BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – May 2026

We regularly receive advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regarding new Quality Control Orders that will come into force shortly. Affected products must obtain BIS certification in order to be approved for import and distribution in India. Within the next month, the standard IS/IEC 62368: Part 1: 2023 will come into effect, covering safety requirements for audio/video equipment as well as IT and communication devices.

Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are mandatory regulations designed to ensure that certain products comply with national quality standards. While BIS standards are generally voluntary, QCOs make compliance compulsory and serve to protect humans, animals, and the environment, as well as to ensure product quality in India.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

India Extends BIS Timeline for IS 302 (Part 1) Compliance

India has announced an extension to the implementation timeline for BIS certification under IS 302 (Part 1), impacting manufacturers of electrical appliances. The update, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), revises earlier deadlines and provides additional time for compliance with safety requirements applicable to household, commercial, and similar electrical products. This extension of BIS certification timelines under IS 302 (Part 1) is intended to ease the transition for manufacturers and ensure smoother regulatory alignment. Electrical appliances typically require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Revised Compliance Deadlines and Scope

The updated schedule introduces staggered deadlines based on manufacturer size, allowing different categories of businesses to adapt at a more manageable pace. Large-scale manufacturers are now required to comply by 1 October 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of 17 March 2026. Small-scale manufacturers have until 1 January 2027, while micro-scale enterprises are given until 1 April 2027.

IS 302 (Part 1) forms part of India’s broader safety framework for electrical appliances, aligning with internationally recognized safety principles. The standard outlines requirements related to electrical protection, construction, and operational safety to reduce risks associated with appliance use. Compliance with BIS certification ensures that products meet these essential safety benchmarks before entering the Indian market.

In addition to the revised deadlines, the notification clarifies specific exemptions. Up to 200 units imported for research and development purposes are excluded from the certification requirement. Similarly, products manufactured domestically in India exclusively for export are not subject to these compliance obligations.

Implications for Manufacturers and Market Access

The extension provides manufacturers with additional time to upgrade product designs, testing processes, and documentation to meet IS 302 (Part 1) requirements. This is particularly relevant for companies with complex product portfolios or those requiring design modifications to achieve compliance.

For global exporters and domestic producers alike, the updated timeline reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions and allows for better planning of certification activities. However, companies should not interpret the extension as a relaxation of technical requirements. All applicable safety criteria remain unchanged, and products must fully comply by the respective deadlines based on manufacturer classification.

Manufacturers targeting the Indian market should use this extended period to conduct gap analyses, coordinate with BIS-recognized laboratories, and ensure timely certification. Maintaining compliance with BIS certification remains essential for uninterrupted market access. Additional regulatory guidance may be available through official BIS publications and certification resources.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

India Mandates BIS Compliance for CCTV Cameras by 2026

India’s regulatory landscape for surveillance equipment is tightening as BIS compliance becomes a mandatory requirement for CCTV cameras. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially ended previous relaxations, signaling a stricter enforcement phase under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO). This move marks a significant shift for manufacturers and importers relying on transitional provisions to maintain market access.

With the issuance of an Office Memorandum dated 16 January 2026, MeitY has withdrawn all exemptions related to Essential Requirements (ERs) for CCTV cameras. These relaxations had previously allowed certain non-compliant products to remain in circulation under defined timelines. However, authorities have now confirmed that no further extensions will be granted, effectively closing the transition window for legacy products. CCTV cameras and similar products usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

End of Transition Period for Non-Compliant Products

One of the most notable changes is the termination of the stock clearance period for CCTV cameras that do not meet ER standards. Earlier provisions permitted the sale of devices manufactured or imported before 9 April 2025, even if they lacked full ER compliance. This allowance has now been revoked, removing any remaining flexibility for outdated inventory.

Effective 1 April 2026, only CCTV cameras that meet the prescribed Essential Requirements and hold valid certification will be permitted for sale in the Indian market. This applies uniformly across domestic manufacturers, importers, and distributors. The update reinforces the government’s intent to ensure that all surveillance equipment adheres to defined safety, security, and performance benchmarks.

Compliance Implications for Market Access

The withdrawal of relaxations places immediate pressure on stakeholders to align with BIS ER certification requirements. Companies that fail to comply risk losing access to one of the world’s fastest-growing electronics markets. As a result, manufacturers must review their product portfolios, assess compliance gaps, and initiate certification processes without delay.

From a regulatory standpoint, ER compliance is designed to enhance product reliability and cybersecurity resilience, particularly for devices involved in surveillance and data capture. The stricter enforcement also reflects broader national priorities around digital infrastructure security and consumer protection.

Businesses operating in or entering the Indian market should ensure that their certification strategies are updated in line with the new deadline. This includes verifying technical documentation, conducting necessary testing, and securing approvals before the April 2026 cutoff. Additional regulatory guidance and updates may be available through official certification bodies and compliance advisory resources.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

India: BIS Issues New Guidelines for Lithium Battery Capacity Verification

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released new implementation guidelines clarizing the verification of rated capacity for lithium batteries in India. This regulatory update aligns with a directive from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and introduces stricter compliance expectations for manufacturers of sealed secondary lithium-ion cells and batteries.

The guidelines specifically apply to portable sealed lithium-ion cells and batteries regulated under IS 16046 (Part 2). As part of the updated requirements, manufacturers must verify rated or declared capacity in accordance with Clause 7.3.1 of IS 16047 (Part 3):2018, which defines discharge performance testing at 20°C. Lithium-ion cells and batteries usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

Compliance Timeline and Testing Obligations

Existing BIS licensees must ensure compliance with the new rated capacity verification requirements either by 30 April 2027 or before their licence expires, whichever comes first. Following testing, companies are required to submit test reports issued by BIS-recognized third-party laboratories. In addition, a formal declaration must confirm that all remaining product models comply with the same discharge performance criteria.

The guidelines also define sample requirements for additional testing, including 23 cells and 3 batteries per evaluation. Failure to meet these obligations within the specified timeline may result in enforcement actions by BIS, such as suspension or cancellation of licences, or removal of specific models from the approved scope.

For new applicants, the framework allows some procedural flexibility. Applications may proceed if testing is underway or already submitted, provided that applicants commit to submitting the required rated capacity verification report before licence expiry. However, this transitional allowance will end after 30 April 2027. Beyond this date, BIS will not grant new licences under IS 16046 (Part 2) unless the test report explicitly includes rated capacity verification in line with IS 16047 (Part 3).

Regulatory Impact on Market Access

These guidelines take immediate effect and signal a tightening of technical verification requirements for lithium battery compliance in India. Manufacturers and exporters must review their testing procedures and documentation practices to ensure alignment with the updated BIS framework.

The introduction of mandatory rated capacity verification is expected to enhance product reliability and standardization in the Indian market. At the same time, it increases the compliance burden, particularly for companies managing multiple product models under a single licence.

Stakeholders are advised to act promptly to meet the new deadlines and avoid regulatory disruptions. Further details on compliance procedures and certification updates may be available through official BIS communications and certification resources.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.

India BIS Updates Lighting Standards to 2026 Edition

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced a significant update to its regulatory framework with the release of the 2026 edition of key lighting standards under the BIS CRS Scheme-II. The revised BIS lighting standards India 2026 apply to multiple product categories and introduce updated compliance requirements aligned with current safety and performance expectations. The changes were formalized through a recent Gazette Notification, setting clear timelines for implementation and withdrawal of previous versions. Lighting products usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The revised standards, including IS 10322 (all parts), IS 16102, and IS 16614, officially came into effect on 2 February 2026. Manufacturers are granted a transition period until 2 August 2026, after which the older standards will be withdrawn. Beyond this deadline, only products compliant with the updated 2026 standards will be eligible for certification and market access under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

Scope of Affected Products and New Standard Adoption

The regulatory update impacts a broad range of lighting products currently covered under Scheme-II. These include fixed general purpose luminaires, recessed lights, street lighting systems, floodlights, hand lamps, lighting chains, rope lights, and emergency lighting products. Manufacturers operating in these segments must ensure that their products are evaluated against the revised technical requirements within the specified transition timeline.

In addition to revising existing standards, BIS has introduced a new adoption: IS 10322 Part 5 Section 18, aligned with IEC 60598-2-18. This standard specifically addresses luminaires intended for swimming pools and similar environments, reflecting a continued effort to harmonize Indian standards with international benchmarks. The inclusion of this category expands regulatory oversight to specialized lighting applications with unique safety considerations.

Compliance Implications and Pending Guidance

Manufacturers and brand owners are expected to begin preparations for compliance with the updated standards as early as possible. This includes reviewing product designs, conducting necessary testing, and planning certification updates to avoid disruptions in market access after the withdrawal deadline.

At present, BIS has not yet released detailed implementation guidelines or transition procedures for the revised standards under Scheme-II. Additionally, the official BIS online portal has not been updated to reflect the 2026 editions. Stakeholders should closely monitor further announcements from BIS to ensure timely alignment with procedural requirements once clarified.

These regulatory updates highlight India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen product safety and standardization in the lighting sector. Further details may be made available through official BIS communications and certification resources as implementation guidance is finalized.

If you are interested in understanding what requirements are needed for your product to be imported into India, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or phone (Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 261, US: +1 773 654-2673). If a certification need is discovered we can provide a quotation to make sure that all your certification needs are covered.

If you have any questions you can also use our chat-window in the bottom right. (Please check your browser settings if you can’t see the window)

For more information about BIS certification, please refer to our free brochure “BIS Certification Made Easy“.