Guidelines for Implementation of IS 16102 (Part 1) Self-Ballasted LED Lamps Safety Requirements

The Bureau of Indian Standards has released new guidelines for the implementation of IS 16102 (Part 1):2026, which deals with the safety requirements for self-ballasted LED lamps for general lighting services. The previous version of the standard, IS 16102 (Part 1):2012, has been superseded and replaced by the new version of 2026. The guidelines assist the manufacturers, importers, and license holders in implementing the revised standard smoothly within the stipulated time period. The implementation of the guidelines will ensure enhanced safety of the products, adherence to the latest technological advancements, and conformity with international practices while retaining the validity of the BIS certification for LED lighting products in the Indian market.

Key Changes in the Recent Update of IS 16102 (Part 1):2026

BIS has modified IS 16102 (Part 1) by superseding the existing standard of 2012 with the revised version of IS 16102 (Part 1):2026. Key Points:

• The existing standard of IS 16102 (Part 1):2012 has been superseded by the revised standard of IS 16102 (Part 1):2026.
• Both standards, 2012 and 2026, will be in operation simultaneously until 02 August 2026.
• After 02 August 2026, the superseded standard of 2012 will be withdrawn and will lose its validity.
• The modifications brought about by the 2026 version are mentioned in the Annexure of the official BIS notification.
• The Annexure has been included for general information purposes only to assist manufacturers in understanding the revised requirements.

Guidelines for Implementation of IS 16102 (Part 1):2026

The current update helps manufacturers, importers, and applicants ensure smooth BIS certification compliance within the defined transition timeline while maintaining licence validity.

Guidelines for Existing Licensees:

• Existing licensees are required to submit the test reports from a BIS-recognised laboratory for all the lead models that have been tested as per the 2012 standard.
• The licensees are required to provide a written undertaking (declaration) that all other series models falling under the license are in compliance with the revised 2026 standard.
• Existing licensees are required to take necessary actions as per the revised 2026 standard before the deadline to avoid cancellation of the license or exclusion of certain models from the license scope.
• Existing licensees are required to comply with IS 16102 (Part 1):2026 before 02 August 2026 to keep the BIS license valid.
• Existing licensees who fail to comply with the revised 2026 standard after the deadline may have their licenses become invalid.

Guidelines for New Applicants:

• For applications where samples have already been submitted and test reports have already been issued, processing can still be done under IS 16102 (Part 1):2012.
• For new applications submitted now, processing can be done under either the 2012 standard or the new 2026 standard during the transition period.
• Processing under the old standard will only be allowed until 02 August 2026.
• Applicants who opt to use the old standard must submit a declaration stating that they will adopt IS 16102 (Part 1):2026 before the implementation deadline.
• After 02 August 2026, no new BIS licence will be issued under the old 2012 standard.

Change in the Scope of Licence of IS 16102 (Part 1)

To obtain BIS Certification of 16102 (Part 1), you must go through a few changes, such as: 

• If a licensee applies to add new models or modify the licence scope, the same rules mentioned above for applicants will apply.

Requests for change in scope under the old 2012 standard will only be allowed until:

• The date the licensee switches to the revised 2026 standard, or
• The implementation deadline (02 August 2026),

• These guidelines are effective immediately from the date of issue.

Effective Date of Recent Update on IS 16102 (Part 1)

These guidelines are applicable from the date of issue. BIS has superseded IS 16102 (Part 1):2012 with IS 16102 (Part 1):2026. All existing licensees are required to comply with the new standard before 02 August 2026; otherwise, their licence will be cancelled. After this date, no licence will be issued for the old standard.

Conclusion

The transition from IS 16102 (Part 1):2012 to IS 16102 (Part 1):2026 will be a significant update to the safety and compliance requirements for self-ballasted LED lamps within India. The Bureau of Indian Standards' guidelines help companies to have a smooth transition to the updated standard as well as to provide improved safety, performance and regulatory compliance with respect to the LED lighting products manufactured.

 If companies meet these deadlines, they will not be subject to disruptions of their license, will be permitted to continue to sell their products in the marketplace, and will be able to maintain their BIS certification of LED lighting products.