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

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued new guidelines regarding the implementation of safety standards for Extended Reality (XR) products, such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) products.  The guidelines are issued pursuant to MeitY’s Notification dated 29 October, 2025 regarding the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021 (CRO). These updates add compliance requirements related to the new safety standard (IS/IEC 62368-1) that all manufacturers and importers must comply with.

Latest update under the Extended Reality Products Guidelines

Through the recent guidelines, the government has introduced the IS/IEC 62368-1 Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment- Part 1: Safety Requirements. The two previous standards that will no longer apply include IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and IS 616:2017. These IS were used for BIS Certification of electronic and IT goods.

Extended Reality Products: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality

There’s a new product category in India named Extended Reality Products, which has been created under the CRO framework.  This category includes Augmented Reality devices, Virtual Reality devices, and Mixed Reality devices.  All three of these types of products have been added to Item 65 under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirement of Compulsory Registration) Order, 2021, which means that all manufacturers and importers of these products will need to comply with BIS Registration in India before they can sell them in the Indian marketplace.
Timeline for Implementation of the New Safety Standard

In order to help manufacturers effectively transition from the old standard to the new standard, the government has provided for an interim period during which both the old and new standards can be used concurrently by manufacturers.

The following standards will be permitted to run at the same time until the transition period ends:

• IS 13252 Part-1
• IS 616
• IS62368-1

All old standards will no longer be valid for compliance and/or certification after the transition period has expired on 1 May 2026.

Implementation Guidelines for Extended Reality Products

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released thorough implementation rules for manufacturers, licensees, and new applicants. Here are the main points to remember:

1. New Standard Implementation is Required
A manufacturer must implement IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 by 01 May 2026 if they have an existing license.
If you do not implement it by that date, then your current license will be of no value.

2. Updated Test Reports Must be Submitted
A licensee must provide evidence of compliance with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 through complete test reports that have been:

• Issued by a BIS-recognised lab; 
• For all primary models listed on the license; 
• Tested in accordance with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. 

In addition, for products that were previously tested to: 
(i) IS 13252 (Part 1): 2010
(ii) IS 616:2017

Test reports for the current model will need to be submitted via the Standard Revision / Amendment / Essential Requirement module of the BIS website to comply with the standard

3. Undertaking is Required for Series Models

In addition to submitting complete test reports, licensees must submit a signed undertaking (written statement) confirming that they have complied with all requirements of the new standard for all other series models covered by their license. Licensees should consult the series guidelines issued by MeitY for this information.

4. Action for Non-Compliance.

If the licensee does not complete all the required actions before 01 May 2026, BIS may initiate:

• Cancellation of the licence, or
• Removal of the model from the scope of the licence

5. Confirmation of Compliance

After successful implementation of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, BIS will issue an official confirmation letter indicating the models for which compliance has been successfully established.

Check the process of BIS Registration for AR, VR & MR Devices

Guidelines for New Applicants of AR, VR & MR Devices

Below, you can go through the recent updates for new applicants who want to apply for BIS Registration:

1. Applications Already in Process

An application for an item that has already had a sample tested in labs or has a test report- IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 or IS 616:2017 - will be processed under these previous standards until the time frame is complete.

2. New Applications

New applications submitted with the previous standards will be accepted for a maximum of 1 May 2026. Old standard applicants must submit a declaration indicating that they will use the IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 standard before it stops being an available avenue of action. Those submitting new applications can apply under:

• IS 13252 (Part 1)
• IS 616:2017
• IS/IEC 62368-1

3. After 1 May 2026

New applications submitted from this date do NOT qualify to be processed under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 and/or IS 616:2017. All new product certification applications must meet the IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 standard.

Guidelines for Change in Scope of Licence

Below is a summary of the most important aspects of the guidelines for changes based on the new standard. 

1. Rules on Change in Scope of Licenses: The rules for changing the scope of a licensee's license will be the same as those for new licensees.
2. Time Frame for Changing Scope of Licenses: Any requests to change the scope of a license under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 or IS 616:2017 will only be considered until the following dates:  Either when the licensee switches over to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023; OR  The last date of concurrent operations (May 1st, 2026).

Effective Date of the Guidelines

Any potential applicant should apply under the new standard IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 to avoid any issues with compliance in the future. The guidelines are effective immediately.

Conclusion

The introduction of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 is a major improvement in how safety standards are applied to contemporary electronic devices, particularly in the area of Extended Reality technical solutions that include AR, VR, and Mixed Reality solutions. All Product Manufacturers and Importers must meet the transition to the new standard before the 1st of May 2026 to avoid having to cancel their licenses or certifications.