Electronics Brands, Are You Ready for BIS 62368-1 Migration?

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For electronics manufacturers, importers, brand owners, OEMs, and traders, BIS compliance is not just a regulatory formality. It directly affects product launch, import clearance, market access, brand credibility and customer safety. In India, several electronics and information technology products are covered under the Compulsory Registration Scheme, commonly known as BIS CRS. Under this, notified products cannot be manufactured, imported, stored, sold or distributed in the Indian market unless they comply with the applicable Indian Standard and carry valid BIS registration.

The recent BIS guideline on migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is therefore a major compliance development for the electronics industry. The guideline has been issued pursuant to MeitY’s notification dated 29 October 2025 under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021. Through this transition, BIS has provided a clear roadmap for moving from older safety standards to the new safety standard applicable to Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment.

At first glance, the deadline of 01 November 2028 may appear far away. However, from a practical business perspective, this transition should not be treated as a last-minute exercise. BIS testing, product classification, laboratory coordination, documentation, lead model selection, series model planning and scope changes can take significant time. Businesses that plan early will be in a better position to avoid disruption, while those that delay may face testing pressure, product launch delays, import issues or even risk to their existing BIS licence.

The Reason Behind BIS Migration to the New Safety Standard

The migration is linked to the implementation of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, which relates to Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements. This new standard supersedes two important standards that have historically covered many electronics and IT/AV products under BIS CRS: IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017.

In simple terms, products that were earlier tested and registered under IS 13252 or IS 616 will now gradually have to move to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, wherever applicable. This is not a minor administrative update. It is a standard migration, which means businesses must review whether their existing BIS approvals, test reports, product models and scope of licence are aligned with the new requirement.

For manufacturers and brand owners, the key point is that a BIS licence obtained under the old standard will not remain operative forever unless compliance with the new standard is ensured within the permitted timeline. For importers and traders, the update is equally important because products sourced from overseas manufacturers must also remain compliant with Indian regulatory requirements before being placed in the Indian market.

BIS 2028 Deadline: How Long Can Old Standards Continue?

BIS has allowed concurrent running of IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 until 01 November 2028. This means that during the transition period, the old standards and the new standard may operate together for the notified product categories, subject to the applicable BIS guidelines.

After 01 November 2028, IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 will stand withdrawn for the listed product categories. This date is extremely important for businesses because after the end of concurrent running, no licence will be operative where compliance with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 has not been ensured by the licensee.

Businesses should understand that “concurrent running” is not the same as “no action required.” It is a transition window. It gives existing licensees and new applicants time to plan, test and migrate. If this window is not used properly, companies may face unnecessary compliance pressure closer to the deadline.

Product Categories Covered

The BIS migration applies to a wide range of electronics, IT and AV products covered under the Compulsory Registration Order. These include many common consumer, commercial and industrial electronics products that are manufactured, imported and sold in India.

Major affected product categories include laptops, notebooks, tablets, plasma/LCD/LED televisions, visual display units, video monitors, printers, multi-function devices, plotters, scanners, USB-driven barcode readers, barcode scanners, iris scanners, optical fingerprint scanners, wireless keyboards, set top boxes, automatic data processing machines, power adaptors for IT equipment, power adaptors for audio/video and similar electronic apparatus, mobile phones, cash registers, point of sale terminals, copying machines, smart card readers, passport readers, power banks, CCTV cameras, CCTV recorders, smart watches, keyboards, external hard disk drives, wireless headphones and earphones, external solid-state storage devices above 256 GB capacity, SMPS, wireless microphones, digital cameras, video cameras, webcams, smart speakers and Bluetooth speakers.

This wide coverage shows that the migration will affect not only large electronics manufacturers but also startups, private label brands, importers, e-commerce sellers, OEM-based brands and businesses dealing in multiple product categories. A company selling even one covered product should check its BIS status and migration requirement carefully. 

Action Plan for Existing BIS CRS License Holders

Existing BIS licensees are the most directly affected category under the migration guidelines. BIS has clearly stated that all existing licensees must implement IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 by the last date of concurrent running, which is 01 November 2028.

For existing licences, the compliance process will generally require submission of complete test reports issued by BIS-recognized laboratories for all lead models covered under the scope of licence. These lead models may have been previously tested under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 or IS 616:2017. Now, they must establish conformance with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

The submission has to be made through the Standard Revision, Amendment or Essential Requirement provision available in the licensee’s login. This means businesses must not only conduct testing but also complete the required online submission process properly.

Apart from lead models, the licensee must also provide an undertaking that the requirements of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 have been implemented in other existing series models that are within the scope of the licence. This is important because many BIS licences cover multiple models under a series. Businesses should carefully identify lead models, series models and technical variations before filing the migration request.

Risk for Existing Licensees

The risk of non-compliance is serious. If an existing licensee does not complete all required actions by the last date of implementation, BIS may initiate cancellation of the licence or deletion of models from the scope of licence.

This can directly affect business continuity. For example, if a registered model is deleted from the scope of licence, the business may no longer be able to legally sell or import that model under the existing BIS registration. Similarly, if the licence itself is cancelled, the impact can be much wider and may affect the company’s product portfolio, supply chain and market commitments.

From a commercial perspective, such non-compliance may also create problems with distributors, online marketplaces, institutional buyers, government tenders and corporate customers. Most serious buyers now expect valid BIS compliance before onboarding products. Therefore, the migration should be treated as a business-critical compliance activity, not merely as a technical update.

Special Compliance Rules for TVs, Mobile Phones and CCTV Cameras

Certain product categories require extra attention because they involve additional standards or essential requirements along with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. BIS has specifically mentioned Plasma/LCD/LED televisions and other television sets, mobile phones and CCTV cameras.

For televisions, IS 18112:2025 is also relevant. For mobile phones, IS 16333 (Part 3):2022 is applicable. For IP-based CCTV cameras, Essential Requirements for Security of IP-based CCTV Cameras must also be considered.

If compliance with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 in any registered model impacts compliance with these additional requirements, the licensee must ensure compliance by submitting complete test reports along with the test reports of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. On the other hand, if the migration does not impact compliance with these additional standards or essential requirements, the licensee must submit a duly signed declaration along with the test reports.

This is a practical area where businesses should be very careful. A general assumption that only one new test report is required may not be correct for all products. For TVs, mobile phones and CCTV cameras, the technical and compliance team should review whether additional test reports or declarations are needed.

Guidelines for New Applicants

The BIS guideline also provides clarity for new applicants. Applications where samples have already been submitted to the laboratory and/or test reports have already been issued under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 or IS 616:2017 may be processed under the old standards.

For applications recorded during the transition period, processing may be done either as per IS 13252/IS 616 or as per IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. However, processing under the old standard is permitted only up to the last date of concurrent running. In such cases, the applicant must give a declaration that they will implement IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 by the last date of concurrent running.

After 01 November 2028, no licence will be granted under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 or IS 616:2017 for the notified product categories. This means new applicants should think strategically. If a business is planning long-term product operations in India, it may be more practical to evaluate whether testing under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is better from the beginning, depending on product readiness, lab availability and commercial timelines.

Change in Scope of Licence

Change in scope of licence is another important area. Many businesses already holding BIS licences frequently add new models, series models or product variants to their existing licence. During the transition period, such requests must be handled carefully.

BIS has clarified that for change in scope of licence, the relevant provisions applicable to applicants will apply. However, processing of requests for change in scope under IS 13252 or IS 616 will be permitted only up to the date of switchover to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 by the licensee or up to 01 November 2028, whichever is earlier.

This means that once a licensee switches over to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, future scope changes may need to align with the new standard. Businesses should therefore plan model additions, product upgrades and new launches in a structured manner. A poorly planned scope change can lead to repeated testing, additional cost and avoidable delays.

Business Impact of BIS Migration: Cost, Testing and Product Planning

The impact of this migration is not limited to regulatory paperwork. It has practical implications for product planning, testing cost, import strategy, inventory management and product launch timelines. First, businesses may need to identify all product models currently covered under IS 13252 or IS 616 and map them against IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. This requires coordination between compliance teams, product teams, technical teams and manufacturing units.

Second, testing costs may increase depending on the number of lead models, product categories and additional compliance requirements. Companies dealing with multiple models should budget for testing and documentation well in advance. Third, BIS-recognized laboratories may face higher workload closer to the deadline. If many manufacturers and importers wait until the last phase of concurrent running, testing timelines may become longer. This can delay product launches and import planning.

Fourth, importers should coordinate with foreign manufacturers early. Overseas suppliers may not always understand Indian BIS requirements in detail. The Indian importer or brand owner should ensure that samples, technical documents, declarations and product specifications are available on time. Fifth, businesses should manage existing stock and future production carefully. Products manufactured or imported close to the migration deadline may create compliance uncertainty if the BIS scope is not properly updated.

Common BIS Migration Mistakes That Can Put Your Licence at Risk

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that the 2028 deadline gives enough time and therefore no immediate planning is needed. In reality, businesses with multiple models, multiple licences or multiple overseas suppliers may need significant preparation.

Another mistake is failing to identify whether the product category is covered by the migration. Many companies sell products through OEM or private label arrangements and may not have full clarity on the applicable BIS standard. This can lead to wrong assumptions and delayed action.

Businesses should also avoid selecting lead models casually. Lead model testing is central to BIS compliance, and wrong identification can create complications during series model coverage. Incomplete documentation is another major issue. Test reports, undertakings, declarations, product specifications, model details and online submissions must be accurate. Even a small mismatch in model number, rating, brand name or technical detail can result in queries or delays.

For TVs, mobile phones and CCTV cameras, businesses should not ignore additional standards or essential requirements. Where migration impacts compliance with related standards, additional test reports may be required. If there is no impact, a duly signed declaration may still be necessary.

How Compliance Experts Can Make BIS Migration Easier

Compliance Experts can help businesses manage this migration in a structured and risk-free manner. The role is not limited to filing an application. Proper advisory support starts with product category review and standard applicability analysis.

A Expert can help identify whether a product falls under IS 13252, IS 616 or the new IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 migration framework. They can also assist in mapping existing licences, lead models, series models and proposed model additions. For existing licensees, professional support can help in preparing the migration plan, coordinating with BIS-recognized laboratories, reviewing test reports, preparing undertakings, checking additional compliance requirements and filing the submission through the appropriate BIS portal provision.

For new applicants, a consultant can guide whether to proceed under the old standard during the transition period or directly plan for IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. This decision may depend on sample status, testing stage, product launch urgency, lab timelines and long-term business plans. For importers and brand owners, advisory support is especially useful because coordination with foreign manufacturers often requires proper communication, technical documentation and compliance planning.

Conclusion

The migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is a significant regulatory shift for India’s electronics, IT and AV product industry. It affects a wide range of products, including laptops, tablets, televisions, printers, mobile phones, CCTV cameras, smart watches, power banks, wireless headphones, webcams, smart speakers, Bluetooth speakers and many other electronics products.

Although the last date of concurrent running is 01 November 2028, businesses should not wait until the final stage. BIS testing, documentation, model review, lab coordination and scope changes require time. Existing licensees must ensure timely migration to protect their licence and product approvals. New applicants should carefully plan whether to apply under the old standard during the transition period or directly align with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

For electronics businesses, compliance is not only about meeting a legal requirement. It is about ensuring uninterrupted market access, protecting brand reputation, avoiding regulatory risk and building customer trust. The best approach is to start early, review product coverage, plan testing properly and take professional support wherever required. 

FAQs

Q1. What is IS/IEC 62368-1:2023?

Ans. IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is the new safety standard for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment. It replaces earlier standards IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017 for several electronics products covered under BIS CRS.

Q2. Which old BIS standards are being replaced?

Ans. The old standards being superseded are IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017. These standards were earlier applicable to many IT and AV products under the Compulsory Registration Order.

Q3. What is the last date for migration?

Ans. The last date of concurrent running of the old standards with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is 01 November 2028. After this date, the old standards will stand withdrawn for the listed product categories.

Q4. Which products are affected by this migration?

Ans. Products such as laptops, tablets, televisions, printers, scanners, mobile phones, power adaptors, CCTV cameras, smart watches, power banks, set top boxes, wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, webcams, smart speakers, digital cameras and other listed electronics products are affected.

Q5. What should existing BIS licensees do?

Ans. Existing BIS licensees must implement IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 before the last date. They must submit complete test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories for lead models and provide undertakings for applicable series models.

Q6. What happens if an existing licensee does not migrate on time?

Ans. If the licensee fails to complete the required migration process by the last date, BIS may initiate cancellation of the licence or deletion of models from the scope of licence.

Q7. Can new applicants still apply under old standards?

Ans. During the concurrent running period, certain applications may be processed under the old standards. However, after 01 November 2028, no licence will be granted under IS 13252 or IS 616 for the notified categories.

Q8. Are TVs, mobile phones and CCTV cameras subject to additional requirements?

Ans. Yes. TVs may involve IS 18112:2025, mobile phones may involve IS 16333 (Part 3):2022, and IP-based CCTV cameras may involve Essential Requirements for Security. Additional test reports or declarations may be required depending on the impact of migration.

Q9. Does this migration affect change in scope of licence?

Ans. Yes. Requests for change in scope under old standards will be permitted only up to the licensee’s switchover date to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 or up to 01 November 2028, whichever is earlier.

Q10. Why should businesses start preparing early?

Ans. Businesses should start early because BIS testing, documentation, laboratory coordination, model planning and scope changes take time. Early planning helps avoid last-minute delays, licence risks, model deletion and disruption in product sales or imports.

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