Electronics & Electrical
Seeing Clearly: BIS Releases New CRS Guidelines for Smart & AR Glasses
Wearable tech is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s right on our faces. As the market for audio, smart, and augmented reality (AR) glasses explodes, regulatory bodies are racing to keep up.
If you are manufacturing or importing wearable technology into India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) just dropped a crucial update that you need to know about. Issued on August 13, 2026, the new guidance provides much-needed clarity on how these futuristic wearables fit into the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS).
How Are Your Glasses Categorized Now?
Until now, figuring out which category a pair of smart glasses belonged to could feel like a guessing game. Is a device with a camera a camera, or is it a wearable? The new BIS circular (Ref: Reg/ 2026/G-01) finally clears the air.
Here is exactly how you need to categorize your products for CRS approval going forward:
| What Your Glasses Do | BIS Product Category | Sub-Category to Use |
| Audio Only: Bluetooth, mic, speaker, AI voice assistant (no camera) | Wireless Earphones and Headphones | Audio Glasses |
| Photos Only: Features of audio glasses + a camera for capturing photos | Digital Camera | Smart Glasses |
| Photos & Video: Features of audio glasses + a camera for photos and videos | Video Camera | Smart Glasses |
| Augmented Reality: Has an overlay display visible through the lenses | Extended Reality Products | AR Glasses |
| Mixed Reality: Advanced overlay and environment interaction | Extended Reality Products | MR Glasses |
The "Extended Reality" Breakdown
The BIS has also recognized that the Extended Reality (XR) space is broad. Under the "Extended Reality Products" category, they have mapped out specific sub-categories and product names you must use:
AR Glasses & Other AR Devices
VR Headsets
MR Glasses & Other MR Devices
The Golden Rule to Remember: The BIS explicitly states that separate licenses shall be granted for each product name. You cannot lump an AR Glass and a VR Headset under the same license application, even if they use similar underlying technology.
What This Means for You
If you are gearing up for a product launch in India, getting your CRS categories right from day one is critical. Applying under the wrong category will lead to application rejections, delayed testing, and a longer time-to-market.
Take a close look at your product's functionality—especially the camera and display capabilities—and align it strictly with this new matrix before sending samples to the lab.
