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- Migration to IS/IEC 62368 in India accelerates standard consolidation, replacing legacy IS 13252 and IS 616 across 42 product categories.
- Stakeholder consultation on 11 July 2025 led by MeitY and BIS clarified timelines and transition norms.
- Transition: three years for most product categories; six months for newly defined AR/VR devices.
- Industry input shaped allowances for series-based testing, R‑number retention, category consolidation, lab accreditation, and product marking.
- Feedback deadline: 31 July 2025—if no objections, norms become binding with default timelines.
Introduction
Are you seeking clarity on the Migration to IS/IEC 62368 in India?
MeitY and BIS held a significant stakeholder meeting on 11 July 2025 to firm up the transition of 42 audio/video and Information Communication and Technology Equipment, product categories from IS 13252 and IS 616 to IS/IEC 62368‑1 ed 4 (2023). With three‑year and six‑month timelines in place, this overhaul affects manufacturers, importers, and compliance teams across India. Below, discover precise timelines, industry recommendations integrated into the rules, and essential steps you must take before the 31 July 2025 submission deadline.
Why India Is Moving to IS/IEC 62368‑1
IS/IEC 62368‑1:2023 is a hazard‑based combination of IEC 60065 (A/V equipment) and IEC 60950‑1 (IT equipment) . India’s earlier version, IS/IEC 62368‑1:2018 (equivalent to Edition 3), was voluntarily used but not mandatory until now . MeitY’s initiative aligns India with modern global safety norms and simplifies compliance under a unified standard.
- Global Adoption Trend
Countries such as EU, China, South Korea, USA, and Australia already accept or mandate IEC 62368‑1 editions 2 and 3; India now selects Edition 4 sensibly, matching global migration curves .
- Migration Scheme Roll‑Out
Scope: 42 Product Categories
India’s CRO 2021 notification lists 42 categories (27 under IS 13252, 15 under IS 616) now migrating to IS/IEC 62368‑1 ed 4 . Categories include TVs, VDUs, keyboards (wired/wireless), adaptors/SMPS, batteries, and AR/VR standard devices.
Timelines and Special Cases
- All standard categories: three‑year transition from notification date.
- AR/VR devices: separate category defined, with six‑month transition by default; industry may submit justification to extend to one year
Industry‑Suggested Category Consolidations
Stakeholders requested consolidation (e.g. merging “keyboards” and “wireless keyboards”) to simplify compliance. MeitY agreed and said such consolidation would feature in final guidelines
Key Outcomes from the Meeting on 11 July 2025
- Series‑Based Testing Recommendations
Testing every variant was raised as impractical. Industry supported testing one representative model per series. MeitY confirmed series‑test approach is under consideration when framing implementation rules.
- R‑Number Retention & Transitional Exemptions
Manufacturers with valid BIS R-numbers flagged worries around after-sales service, AMC fulfilment, and EoL model replacements. MeitY [Ministry of electronics and information technology]signaled possible case‑by‑case exemptions, though migration remains mandatory post-deadline.
- Lab Accreditation and Capacity Planning
Some labs are already accredited under IS/IEC 62368 standards; BIS will fast-track further recognition to meet increased demand within the transition period.
- Product Marking: Simplified R‑number Proposal
Industry proposed labels showing only R‑number (omitting the IS number) for better design aesthetics. BIS noted that industry should formally propose this under Scheme‑II guidelines, which define standard mark requirements.
- Series Guidelines Committee Formation
Industry suggested forming a committee to draft protocols for series testing and migration. MeitY requested written inputs; BIS will act on modalities; another meeting may be arranged if needed.
Technical Changes & Standard Enhancements
What’s New in Edition 4 (2023) vs Earlier Version
Per BIS sources:
- Legacy component acceptance (IEC 60950‑1/60065 subcomponents) removed—a major shift in Clause 4
- Annex M revised for battery‑powered equipment, now covering lithium batteries and their subsystems more comprehensively.
EMI/EMC and Other Add‑Ons
MeitY proposed expanding EMI/EMC tests to additional classes like printers, induction cookers, phones, in line with broader safety oversight strategy .
MeitY/BIS-related regulation shift
Bengaluru Consumer Electronics SME
A company producing smart displays and A/V systems had IS 13252 certification. Under the new rule, it needs to re‑certify under IS/IEC 62368‑1 ed 4. If series‑testing is approved, they can save time by testing one model per generation rather than each variant—critical for small volume lines.
AR/VR Startup in Mumbai
An XR headset firm is classified under AR/VR category. Pressed by design cycles and hardware changes, they may request one‑year transition by submitting justification—permitted if approved by MeitY/BIS.
Adaptors Manufacturer
A Delhi-based adaptor-maker supplies power accessories. As power supplies/SMPS are among the few component-style products, batches may migrate earlier if infrastructure and lab readiness permit.
Detailed Timeline & What Lies Ahead
Pre-Notification Phase
- BIS issues draft IS/IEC 62368‑1 ed 4 (likely by early July 2025) for stakeholder comment
- MeitY convenes consultation (already occurred 11 July).
Comment Submission by 31 July 2025
Industry must submit feedback on:
- Migration of 42 categories and AR/VR timeline;
- Series testing modalities;
- Category consolidation proposals;
- Labeling suggestions and R‑number mark;
- Lab accreditation process;
- Committee involvement for guidelines drafting.
Post‑Deadline Notification
If no objections by 31 July, MeitY will issue formal notification, making the migration effective. The three‑year and six‑month timelines will start counting from the notification date.
Implementation Guidelines Period
After notification, series guidelines and implementation modalities will be issued by MeitY/BIS. Another meeting may be convened if needed.
Action Plan for Manufacturers
Internal Compliance Audit
- List all products under the 42 CRO categories.
- Classify by legacy standards (IS 13252 vs IS 616) and map to IS/IEC 62368.
- Identify series groups and representative models for potential series-based testing.
Draft Feedback and Justifications
- Prepare submissions regarding category consolidation, series testing, labeling, and AR/VR timeline.
- Include real‑world examples or use‑case rationales (e.g. XR models evolving rapidly).
- Send inputs to MeitY and BIS by end‑July.
Lab Alignment & Accreditation Plans
- Contact labs already accredited to IS/IEC 62368; begin testing scheduling.
- Apply early for accreditation in anticipation of peak demand within migration timelines.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Engage with peer manufacturers to consolidate category definitions.
- Join consultative forums or committees if invited for series-guarantee drafting.
Series Guidelines & Testing Protocols
What Could Series‑Based Testing Look Like
A TV manufacturer has models TV_A100, TV_A200, TV_A300 within the same build reference. Instead of certifying each, they submit TV_A200 as the representative tested sample; others follow series guidelines (e.g. same circuit design, same hazards) and are inherently covered.
Proposed Criteria Industry Might Recommend
- Technical similarity (circuit, safety features) across series.
- Design modifications thresholds.
- Re-testing triggers (e.g. new board layout, new power spec).
- Documentation protocols: model list, change log, hazard analysis
How Diligence Certifications Helps in BIS Compliance
- Avoids rejections by ensuring all documents (test reports, specs, models) meet BIS standards before submission
- Identifies gaps early, such as incorrect product categorisation or missing safety parameters
- Speeds up approval, especially during transitions like IS 13252 → IS/IEC 62368
- Reduces cost of retesting by validating existing certifications and aligning with series guidelines
- Supports exemptions for End-of-Life (EoL) models and AMC-bound products by presenting proper documentation
- Ensures lab readiness, helping choose BIS-recognised labs accredited for IS 62368:2023
Conclusion
The Migration to IS/IEC 62368 in India is a strategic leap, consolidating product safety under a modern, globally recognised hazard‑based standard. With three‑year timelines for standard categories and six‑month default transition for AR/VR devices, manufacturers must act quickly. Industry inputs on series‑based testing, category consolidation, lab accreditation and product marking are embedded in the final roadmap. If no feedback is provided by 31 July 2025, default norms apply.
Would you like help crafting your submission, preparing justification for series testing, or identifying accredited labs? Diligence Certifications here to assist so your compliance stays seamless and ahead of schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 and how does it differ from IS/IEC 62368-1:2018?
IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 (Edition 4) is the most recent revision combining IEC 60065 and IEC 60950‑1 into a single standard. Key changes include removal of legacy sub‑assembly acceptance, strengthened Annex M for lithium batteries, and updated hazard safeguards.
Can I continue selling products certified under IS 13252 or IS 616 after the notification date?
No. Once the official notification is issued (expected after stakeholder inputs closing on 31 July 2025), manufacturers must transition to IS/IEC 62368‑1 ed 4. Legacy certifications under IS 13252 or IS 616 will no longer qualify for registration or import.
What model qualifies for series-based testing under this migration?
A representative model in a product family (e.g. same chassis or circuit board) can be tested fully. If the series guidelines are accepted, other variants with minimal changes may bypass full testing if conforming to the defined series criteria.
What is the consequence if industry doesn't submit feedback by 31 July 2025?
Lack of industry comments means MeitY will proceed with the default migration scheme: 42 categories migrate under three-year timelines and AR/VR under six months. Proposed category consolidations, series‑model allowances, marker changes, and AR/VR timeline extensions won't be formally considered unless industry proactively participates.
How should we approach AR/VR category migration?
AR/VR devices get a six‑month migration period, recognising fewer design variants and manufacturers. If your product is in this category and design cycles or hardware changes exceed that horizon, submit a written justification—explaining complexity, frequency of launch cycles, or certification delays—to request extension up to one year.
Are test labs available to handle IS/IEC 62368-1 testing now?
Yes, some labs in India are already accredited to IS/IEC 62368 standards. BIS intends to expedite further accreditation to meet anticipated demand.
What benefit does consolidation of product categories bring?
Consolidation simplifies compliance across similar product lines, reduces duplicate testing, and streamlines registration applications
