (if required)

• Undertaking from the manufacturer

• Factory license or trade certificate

Note: The list may change depending on the product category.

Benefits of BIS OTR Scheme for Manufacturers and Importers

• Legally Sell in India: Without BIS OTR registration, your product cannot be marketed or sold.

• Boost Consumer Trust: BIS certification boosts your product's credibility in the eyes of Indian consumers.

• Faster Market Entry: The OTR route provides a clear path to register special products under QCOs.

• Avoid Customs Issues: BIS-certified goods face fewer issues at Indian ports and customs.

Final Words

EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. The OTR Scheme in India is an essential process for businesses dealing with products under QCOs but not part of regular BIS schemes. It ensures that all products meet Indian quality and safety norms, even if they are specialized or technical in nature.

Navigating the OTR BIS registration process can be complex, but with the help of a trusted BIS Consultant for OTR Scheme, like EVTL India, you can simplify the process and get certified smoothly.

For any query or assistance in BIS registration under the OTR scheme, feel free to reach out to experts who understand both compliance and your business needs.