How LED Light Manufacturers Can Prepare for the 2026 IS 10322 BIS Standards & Cut Testing Costs

If you manufacture LED lights, luminaires, street lights, flood lights, recessed lights, solar lighting products or other lighting equipment in India, 2026 is an important year to review your BIS certification strategy. BIS has introduced a new generation of IS 10322 standards for several luminaire categories, replacing the older editions with 2026 revisions.

BIS's current standards and laboratory databases now show 2026 versions for categories including fixed general-purpose luminaires, recessed luminaires, road and street lighting, floodlights, handlamps, lighting chains and emergency lighting.

For a new manufacturer, this creates both a compliance requirement and an opportunity. If you are applying for BIS certification for the first time, selecting the latest applicable standard from the beginning can help avoid spending money on testing under an older version and then facing additional testing, modification or transition costs later.

Why 2026 Is Important for LED Lighting Manufacturers

The Indian lighting industry has changed significantly in recent years. LED technology has developed rapidly, products now use more sophisticated drivers and electronics, and manufacturers increasingly supply products for government tenders, infrastructure projects, commercial buildings, distributors and large institutional buyers. BIS standards have therefore also evolved.

IS 10322 Part 1:2026 is the new general requirements and tests standard for luminaires. BIS identifies it as the second revision and states that it is based on IEC 60598-1:2024 with Indian modifications. The revision includes significant changes such as the introduction of IPX9, EMF safety requirements and modifications to marking requirements.

The change is not limited to Part 1. BIS's current database lists 2026 versions for several particular luminaire categories. This means manufacturers should not simply continue using the standard number they have historically used without checking whether a revised 2026 edition now applies to their product.

Which LED Lights Are Covered Under the BIS Lighting Standards?

The correct BIS standard depends on the construction and intended application of the lighting product. A manufacturer should identify the product category before selecting the laboratory and before deciding which models to test.

Fixed General-Purpose LED Luminaires

Fixed general-purpose LED luminaires are covered under the IS 10322 Part 5 Section 1 family. BIS currently lists both the earlier 2012 edition and the 2026 edition, with the 2026 version identified as the second revision. The 2026 standard is aligned with IEC 60598-2-1:2020.

This category can include many commonly manufactured indoor and general-purpose LED fixtures where the luminaire is fixed in position.

Recessed LED Luminaires

• Recessed LED luminaires fall under IS 10322 Part 5 Section 2. BIS's current compulsory-registration database lists both the 2012 and 2026 editions.
• Recessed products should be classified carefully because the method of installation, construction and thermal behaviour can affect the applicable requirements and testing.

LED Road and Street Lighting

• LED street lights and road-lighting luminaires are covered under IS 10322 Part 5 Section 3. BIS currently lists the 2012 edition as well as the new 2026 version.
• This category is particularly relevant for manufacturers supplying municipal projects, smart-city projects, highway lighting, industrial roads, residential developments and government tenders.

LED Flood Lights

• LED floodlights are covered under IS 10322 Part 5 Section 5. BIS's current database lists the 2013 edition and the new 2026 edition. BIS LIMS is already showing laboratories with testing scope for IS 10322 Part 5 Section 5:2026.
• Floodlights are frequently used in industrial areas, parking areas, construction sites, sports facilities, warehouses, building façades and outdoor infrastructure. The standard addresses important safety considerations including construction, mechanical protection and resistance to environmental conditions.

LED Handlamps

LED handlamps are covered under IS 10322 Part 5 Section 6. BIS currently lists the 2026 edition alongside the older 2013 edition.

LED Lighting Chains

Lighting chains are covered under IS 10322 Part 5 Section 7. BIS's current database identifies IS 10322 Part 5 Section 7:2026 as the second revision, while the previous standard was IS 10322 Part 5 Section 7:2017.

Emergency LED Lighting

Emergency luminaires are covered under IS 10322 Part 5 Section 8. BIS now lists a 2026 first revision for this category. Current BIS laboratory records also show testing facilities for the 2026 edition.

What Has Changed in the BIS Lighting Standards in 2026?

The most important point for a new manufacturer is that the lighting standards are moving from older editions to revised 2026 editions. IS 10322 Part 1:2026 is particularly significant because it updates the general luminaire requirements to align with IEC 60598-1:2024. BIS identifies changes including IPX9, EMF safety requirements and revised marking requirements.

BIS's current Uniform Test Report Format database also lists the new 2026 standards for fixed general-purpose luminaires and lighting chains, demonstrating that the revised standards are already incorporated into the current certification/testing ecosystem.
For manufacturers, this means the question should no longer be simply “Which BIS standard did we use last year?” The correct question is “Which edition is applicable to our product and what is the current transition position?”

Should a New LED Light Manufacturer Apply Under the 2026 Standard?

For a new manufacturer starting BIS certification in 2026, the safest strategy is to first determine the current applicable standard and transition position before sending samples for testing.

This can save money in three ways.

• First, the manufacturer avoids testing under an older standard where the certification may subsequently need to be transitioned.
• Second, the manufacturer can design the PCB, driver, enclosure, thermal management, wiring and marking around the latest requirements.
• Third, the manufacturer can plan the complete product family before testing rather than testing one model today and discovering later that additional models require new evidence.

The goal is not simply to obtain a BIS certificate quickly. The goal is to obtain the right certificate with the right scope so that the manufacturer does not pay twice.

Can One LED Light Model Cover Multiple Models?

This is one of the most important questions manufacturers ask.

The answer depends on the specific product category and the applicable BIS grouping guidelines. It is not correct to assume that every wattage or model can automatically be covered by testing one sample.

However, grouping can significantly reduce testing expenditure where the products meet the applicable technical grouping conditions.

In some lighting categories, a highest-wattage representative model may be used to establish coverage for additional models where the PCB layout, construction, critical components and product design remain within the applicable grouping requirements. Depending on the particular product category, grouping may cover several additional models.

For some categories, manufacturers may be able to cover around 9 additional models; in other categories the permissible grouping may be up to 5 or potentially much larger. Certain lighting categories can have grouping structures that allow significantly broader model coverage, potentially up to 20 models. The exact number must be confirmed against the current BIS product-specific grouping guideline rather than assumed from a general rule.

This is why choosing the correct consultant and laboratory before testing is important.

Why PCB Layout and Product Construction Matter

For LED lighting products, model grouping is not simply about wattage.

The technical similarity between models can be critical. A manufacturer should review the PCB layout, LED configuration, driver arrangement, enclosure, insulation system, wiring, critical components, thermal design, mounting arrangement and other construction characteristics.

If the manufacturer changes the PCB or driver architecture between models, the grouping assumptions may no longer apply.

A ₹25,000–₹35,000 testing decision can therefore depend on technical information that is often overlooked during the quotation stage.

How Much Does BIS Testing Cost for LED Lights?

Testing cost varies significantly according to the lighting category, laboratory, product size, applicable standard, test scope and whether the laboratory has to perform additional measurements.

For many LED-lighting projects, manufacturers may encounter testing quotations in the broad range of approximately ₹22,000 to ₹35,000 or more for certain products and configurations. This should be treated as an indicative planning range, not a fixed BIS fee.

BIS's own laboratory database shows that actual laboratory charges can vary substantially. For example, current BIS LIMS records show ₹35,000 for one IS 10322 Part 5 Section 1 testing scope at a laboratory, while other laboratories and newer standards may have substantially different charges. A current laboratory listing for IS 10322 Part 5 Section 5:2026 shows ₹1,50,000, demonstrating why manufacturers should obtain a product-specific quotation instead of relying on a generic “LED testing cost.”

The laboratory fee is only one part of the project cost. The total budget can also include sample preparation, BIS government fees, marking fees, inspection-related expenses, consultant fees and any additional testing required for scope or grouping.

Why Choosing the Right Laboratory Can Save Money

Two laboratories can quote very different prices for what appears to be the same standard.

The reason can be differences in test scope, laboratory capability, equipment, standard edition, exclusions and whether the laboratory has current BIS scope for the applicable 2026 standard.

Before booking a test, ask:

• Is the laboratory currently recognised for the applicable BIS standard?
• Is the laboratory scope for the correct 2026 edition?
• Does the quotation cover the complete required test scope?
• Are any clauses excluded?
• Does the laboratory understand the proposed grouping?
• Can the laboratory test the representative highest-wattage model?
• Will the test report support the intended BIS licence scope?

These questions can prevent the cheapest quotation from becoming the most expensive option.

How Long Does BIS Certification for LED Lights Take?

For a straightforward manufacturer application, testing and certification project, a practical planning period can be around 25–30 days in favourable circumstances, but this should be treated as an indicative business timeline rather than a guaranteed BIS service-level period.

The actual time depends on several stages.

Step 1: Manufacturer Approval and Portal Registration

The manufacturer's business and factory information must be correctly established on the BIS portal and the application structure prepared.

Step 2: Product and Standard Mapping

The exact lighting category, applicable standard edition and intended licence scope are identified.

Step 3: Laboratory Selection

The product is sent to a laboratory having the required BIS recognition/scope.

Step 4: Product Testing

Representative samples are tested according to the applicable standard.

Step 5: Test Report

The laboratory completes and issues the applicable report, which becomes part of the certification evidence.

Step 6: BIS Application Documentation

Technical documents, manufacturing information, test evidence and other required documents are prepared.

Step 7: BIS Application

The certification application is submitted through the applicable BIS system.

Step 8: Factory and Technical Compliance

The manufacturer must demonstrate that production and quality-control arrangements are capable of maintaining conformity.

Step 9: Grant of Licence

Once BIS completes the applicable assessment and formalities, the licence can be granted for the approved scope.

The biggest delays usually occur when the manufacturer starts with the laboratory instead of starting with the certification scope.

What Are the BIS Government Fees in 2026?

The BIS fee structure changed in 2026 and manufacturers should distinguish between application fees, annual licence fees, processing fees and product-specific marking fees.

The March 2026 BIS notification specifies:

• Application fee: ₹1,000.
• Annual licence fee: ₹1,000.
• Processing fee: ₹25,000 per application for grant and continuation of operation of the licence, payable annually in advance.

Additional test reports can attract additional processing charges.

The 2026 notification provides, until 31 May 2029, an 80% concession in processing fee for micro enterprises, 50% for small enterprises and 20% for medium enterprises.

There are also concessions in annual minimum marking fees. BIS's March 2026 notification provides an 80% concession for micro enterprises and 50% for small enterprises through 31 May 2029.

What Does This Mean for a Micro Enterprise?

For a micro enterprise, the ₹25,000 processing fee can be reduced by 80% to ₹5,000 under the current concession.

Adding the ₹1,000 application fee and ₹1,000 annual licence fee gives ₹7,000 before GST.

At 18% GST, that is approximately ₹8,260.

However, this should not be presented as the complete BIS certification cost because applicable marking fees, testing, inspection and other charges can still apply.

This distinction is important for manufacturers because government fees and laboratory fees are two completely different cost components.

What If You Are a Small Enterprise?

For a small enterprise, the current processing-fee concession is 50% through 31 May 2029. Therefore, the ₹25,000 processing fee becomes ₹12,500 before adding the application fee, annual licence fee, GST and applicable marking fees.

Manufacturers should confirm their MSME classification and documentary eligibility before claiming the concession.

Does a Solar LED Light Need BIS Certification?

Solar lighting products need product-specific assessment because the complete system can contain a luminaire, LED module, driver/control electronics, battery and photovoltaic components.

The correct certification route depends on the actual product construction and applicable regulatory requirements. A solar street light should therefore not automatically be treated as an ordinary AC-powered street luminaire.

The battery, solar module, controller, charging system and lighting unit may each have separate compliance considerations depending on the product configuration and applicable Indian regulations.

What About LED Street Lights, Flood Lights and Recessed Lights?

These products are not all covered by one generic “LED light BIS certificate.”

A street light, floodlight and recessed luminaire can fall under different sections of the IS 10322 family.

This is why manufacturers should not purchase a generic test package without first confirming the product classification.

The correct standard should be selected based on the actual construction and intended use.

Can an Assembler Obtain BIS Certification?

An assembler can potentially be eligible where the applicable BIS certification scheme permits the entity and manufacturing arrangement to be treated as the manufacturer responsible for conformity.

However, the manufacturer/assembler should be transparent about where the product is actually manufactured and what processes are carried out at the declared premises.

If the critical components are sourced from another company but final assembly and quality control are performed at the applicant's facility, the certification structure should be reviewed before applying.

The important question is not simply “Who owns the PCB?” but “Who is the manufacturer responsible for the conformity of the finished product?”

What Should a New LED Manufacturer Do in 2026?

A new manufacturer should follow a standard-first strategy.

• First, prepare the complete product list.
• Second, classify each product into the applicable BIS lighting category.
• Third, check the latest 2026 standard and transition position.
• Fourth, identify the grouping possibilities.
• Fifth, freeze the PCB, driver, enclosure and critical components.
• Sixth, select the highest or most representative model according to the applicable grouping guideline.
• Seventh, obtain quotations from laboratories that have current BIS scope.
• Eighth, test the representative sample.
• Ninth, prepare the BIS application and factory documentation.
• Tenth, apply for the licence with the correct model scope.

This approach can prevent the common mistake of testing a low-wattage model first and then discovering that a higher-wattage or technically different product requires additional testing.

Why Instacertify Can Make BIS Certification Simpler

BIS certification is easier when the manufacturer does not have to figure out everything independently.

At Instacertify, our objective is not simply to tell a manufacturer which certificate to obtain. We look at the complete compliance cost.

• Which standard should be used?
• Which version is currently applicable?
• Which laboratory should perform the testing?
• Which model should be selected?
• How many models can be grouped?
• What government-fee concessions are available?
• What documents are required?
• What can be prepared before the application?
• How can repeat testing be avoided?

These decisions can save significantly more money than simply negotiating a laboratory quotation.

Instacertify has more than a decade of practical experience in product certification and testing and has worked with certification organisations, laboratories, manufacturers and international compliance partners. Our teams operate across India to coordinate certification and testing requirements.

Our approach is designed around long-term relationships rather than one-time certificates.

When a manufacturer adds a new model, changes a driver, changes a PCB, enters a government tender or needs a new certification, the compliance question comes back again. Having a consultant who already understands the product, factory and certification history can make the next project faster and more predictable.

Why Global Lighting Companies Work With Specialist Compliance Consultants

Large manufacturers do not treat certification as a paperwork exercise.

They use specialist technical consultants because the cost of getting the standard, test sample or licence scope wrong can be much higher than the consultant's fee.

Instacertify follows the same philosophy.

Our consulting solutions start from approximately ₹12,000 + GST, depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

The value is not only the application submission. The value is making sure the manufacturer spends money on the right testing, uses the right standard, takes advantage of eligible government concessions and obtains a licence scope that supports the business.

Our objective is simple: what saves you money and what grows your business?

Related Certko Resources

Manufacturers can also explore BIS Certification, Product Testing, BEE Certification and other product-specific certification resources available through Certko.

For LED-light manufacturers, 2026 is a year to review the certification strategy rather than simply repeat what was done in previous years. The transition to revised IS 10322 standards creates an opportunity for new manufacturers to design their products around the latest requirements, select the right representative model, use the applicable grouping guidelines and avoid unnecessary repeat testing.

Whether you manufacture fixed LED luminaires, recessed lights, floodlights, street lights, emergency lights, handlamps, lighting chains or solar lighting products, the first step should always be product classification and standard verification.

The right certification strategy can save testing costs, reduce project delays and give your buyer or tender customer confidence.
At Instacertify, our approach is simple: make certification simpler for brands. We do not want to be a one-time consultant. We want to become the compliance partner you call whenever a new product, new standard, new tender or new market creates a certification requirement.