On 22 July 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) published an official FAQ on migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, answering 17 core questions raised most often by industry, including changes to R-numbers, parallel operation of old and new standards, testing costs and critical component lists. The key points are summarised below.

The migration clock is running

On 9 March 2026 BIS issued implementation guidelines for the migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. More than four months later, on 22 July, BIS followed up with an official FAQ addressing recurring industry questions.

The parallel-operation deadline for old and new standards is 1 November 2028.

That is more than two years away, but migration should not be left late. Four core facts are worth noting first:

· Existing R-numbers remain unchanged after migration;

· Licences for different product categories held by the same manufacturer migrate independently;

· During the parallel period the old standard may still be used for renewals and new applications, subject to a declaration on switching;

· After the deadline, licences that have not migrated will be cancelled.

From rules to practice

Q1: Does the R-number change after migration?

No. Whether a product was originally registered under IS 13252 (Part 1):2010 or IS 616:2017, the existing R-number is retained after successful migration to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. Where a manufacturer holds several licences for different categories, each R-number also stays the same, and each licence requires a separate migration application.

Q2: How long can the old standard be used, and what about new applications?

Both standards run in parallel until 1 November 2028.

Renewals: licences may be renewed under the old standard before 1 November 2028.

New applications: during the parallel period either the old or the new standard may be used; applicants choosing the old standard must submit a declaration committing to switch before the deadline. BIS explicitly encourages filing new applications directly under the new standard.

After the deadline: no new registrations under the old standard will be accepted; the new standard applies uniformly.

Q3: Can critical components keep using the old standard?

No.

Clause 4.1.2 of IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 states that where a component characteristic is a safeguard or part of one, the component must comply with the new standard or with the safety requirements of the relevant IEC component standard.

Critical components that only comply with the old standard therefore cannot be listed in the Critical Component List (CCL). They may, however, be registered together with the end product in line with BIS parallel testing guidelines.

Q4: What if the primary model is end-of-life?

It can be replaced.

If the original primary model is discontinued (EOL), the licence holder may remove it from the scope of the licence and, under the revised series classification guidelines issued by MeitY, select another model in the same series as the new primary model to demonstrate compliance with the new standard.

Q5: Are there sample requirements?

Samples of registered models may carry the BIS standard mark, but the applicant must state in writing to the laboratory that the model is registered, and the laboratory must record this in the test report.

Q6: Can new models be added to an old licence first?

Yes.

New models tested to the new standard may, subject to BIS requirements, be added first to an existing licence (R-number) issued under the old standard. This gives companies a buffer to switch gradually during the parallel period. Detailed procedures are set out in clause 4(C) of the Migration Implementation Guidelines issued on 9 March 2026.

Note: registered models already within the scope of a licence may carry the BIS standard mark when submitted for testing, but the applicant must declare the model is registered and the laboratory must record it in the test report.

Standard marking requirements

Products complying with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 must carry the Indian BIS standard mark in accordance with Regulation 6 (Labelling and Marking Requirements) and Annexures I, II and III of Scheme II of Schedule II of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

NTEK recommendations

1. Submit primary models for testing early — resources at BIS-recognised laboratories may tighten, and early scheduling means earlier reports.

2. Review the critical component list — make sure every critical component already complies with the new standard so that component issues do not block the product migration.

3. Follow updates to the series classification guidelines — the basis for selecting the primary model has been revised, so series classification should be re-evaluated.

If you have questions about migrating a specific product, please contact our team.