The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially revised IS 16103 (Part 1): 2012 and reissued it as IS 16103 (Part 1): 2025 / IEC 62031:2018, thereby aligning the Indian safety standard for LED modules with the corresponding international benchmark.
The new standard introduces several critical updates—both in technical requirements and in compliance/transition procedures—for manufacturers, licensees, and applicants under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). Below is a structured breakdown of what has changed, what stakeholders must do, and the timeline for transition.
Key Revisions in IS 16103 (Part 1):2025
| Area | Change / Addition | Implication / Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions / Terminology | New definitions added for replaceable LED module, non-replaceable LED module, and non-user-replaceable LED module (CRS BIS) | Helps clarify module categories and their restrictions in usage, replacement, and safety classifications. |
| Marking / Labelling Requirements | The marking clause has been restructured, and a table overview added for clarity (CRS BIS) | To make labelling more standardized, readable, and consistent across product lines. |
| Modifications in Marking for Built-in Modules | Adjustments in how built-in LED modules must be marked (CRS BIS) | Ensures clearer information on modules that are integrated (non-separable) in luminaires. |
| Working Voltage Entry | Changes in the format or detail required for marking the working voltage (CRS BIS) | To avoid ambiguity and enforce accuracy in voltage specifications. |
| Annex B Deletion | Annex B from the 2012 version has been deleted in the 2025 version (CRS BIS) | Simplifies the standard by removing outdated or redundant content. |
| Luminaire Design Requirements | Additional information included on design with regard to working voltage and water contact (CRS BIS) | To enhance safety when LED modules are embedded in luminaires, especially in environments exposed to moisture. |
| New Test Requirements | – Abnormal temperature test introduced (CRS BIS) – Photobiological safety test added (CRS BIS) | These additions aim to strengthen safety under stress conditions and biological hazard aspects (e.g. blue light, UV). |
Transition & Implementation Guidelines
To avoid disruption and non-compliance, BIS has laid out procedural guidelines for migrating from the 2012 version to the 2025 standard. These are directed at existing licensees, new applicants, and changes in scope. The key points are:
Timelines & Coexistence Period
- Both IS 16103 (Part 1):2012 and IS 16103 (Part 1):2025 will run concurrently until 21 January 2026.
- After 21 January 2026, the 2012 version will be withdrawn and no longer valid.
For Existing Licensees
- Mandatory migration: All existing licensees must ensure compliance to the 2025 standard by 21 January 2026.
- Test reports: Licensees must submit complete test reports (from BIS-recognized laboratories) for all lead models (models that were earlier tested under the 2012 standard).
- Declaration / Undertaking: A formal undertaking must be provided stating that all series models (under the licence’s scope) conform to the new standard.
- Non-compliance consequences: If a licensee fails to complete required actions by the deadline, BIS may initiate cancellation of licence or deletion of models from the licence scope.
For New Applicants
- Applications already in processing (sample submitted or test report issued) may be processed under the old (2012) standard.
- New applications (after this guideline was issued) may choose to be processed under either the 2012 or the 2025 standard, provided the applicant gives a declaration that they will migrate to the revised standard by the deadline.
- After 21 January 2026, no licence will be granted under the 2012 standard.
For Change in Scope of Licence
- Provisions for change in scope mirror those for new applicants: requests may be handled under old or revised standard (as allowed) until the switchover date.
- However, processing under the old standard will only be allowed up to the earlier of the licensee’s switchover date or 21 January 2026.
What Stakeholders Must Do Now
- Manufacturers / Licensees should immediately begin preparing test plans, updating documentation, and re-marking designs in accordance with the new definitions and marking requirements.
- Laboratories should ready themselves for performing new tests (abnormal temperature, photobiological safety) per the revised standard.
- Design & R&D teams should incorporate new luminaire design constraints (e.g. water contact, voltage handling) early to avoid rework.
- Application teams (for licences) must ensure test reports are ready, undertakings drafted, and transition completed before deadlines.
- Importers / Traders should check declarations and certificates to ensure any LED modules they procure or market will meet IS 16103 (Part 1): 2025 after the coexistence period ends.