The migration to IS/IEC 62368-1 represents one of the most significant shifts in India’s regulatory landscape for Audio/Video (AV) and ICT products. As global markets transition to safer, technology-neutral standards, India too has aligned with the modern hazard-based approach defined under IS/IEC 62368. The move aims to enhance user safety, streamline compliance, and ensure uniform safety requirements for rapidly converging technologies.
This complete overview explains the transition, its background, product categories affected, timelines, and key responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, and brand owners.
Background of the Migration
Earlier, electronic products in India were certified under two major standards:
IS 13252 (Part 1) – Safety requirements for Information Technology Equipment (ITE)
IS 616 – Safety requirements for Audio/Video equipment
However, with technology convergence—where devices now combine computing, networking, audio, power systems, displays, etc.—these standards became outdated. To address this, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) adopted IS/IEC 62368-1, a modern safety standard based on the Hazard-Based Safety Engineering (HBSE) approach. It focuses on identifying hazards and applying suitable safeguards rather than relying on prescriptive product rules.
This unified standard ensures better safety coverage for emerging technologies like smart TVs, laptops, networking equipment, OTT devices, smart speakers, and more.
Why the Migration Was Needed
The migration is driven by the following key factors:
- Technology Convergence
Today’s devices combine multiple functionalities—computing, communication, audio/video, and power electronics—which older standards couldn’t address collectively.
- Global Harmonization
IS/IEC 62368 is adopted worldwide, enabling seamless trade and simpler international compliance for Indian manufacturers.
- Enhanced User Safety
The hazard-based approach considers energy sources such as electrical, thermal, mechanical, and radiated energy, ensuring comprehensive protection.
- Future-Ready Standard
It is designed to adapt easily to new technology categories without frequent amendment
Products Covered Under IS/IEC 62368
Under the new migration plan, more than 40 ICT and A/V product categories have transitioned to IS/IEC 62368. Major examples include:
Laptops, desktops, all-in-one PCs
Mobile phones, tablets
Smart TVs, LED displays
CCTV and surveillance products
Set-top boxes & OTT devices
Music systems, speakers, smart audio devices
Routers, modems, networking equipment
Power adapters & chargers
Printers, scanners, copiers
Projectors and visual equipment
This list continues to expand as BIS updates its Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
Migration Timelines and Requirements
BIS and MeitY have outlined clear transition milestones for the industry. While specific dates may depend on the product category and official notifications, the general pattern includes:
1. Cut-Off Date for New Certifications
All new applications for affected product categories must be filed under IS/IEC 62368, not under IS 13252 or IS 616.
2. Phase-Out Window
Manufacturers with existing certifications under old standards generally receive a predefined period to migrate their registrations.
3. Deadline for Manufacturing and Import
After the notified transition end date:
No manufacturing under older standards is allowed.
No imports can be made with certificates under IS 13252 or IS 616.
4. Mandatory Testing Under Revised Standard
Products must undergo fresh testing at BIS-recognized laboratories strictly under IS/IEC 62368 edition applicable in India.
This defines a clear shift toward a unified safety system across the electronics sector.
Responsibilities of Manufacturers and Importers
During migration, the industry must ensure:
Updated Test Reports
All models, variants, and series must be re-evaluated under the new standard.
Revised Technical Documentation
This includes safety analysis, circuit diagrams, bill of materials (BoM), energy source classification, and compliance documentation.
Updated Labels and User Manuals
Safety markings, warnings, and compliance statements must align with IS/IEC 62368 requirements.
Ensuring Market Readiness
Products under distribution channels must comply before the final transition date to avoid enforcement actions.
Benefits of Migrating to IS/IEC 62368
Stronger safety protection for users across all electronic categories
Simplified compliance, as one standard replaces multiple older ones
Fewer regulatory updates required as technology evolves
Better global competitiveness for Indian manufacturers
Reduced long-term compliance cost due to a unified approach
Conclusion
The migration to IS/IEC 62368 in India marks a future-ready transformation aimed at enhancing consumer safety and modernizing regulatory frameworks. For manufacturers, importers, and brand owners, aligning with the new standard is not just mandatory but strategically beneficial. Timely testing, documentation updates, and proactive certification will ensure smooth market operations and sustained compliance.
If you need help with BIS registration, testing guidance, document preparation, or complete migration support, expert consultancy can make the process seamless and error-free.