Guidelines for Implementation of Revised Standards for LED Luminaires

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published new recommendations for revised standards for LED luminaires. The changes outlined in this document are essential for producers, importers, and current licensees who are working with LED lights in India. This article will summarise the guidelines. You will be able to determine how to comply with these regulations and when to do so.

What Has Changed in the Revised BIS Standards?

The Annexure to the official guideline includes the technical alterations that were made regarding LED lighting. The Annexure describes the new safety and performance requirements that manufacturers now need to meet. The new standards are considered to be more rigorous, safer for use, and in compliance with international standards than previous versions of the same lighting system.

The following is a list/example of several standards that the Bureau of Indian Standards has modified for LED lighting systems:

Last Date to Implement the Revised Standards

BIS has allowed a concurrent running period. This means both the old and new standards can be used for a limited time.

Final deadline to switch to the revised standards: 02 August 2026

After this date:

• Old standards will no longer be valid
• Products not updated to the revised standard may lose certification

Current Licence Holders Guidelines

As a current holder of a BIS licence for LED illuminated products, you are subject to the following:

1. Transitioning to the Revised Standard by August 2, 2026

All existing licences must meet the revised standard through your upgrade of the model and/or product by this date.
Your licence will not be valid unless you comply or update your manufacturer’s product according to the new standard.

2. Submission of New Test Reports

• You must submit new test reports prepared from a duly signed and dated page or variable approved BIS testing laboratory that complies with the revised standard (based on the older version of the certification).
• Each test report submitted will include data from at least the primary product and any variants associated with your current licence.

3. Submission of a Declaration

• A signed and dated letter will also need to be provided certifying:
• All other applicable models associated with your licence comply with the revised standard.

4. What Happens If You Do Not Upgrade Your Licence?

If any of the above actions are not completed prior to August 2, 2026, your licence will be withdrawn, and/or the product will be removed from your Product Scope. Therefore, you must complete all required steps in a timely fashion.

Guidelines for New Applicants

The following guidelines are applicable to new applicants applying for a license for a product for which they do not currently hold a license.

• If you submitted your product sample to the laboratory, and the laboratory is processing your test report, your application will be processed using the previous standard.
• You may apply for a new application using the old standard; however, you must submit a declaration to upgrade your product to the revised standard within 30 days of filing your application.
• After August 2, 2026, your application will be rejected if it has not been processed at the time of applying under the revised standard; only applications under the revised standard will be processed after that date.
• If you would like to add new models to your existing license, you must apply using the same standards as a new applicant. You may apply using the old standard until you upgrade to the revised standard or August 2, 2026, whichever is first.

The Effective Date of the BIS Guidelines

The BIS guidelines for LED lighting products will take effect immediately, so manufacturers and importers must begin to prepare for the transition process today. The Importance of This Update for Manufacturers & Importers

If you prepare and update your product to the initial deadline, you will be making sure that you avoid delays, penalties, or cancellation of your registration licenses. The new standards have been developed to:

• Improve product safety
• Improve product quality
• Align with the International Standard and the Indian
• Reducing risks associated with Electrical Safety.

Conclusion

If your business manufactures or imports LED lights in India, you need to know about and act on the updated BIS Guidelines as soon as possible. You will be required to comply with the revised standards for all of your products by 02 August 2026.