BIS Revises Safety Standard for LED Modules, Sets Transition Deadline for Compliance

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised the safety standard IS 16103 (Part 1):2012 and reissued it as IS 16103 (Part 1):2025 / IEC 62031:2018. This updated standard governs safety requirements for LED modules used in general lighting. Notably, both the 2012 and 2025 versions will remain valid concurrently until January 21, 2026, after which the earlier version will be withdrawn.
LED lights usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The revised standard introduces new definitions for replaceable, non-replaceable, and non-user-replaceable LED modules. The marking requirements have been overhauled, including changes to built-in module markings and working voltage indicators. Annexe B has been removed, and additional safety measures—such as abnormal temperature and photobiological safety tests—have been added. Licensees are required to submit updated test reports and declarations of compliance for their models. New applicants may apply under either standard until the deadline, provided they commit to transitioning to the 2025 edition. Changes to licence scope will follow the same rules as new applications.

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.

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

Aadhaar 2025: L1 Certification now mandatory for all Registered Devices in India

As of January 1, 2025, only Level-1 (L1) certified Registered Devices (RD) are permitted for Aadhaar authentication in India. Aadhaar is the country’s national digital identity system, which uses biometric and demographic data to provide residents with a unique 12-digit identification number. This shift marks a full transition from the earlier Level-0 (L0) devices to the more secure and standardized L1 category. Manufacturers and importers are now required to complete the migration, which includes adapting firmware, secure element (SE) designs, and PCH components to meet the updated specifications. The Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) authority oversees this transition and continues to operate the Biometric Device Certification Scheme (BDCS), which also includes certification processes for QR code scanners. RD devices usually require STQC certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The move to L1 aims to strengthen the security and integrity of Aadhaar-based biometric authentication by enforcing uniform compliance across device hardware and software. Manufacturers must align with the latest guidelines issued by UIDAI, which define the updated performance and data protection standards under the Registered Devices 2.0 framework.

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.

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BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – October 2025

We provide regular updates from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on upcoming Quality Control Orders (QCOs) that are about to take effect. Products covered by these orders require BIS certification to be eligible for import and sale in India. Over the next month, multiple new standards will be enforced, including those for aluminium semi-finished products for engineering applications, tools such as wrenches and pipe wrenches, household items made of stainless steel and aluminium, metals and alloys like nickel and zinc as well as various chemicals.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforces mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to ensure that certain products comply with national quality requirements. Unlike voluntary BIS certification, QCOs are legally binding for both domestic manufacturers and foreign suppliers. They aim to protect human health, the environment, and animal welfare, while also promoting consistent product quality across the market. QCOs apply to a wide range of product categories including electronics, metals, chemicals, and toys. Non-compliance may result in legal penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

Here an overview of the relevant Standards that will come into effect next month:

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.

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

New Certification mandate for CCTV Products in India now in Effect

Since April 2025, CCTV products such as network cameras and recorders are subject to mandatory certification under India’s IoT System Certification Scheme (IoTSCS). This requirement is based on the “Essential Requirements” (ERs) published in the Official Gazette. The Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) authority has already begun issuing certifications and maintains an up-to-date list of approved CCTV models. According to industry sources, the market has seen noticeable consolidation since the enforcement took effect. CCTV products usually require STQC certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The IoTSCS outlines minimum technical and cybersecurity standards for connected devices, aiming to ensure compliance with national security and interoperability goals. While the scheme applies to a range of IoT systems, its recent application to CCTV equipment marks a significant step toward regulating smart surveillance technologies.

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.

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

Revised BIS Standards to cover Broad Range of Screws in India

The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the implementation of the Cross Recessed Screws (Quality Control) Order, 2025, superseding the 2024 version. Under the new directive, a broad range of screws must comply with relevant Indian Standards, and only those bearing the BIS Standard Mark—licensed under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018—will be permitted for distribution. The order comes into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, with phased implementation deadlines based on enterprise size. Most types of screws require BIS Certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

This regulation applies to a wide variety of screw types, including pan head, countersunk, raised countersunk, and hex washer head screws with tapping threads, among others. Exemptions have been granted for goods intended solely for export, components imported as part of assemblies, and imports meant for R&D up to 200 kg annually by OEMs, provided they are not sold commercially and are properly recorded. Additionally, certain small and micro enterprises registered under the Udyam portal are conditionally exempted based on investment and turnover thresholds. Certification and enforcement responsibilities fall under the Bureau of Indian Standards, with penalties outlined under the BIS Act, 2016.

Here a list of products and applicable standards:

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.

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BIS issues revised Implementation Guidelines for Electrical Appliance Certification under QCO 2024

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued updated implementation guidelines concerning the Quality Control Order, 2024, for household, commercial, and similar electrical appliances. These new directions supplement the prior guidelines dated 16 December 2024, and align with the revised standard IS 302 (Part 1): 2024 / IEC 60335-1: 2020. According to the updated framework, manufacturers will now be granted a single BIS license under IS 302 (Part 1), regardless of the variety of electrical appliances they produce. Moreover, when a manufacturer seeks to add new models already within the licensed product scope, the application will follow the existing procedure for changes in scope. Household, commercial, and similar electrical appliances usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

For inclusion of a completely new type of appliance under the scope of an existing license, BIS will perform a desk audit, review independent test reports, assess declarations of added manufacturing or testing equipment, and conduct on-site verification. Additionally, any proposals for product grouping based on series and technical grounds must be submitted to CMD-III through the concerned BIS Branch Office. Marking fees for each license will be levied as per the rates outlined in Circular CMD-2/G-18 dated 29 April 2025. The revised guidelines have been made effective immediately.

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“.

BIS Standards – Implementations next Month – September 2025

We regularly publish advance information from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect shortly. Affected products must have BIS certification in order to be approved for import and distribution in India. Within the next month, several new standards will come into effect for different kinds of textiles as well as chemicals like polycarbonate, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride monomer.

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforces Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to make compliance with national quality standards mandatory for certain products. In contrast to voluntary BIS certifications, QCOs are legally binding for both local producers and international suppliers of the specified goods. These regulations aim to safeguard consumer health, environmental protection, and animal welfare, while promoting consistency in product quality throughout the market. QCOs apply to diverse product categories, including electronics, chemicals, metals, and toys. Non-compliance can lead to legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

Here is an overview of the new Quality Control Orders that will come into effect next month:

Implementation Dates for BIS Certification on PVC and PP Materials Extended in India

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has issued amendments to the Quality Control Orders concerning two key polymer materials. Under the revised notifications, the implementation deadline for compliance with the Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Homopolymers (Quality Control) Order has been extended from June 24, 2025, to December 24, 2025. This change was formally notified through the Gazette of India on June 20, 2025. PVC and similar materials usually require BIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

In a separate notification dated June 23, 2025, the Ministry also amended the Quality Control Order for Polypropylene (PP) Materials used in moulding and extrusion applications. The new enforcement date has been shifted from June 24, 2025, to October 24, 2025. These extensions aim to give manufacturers and importers additional time to align their products with the applicable Indian Standards.

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 introduces new AIS Standards for Vehicle Safety and Construction

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has issued an updated list of Automotive Industry Standards (AIS). These standards are typically mandated under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) in India. The new publications cover various constructional and safety requirements for different vehicle types and systems. Many automotive products usually require AIS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in India.

The newly published standards are as follows:

• AIS-180 – Specific requirements for motor vehicles intended for the carriage of dangerous and hazardous goods with regard to their constructional features
• AIS-181 – Approval of tank vehicles with regard to rollover stability
• AIS-188 – Approval of vehicles with regard to Lane Departure Warning Systems (LDWS)
• AIS-191 (Part 1) – Approval of vehicles with regard to Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS)
• AIS-192 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to Event Data Recorders (EDR)
• AIS-195A – Safety and procedural requirements for type approval of hydrogen-powered construction equipment vehicles
• AIS-199 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of road illumination devices (lamps) and systems for power-driven vehicles
• AIS-200 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of retro-reflective devices and markings for power-driven vehicles and their trailers
• AIS-201 – Requirements for the protection of occupants in the event of a frontal collision with a focus on restraint systems
• AIS-204 – Requirements for school vans
• AIS-206 – Safety and procedural requirements for type approval of hydrogen-powered vehicles (compressed gaseous hydrogen)

Depending on the product category, there are different certification steps. We will be happy to advise you on certification in India like AIS, BIS, WPC, TEC or PESO and are always available to answer your questions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details and consultation. You can contact us via e-mail, or call us (UK: +44 2071931135, Rest of Europe: +49 69 2713769261, US: +1 773 654-2673).
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You can also check out our free AIS-Brochure, which can be downloaded right here as a PDF file.

Indian Government withdraws BIS Certification Orders for Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline

Effective immediately, the Government of India has officially withdrawn three separate Quality Control Orders (QCOs) related to Acetic Acid, Methanol, and Aniline. The withdrawal, announced on July 23, 2025, was published in the Gazette of India by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, invoking powers under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The original BIS certification notifications from 2019 have been rescinded, and the affected substances are no longer subject to mandatory quality certification for import, sale, or use in India.

According to the notification, the move was made in the public interest and followed consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It is important to note that such revocations of established BIS quality control orders are highly unusual. Typically, existing standards are revised or updated—not completely repealed. This action marks an unprecedented shift in India’s certification framework.

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“.