BIS Guidelines for Implementation of Extended Reality Products (Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, etc.) as per IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

Introduction to the BIS Guidelines for Implementation of Extended Reality Products

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), through its Registration Department, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has issued new guidelines for Extended Reality products such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). These guidelines are based on the updated standard IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, following the earlier notification by MeitY that was dated 29 October 2025.

Earlier, such products were covered under older standards like IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017. Now, with the inclusion of extended reality products under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO), BIS has introduced a transition plan in order to move from the old standards to the new safety standard.

Key Changes You Should Know

1. A new product category called Extended Reality Products (AR, VR, MR, etc.) has been officially added under the CRO.
2. The new applicable standard is IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, which replaces older standards like IS 13252 and IS 616.
3. There is a transition period (current) where both old and new standards are allowed, but only until 1 May 2026.

Specific Guidelines for Licensees

Existing license:

1. They can update their products as per the new standard by 1 May 2026.
2. They must submit fresh test reports from BIS-recognized labs.
3. They should provide an undertaking for the compliance of all models
4. If the compliance is not met, the license can be cancelled, or models can be deleted from the scope of the license. 

New applicants:

1. If samples have been submitted to the lab for testing or if the test results have been generated as per the old standards, they can still proceed to apply, but only till 1 May 2026.
2. These applicants will have to provide a declaration of conformance with the latest standards before the date of implementation.
3. Beyond the date of implementation, no new license will be granted under the old standards.

Change in Scope of License

1. If there is a change in the scope of the license, all provisions for the applicants as given above shall apply.
2. However, processing of requests for change in scope of licence as per IS 13252(Part 1):2010/ IS 616:2017 shall be permitted only up to the date of switchover to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 by the licensee or up to 01 May 2026, whichever is earlier.

Note:
The above guidelines shall come into force with immediate effect. 

What is the Date of implementation?

• These BIS guidelines are effective immediately from 9 March 2026.
• The last date for transition to the new Indian Standards is 1 May 2026.

Now, What to Do?

• If you are already a BIS license holder, start upgrading your products to the new standard immediately in order to avoid last-minute delays.
• Get your products tested as per IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 from BIS-recognized labs and submit updated reports on the BIS portal.
• Ensure all your product models (including series models) comply with the new requirements and submit the required undertaking.
• Plan your certification timeline in a careful manner, as non-compliance after 1 May 2026 can lead to cancellation of the licence or rejection of the application.

How Brand Liaison Can Help?

Transitioning from old BIS standards to a new one like IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 can definitely be confusing, especially with strict deadlines as well as multiple compliance steps that are involved. Many businesses struggle with documentation, testing coordination, as well as understanding series guidelines.

Brand Liaison helps simplify this process by managing end-to-end compliance, from identifying applicable standards to coordinating testing, documentation, as well as submission on the BIS portal. We ensure your transition is completed before the deadline, so your business continues without facing any regulatory interruptions.