BIS Brings AR, VR and MR Devices Under Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): What Industry Must Know

India’s regulatory landscape for electronics and IT hardware continues to evolve in response to emerging technologies. In a significant move, the Government of India has brought Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) devices under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). This development mandates certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) before such products can be manufactured, imported, distributed, or sold in India.

The notification, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), reflects the growing adoption of immersive technologies across sectors including gaming, healthcare, education, defense, manufacturing, and enterprise collaboration. With the inclusion of AR, VR, and MR devices, India aims to ensure safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in the expanding extended reality (XR) ecosystem.

Understanding the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS)

The Compulsory Registration Scheme is administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements for Compulsory Registration) Order. CRS applies to specified categories of electronic and IT products that must meet designated Indian safety standards before being placed on the market.

Under this framework, manufacturers are required to:

Test products in BIS-recognized laboratories.

Ensure compliance with applicable Indian Standards.

Obtain a BIS Registration Certificate.

Mark products with the Standard Mark and Registration Number (R-Number).

Only after fulfilling these conditions can products be legally introduced into the Indian market.

AR, VR and MR Devices Now Covered

With the latest amendment, immersive hardware devices are formally categorized under CRS. This includes:

Standalone VR headsets

AR smart glasses

Mixed reality head-mounted displays

Tethered immersive display systems

From the notified effective date, no AR, VR, or MR device can be imported or sold in India without valid BIS registration. Non-compliance may lead to customs clearance issues, penalties under the BIS Act, product recalls, and restrictions on sale through retail or e-commerce channels.

Applicable Standard: IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

The devices must comply with Indian Standard IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. This standard follows a hazard-based safety engineering approach and applies to audio, video, information, and communication technology equipment.

Key areas covered under the standard include:

Electrical safety protection

Thermal hazard control

Fire risk mitigation

Mechanical strength and structural integrity

Protection against energy-related injuries

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 replaces older standards such as IS 13252 (Part 1), marking a transition toward globally harmonized safety compliance for modern digital and immersive technologies.

Manufacturers should also note any transitional timelines provided in the notification to BIS certification for AR VR devices in India ensure timely migration to the updated standard.

Who Must Obtain BIS Registration

The responsibility for compliance primarily lies with the manufacturer. However, several stakeholders are affected:

Indian manufacturers producing XR devices domestically.

Foreign manufacturers exporting to India.

Authorized Indian Representatives (AIR) appointed by foreign manufacturers.

Importers and brand owners introducing products into the Indian market.

For foreign entities, appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative is mandatory to manage regulatory communication, documentation, and ongoing compliance obligations.

Registration Process Overview

The BIS CRS registration process involves multiple structured steps:

Product testing in a BIS-recognized laboratory in India.

Compilation of technical documentation, including product specifications, test reports, and manufacturing details.

Submission of the application through the BIS online portal.

Evaluation by BIS authorities.

Grant of Registration Certificate with a unique R-Number upon approval.

Once certification is granted, the Standard Mark and Registration Number must be affixed to the product and packaging as per BIS marking guidelines.

Strategic and Commercial Implications

The inclusion of AR, VR, and MR devices under CRS has significant business implications. India represents a rapidly expanding market for immersive technologies, with growing adoption in gaming, training simulations, industrial design, and metaverse-related applications.

Manufacturers who proactively obtain certification will gain smoother market access and enhanced credibility. On the other hand, companies that delay compliance risk shipment detention at ports, sales disruption, and reputational damage.

For startups and global XR brands entering India, early planning for compliance should be integrated into product launch timelines. Testing cycles, documentation preparation, and BIS evaluation can take several weeks depending on workload and technical complexity.

Consumer Protection and Regulatory Intent

From a regulatory standpoint, the move strengthens consumer safety. XR devices involve direct interaction with electrical systems, wearable components, optical displays, batteries, and wireless connectivity. Ensuring adherence to safety standards reduces risks related to overheating, electrical faults, fire hazards, and device malfunction.

By aligning Indian BIS certification for AR VR devices in India requirements with internationally recognized safety standards, the government also supports interoperability and global trade alignment.

Conclusion

The mandatory inclusion of AR, VR, and MR devices under the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme marks a pivotal regulatory development in India’s technology sector. As immersive technologies continue to integrate into daily life and industry operations, regulatory oversight becomes essential to ensure product safety and quality assurance.

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must act promptly to understand the new requirements, initiate product testing, and complete BIS registration before placing devices on the Indian market. Strategic compliance planning will not only prevent legal complications but also strengthen brand positioning in India’s rapidly growing extended reality ecosystem.