How BIS Standard Revision Affects Your Existing Certification: Transition Guide

When a BIS standard is revised, existing certifications under the old version do not immediately become invalid. A "concurrent running period" allows smooth transition. This guide explains how standard revisions affect existing BIS certifications.

What Is a Concurrent Running Period?

When BIS publishes a revised Indian Standard, both the old and new versions typically run concurrently for a specified period — commonly 1-3 years. During this period:

• Existing certifications under the old standard remain valid
• New applications can be made under either the old or new standard
• After the concurrent running period ends, only the new standard is valid for new applications and renewals

Real Examples of Concurrent Running Periods

IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Migration

The November 2025 gazette notification specified that IS 13252 and IS 616 remain valid until 1 November 2028 — giving a ~3-year concurrent running period. Products certified under IS 13252 or IS 616 continue to be legal until their licence expires or until November 2028, whichever comes first.

IS 302 (Part 1):2024

QCO 2026 (S.O. 1739(E)) mandates IS 302 (Part 1):2024 from specific dates (October 2026 for large enterprises). Earlier versions of IS 302 Part 1 are superseded from those dates. The staggered enterprise-size deadlines effectively create a concurrent running period for smaller enterprises.

What You Must Do During a Concurrent Running Period

• Plan your migration well before the concurrent period ends — do not wait until the last months
• Continue annual renewals under the old standard if needed during transition
• Initiate testing under the new standard early — labs fill up near deadlines
• Do NOT launch new products under the old standard near the end of the concurrent period — they will require migration soon after launch

Standard Revision vs QCO Notification

Important distinction:

• A standard revision (new IS version) triggers a concurrent running period automatically
• A QCO notification specifies a specific mandatory date — no concurrent running if the QCO date has passed

Tracking Standard Revisions

Manufacturers must proactively track standard revisions affecting their products. BIS publishes revision notices on bis.gov.in and in the Official Gazette. House of Testing monitors standard revisions for all key product categories and informs clients proactively — contact us to subscribe to our standards update service.