India’s regulatory landscape has always emphasized quality and safety through standardization. One of the latest developments enhancing this vision is the OTR Scheme, introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Officially known as the "Online Testing Request" system, the OTR Scheme brings a structured and efficient approach to streamline pre-registration for foreign and domestic manufacturers seeking ISI certification.
If you're a manufacturer, importer, or regulatory consultant, understanding the BIS OTR registration process is now more essential than ever. This blog decodes the technicalities of the OTR Scheme in India, the role of OTR BIS registration consultants, and how to move ahead compliantly and efficiently.
BIS OTR registration refers to the initial mandatory step before a product can be submitted for testing under any applicable Indian Standard. Earlier, manufacturers had to navigate a web of manual forms and disconnected portals. The OTR Scheme eliminates these hurdles by digitizing the entire pre-certification process.
Through this system, manufacturers must create an OTR profile, upload key documents, and submit online test requests to BIS-recognized laboratories. Only after successful testing under this pre-registration can the ISI certification process begin.
The OTR Scheme in India was launched with a clear mission — to improve transparency, traceability, and turnaround time in BIS certification. Here’s why it matters:
This shift reflects India’s commitment to becoming a global manufacturing and export hub while ensuring product quality through strict adherence to standards.
Whether you're an Indian MSME or a large foreign conglomerate, the OTR pre-registration for foreign & domestic manufacturers is mandatory for product categories notified under BIS schemes like FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme) or the Domestic ISI Scheme.
Manufacturers are required to:
Only after successful OTR submission can manufacturers proceed with sample dispatch to labs for testing.
This ensures that only qualified, standard-conforming applications proceed to the next level, minimizing backlogs and rejections.
Let’s face it — the regulatory language, document precision, and coordination with BIS-approved labs can become overwhelming. This is where an OTR BIS registration consultant becomes invaluable.
A professional consultant:
Their expertise helps prevent rejections, delays, and costly errors. In a space where timelines can directly affect market entry, having a consultant on your side often makes the difference.
BIS processes can be time-sensitive. The Number 1 OTR agent in India offers strategic advantages — deep understanding of BIS workflows, insider updates on policy shifts, and excellent coordination with labs and authorities.
When choosing an OTR agent or consultant, look for the following:
A top-tier OTR consultant doesn’t just handle paperwork — they become your compliance partner for long-term business growth in the Indian market.
The government issues BIS OTR QCOs (Quality Control Orders) to mandate certification for specific product categories. If your product falls under such a QCO, then BIS OTR registration becomes a non-negotiable starting point.
The presence of a QCO means:
Hence, registering under the OTR Scheme ensures that you’re ahead of the curve when QCO notifications are released. This proactive approach helps avoid stock blocks at customs and ensures business continuity.
The OTR Scheme in India is not just a formality — it’s a gateway to digital transformation in BIS processes. By shifting focus to structured pre-verification, the system brings:
In the long run, this digital shift supports India's vision of ‘Ease of Doing Business’ while maintaining high standards in product quality and consumer safety.
EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. The path to ISI certification starts with smart pre-registration. Whether you're manufacturing LED lights, kitchen appliances, or industrial goods, the BIS OTR registration is now your official gateway into the Indian market.
Don’t wait until QCOs force compliance. Instead, engage early with the OTR Scheme, consult the right experts, and register under the latest BIS OTR QCO framework. With the right strategy, support, and systems in place, you can ensure seamless certification and timely market access — giving your business the competitive edge it deserves.