The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially released implementation guidelines detailing the transition to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023—the newly updated safety standard for Audio/Video and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Equipment.
This move follows MeitY's notification from 29 October 2025 and fundamentally changes the compliance landscape for electronics manufacturers and importers in India.
What is Changing?
The new IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 standard takes a hazard-based approach to safety, officially superseding two older, category-specific Indian Standards:
- IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 (IT Equipment)
- IS 616:2017 (Audio/Video Equipment)
This update impacts 38 product categories. If your business deals in laptops, mobile phones, smartwatches, televisions, CCTV cameras, Bluetooth speakers, power banks, or printers, this standard applies to you.
Key Deadlines You Cannot Ignore
The old and new standards will run concurrently for a limited transition period. However, the deadlines depend on your specific product:
- 01 May 2026 (URGENT): Deadline for Extended Reality (XR/AR/VR/MR) headsets (Category 65).
- 01 November 2028: General deadline for all other 37 covered product categories.
After these dates, IS 13252 and IS 616 will be officially withdrawn. Any CRS licence that has not migrated to the new standard will face immediate cancellation.
What Existing Licensees Must Do
To update your current BIS CRS licence, you must follow a specific procedure via the BIS portal:
- Fresh Testing: Submit complete test reports from a BIS-recognized laboratory for all lead models, tested specifically under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.
- Series Undertaking: Provide a signed, official commitment confirming that the new standard has been implemented across all series models in your scope.
- Parallel Standards: Ensure you maintain compliance with other applicable standards where relevant (e.g., submitting IS 18112:2025 reports for TVs alongside your new 62368-1 reports).
For New Applicants
If you are submitting a new application, you can still use the old standards if your samples are already in the lab or you submit a formal declaration of intent to migrate before the deadline. However, to save time and double-testing costs, we strongly advise new applicants to test under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 straight away.
📌 Source: BIS Registration Department, Ref: Reg/IS/IEC 62368-1:2023/Guidelines/01, dated 9 March 2026.
Official BIS Guidelines — IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Migration (March 2026)
Start Your Compliance Journey Now
The migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is not a simple paperwork update; it is a total shift in safety evaluation. While the 2028 deadline for general electronics gives you a window to prepare, lab queues are already beginning to build.
If you wait until the last minute, you risk testing bottlenecks, delayed shipments, and potential licence cancellation. Protect your market access by engaging with BIS-recognized laboratories early and planning your migration strategy today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 standard?
 It is the new hazard-based safety standard for IT and Audio/Video equipment. It officially replaces the older IS 13252 (Part 1) and IS 616 standards under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
What is the deadline for the migration?
The general deadline for most electronics is 01 November 2028. However, Extended Reality (AR/VR/MR) headsets have an urgent, earlier deadline of 01 May 2026.
Which products are affected?
The update impacts 38 product categories, including laptops, smartphones, TVs, smartwatches, power adapters, CCTV cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and routers.
 Do existing BIS licensees need to retest their products?
Yes. You must submit fresh test reports from a BIS-recognized laboratory for all "lead models," tested specifically against the new IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 standard.
How do I handle "series models" in my existing licence?
You do not need to retest every series model. Instead, you must submit a signed, official undertaking to BIS confirming the new safety standard has been implemented across all of them.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
 BIS will immediately cancel your CRS licence. You will no longer be legally allowed to manufacture, import, or sell those products in India.
Do parallel standards (like IS 18112 for TVs) still apply?
Yes. You must maintain compliance with all other applicable standards. For example, TVs must be tested for IS 18112:2025 alongside IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.
