India BIS XR devices regulation

India BIS XR Devices Regulation: What Has Changed?

India has formally expanded its regulatory framework for emerging technologies through the India BIS XR devices regulation, introducing specific compliance requirements for Extended Reality (XR) devices under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).

This regulatory development, led by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), marks a significant step in addressing the safety and quality of immersive technologies, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) devices.

Scope of the Regulation

The updated framework applies to a broad range of XR products, particularly those integrating display technologies with embedded processing capabilities. This includes:

• Virtual reality headsets used for gaming, training, and enterprise applications

• Augmented reality smart glasses

• Mixed reality head-mounted devices

• Wearable XR display systems

  
  

The regulation is applicable to manufacturers, importers, and brand owners, regardless of whether production occurs domestically or internationally.

Transition to a New Safety Standard

A central component of the India BIS XR devices regulation is the adoption of a new technical standard:

• IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

  
  

This standard replaces previously applicable frameworks such as IS 13252 (Part 1) and IS 616. Unlike earlier standards, which focused primarily on prescriptive safety requirements, the updated standard is based on a hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) approach.

This methodology evaluates potential risks associated with product use, including:

• Electrical hazards

• Thermal and overheating risks

• Fire safety considerations

• Mechanical and structural integrity

  
  

As a result, compliance now requires a more comprehensive safety assessment aligned with international best practices.

Implementation Timeline and Compliance Deadline

The regulation includes a defined transition period, allowing stakeholders to adapt to the new requirements. However, a strict compliance deadline has been established:

• Final deadline: 1 May 2026

  
  

Until this date, companies may continue operating under legacy standards. After the deadline:

• Previous standards will no longer be accepted

• Only IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 certification will be valid

• Non-compliant products will be restricted from market access

  
  

This timeline necessitates proactive planning for testing, certification updates, and regulatory submissions.

Key Compliance Requirements

Organizations impacted by the India BIS XR devices regulation must undertake several actions to ensure compliance:

For existing certification holders:

• Conduct product testing under the new standard

• Submit updated test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories

• Amend existing registrations to reflect compliance

  
  

For new market entrants:

• Apply for CRS registration under the updated framework

• Ensure testing aligns with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

• Appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR), if applicable

  
  

Failure to meet these requirements may result in certification suspension or revocation.

Enforcement and Market Implications

The updated regulation introduces stricter enforcement mechanisms. Products that fail to meet the new requirements may face:

• Denial of import clearance

• Removal from approved product listings

• Cancellation of BIS registration

  
  

Consequently, compliance is not only a regulatory obligation but also a prerequisite for maintaining commercial operations in India.

Strategic Significance

The introduction of the India BIS XR devices regulation reflects India’s broader objective to align with international safety standards while strengthening oversight of rapidly evolving technologies.

This move is expected to:

• Enhance consumer safety and product reliability

• Encourage higher manufacturing standards

• Reduce the circulation of substandard electronic devices

• Support the sustainable growth of the XR ecosystem in India

The India BIS XR devices regulation represents a critical regulatory shift for the XR industry. By mandating compliance with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 and establishing a clear enforcement timeline, India is setting a higher benchmark for product safety and quality.

Organizations operating in this space should prioritize early compliance to mitigate risks, avoid disruptions, and maintain uninterrupted access to one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets.