Transition to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 and What It Means for Businesses

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued fresh implementation guidance for the migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) framework. This follows the notification released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which governs safety compliance requirements for electronic and IT goods in India.

This regulatory update introduces a unified safety standard for a wide range of electronic products and reflects India's move toward internationally aligned compliance practices. Businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or selling electronic goods must now prepare for a structured transition to the revised standard.

Regulatory Context and Update

In October 2025, MeitY formally notified the adoption of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, titled Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Safety Requirements. This standard replaces earlier Indian standards that were separately applicable to IT and audio-video equipment.

The revised framework eliminates:

• IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010 (IT equipment safety)
• IS 616: 2017 (audio/video equipment safety)

By consolidating these into a single standard, regulators aim to simplify compliance and address the convergence of modern technologies.

Transition Timeline and Validity

BIS has defined a transition window to help stakeholders shift to the new requirements without disrupting operations.

• A co-existence (parallel running) period has been allowed
• The final deadline for most product categories is 01 November 2028
• After this date, only IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 will be accepted for compliance under the CRO scheme

For certain emerging technologies such as Extended Reality (XR) devices, earlier deadlines may apply as notified separately.

Scope of Products Affected

The migration impacts a broad range of products currently covered under BIS registration. These include, but are not limited to:

• Computers, laptops, and tablets
• Televisions and display units
• Printers, scanners, and multifunction devices
• Audio systems and amplifiers
• Electronic gaming equipment
• Input/output devices such as keyboards and barcode readers
• Biometric devices like fingerprint and iris scanners

All such products must eventually be evaluated and certified under the new standard to remain compliant in the Indian market.

Key Features of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

The updated standard introduces a hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) approach. Instead of relying only on predefined construction rules, it focuses on identifying and controlling potential hazards.

Major aspects include:

• Evaluation of electrical, thermal, and mechanical energy sources
• Implementation of safeguards to reduce risk
• Flexibility to accommodate new and evolving technologies
• Alignment with global IEC safety practices

This approach is particularly relevant for modern devices that combine multiple technologies into a single product.

Compliance Expectations for Industry

BIS has clarified that both new applicants and existing license holders must align with the updated requirements.

Manufacturers and importers are expected to:

• Assess existing product certifications under the CRO scheme
• Conduct testing as per IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 through BIS-recognized laboratories
• Revise technical files, risk assessments, and safety documentation
• Apply for migration or fresh registration within the prescribed timeline

Delays in transition may lead to compliance gaps, which could affect the ability to sell products in India.

Industry Impact

The migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 represents a major regulatory shift for the electronics sector. It reflects the increasing integration of audio, video, and IT technologies and the need for a unified safety framework.

For businesses, the change may involve:

• Product redesign or engineering updates in some cases
• Additional testing and certification costs
• Strategic planning to meet deadlines without supply chain disruptions

At the same time, it improves product safety and aligns Indian regulations with global standards, supporting international trade and consumer confidence.

Summary

The guidelines issued by BIS provide a structured pathway for adopting IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 under the CRO scheme. With a defined transition period and clear compliance requirements, the focus is on ensuring a smooth shift from legacy standards to a modern, globally harmonized safety framework.

Organizations that begin early with testing, documentation updates, and certification processes will be better positioned to maintain uninterrupted market access and meet regulatory obligations in India's evolving electronics landscape.