Migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 – BIS Implementation Guidelines Explained

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued important guidelines regarding the migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, a revised safety standard for audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment. This transition comes in response to the notification released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on 29 October 2025 under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO), 2021. These guidelines are crucial for manufacturers, importers, and stakeholders dealing with electronic and IT products in India, as they outline the roadmap for transitioning from older standards to the updated safety framework.

What is IS/IEC 62368-1:2023?

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is a globally aligned safety standard that replaces earlier Indian standards such as:

• IS 13252 (Part 1):2010
• IS 616:2017

This new standard adopts a hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) approach, which focuses on identifying and preventing potential hazards rather than just following prescriptive safety rules. It ensures enhanced safety compliance for modern electronic devices that combine audio, video, and IT functionalities.

Timeline for Transition

One of the most important aspects of the BIS guidelines is the transition timeline:

• Concurrent running period: Until 01 November 2028.
• During this period, both old and new standards will be accepted.
• After 01 November 2028, IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 will be withdrawn for the listed product categories.
• This gives manufacturers a reasonable timeframe to align their products and processes with the new requirements.

Products Covered Under Migration

The migration applies to a wide range of electronic and IT products (more than 35 categories), including:

• Laptops, tablets, and notebooks
• Televisions (LED, LCD, Plasma)
• Mobile phones
• Printers and scanners
• CCTV cameras and recorders
• Power banks and adapters
• Smart watches and speakers
• Wireless headphones and earphones
• Set-top boxes and POS machines

Guidelines for Existing Licensees

For manufacturers already holding BIS licenses, the following steps are mandatory:

1. Mandatory Compliance by Deadline: All existing licensees must comply with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 before 01 November 2028. Failure to do so may lead to cancellation of the licence or removal of products from the approved scope.
2. Submission of Test Reports: Licensees must submit updated test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories for all lead models under the new standard. These reports must replace earlier certifications based on outdated standards.
3. Declaration for Series Models: For other models in the product series, manufacturers must submit an undertaking confirming compliance with the new standard.
4. Impact on Other Standards: If migration affects compliance with related standards such as IS 18112:2025 (for televisions), IS 16333 (Part 3):2022 (for mobile phones), or Security requirements for CCTV systems, then updated test reports for these must also be submitted.
5. Declaration in Case of No Impact: If there is no impact on related standards, a self-declaration must be provided confirming the same.
6. Confirmation from BIS: Once compliance is successfully established, BIS will issue an official confirmation listing all approved models under the new standard.

Guidelines for New Applicants

The transition guidelines also define clear rules for new applicants:

• Applications already under testing or submitted with old standards can continue under those standards.
• New applications can be filed under either old or new standards until 01 November 2028.
• However, applicants choosing old standards must provide a declaration committing to migration before the deadline.
• After the deadline, only IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 will be accepted for certification.

Change in Scope of Licence

For manufacturers requesting changes in their existing licence scope, the same rules applicable to new applicants will apply. Requests under old standards will only be accepted until either the manufacturer migrates to the new standard or the final transition deadline is reached. This ensures a smooth and consistent shift across all product categories.

Key Implications for Industry

The introduction of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 marks a significant shift in India's product safety compliance landscape:

• Modern Safety Approach: The hazard-based approach aligns Indian standards with global practices, improving product safety and innovation.
• Mandatory Transition: Compliance is not optional. All stakeholders must migrate within the given timeline.
• Increased Testing Requirements: Manufacturers will need to conduct fresh testing, which may increase initial costs but ensures long-term compliance.
• Global Competitiveness: Products complying with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 will have better acceptance in international markets.

Conclusion

The BIS guidelines for migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 represent a major regulatory update for the electronics and IT sector in India. With a clear timeline, defined procedures, and strict compliance requirements, the transition aims to enhance product safety and align India with international standards. Manufacturers, importers, and stakeholders should start preparing early—updating designs, conducting testing, and ensuring documentation readiness—to avoid last-minute disruptions. Proactive compliance will not only ensure uninterrupted business operations but also strengthen market credibility in an increasingly safety-conscious environment.