IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for Laptop and Computer Manufacturers: Complete Compliance Checklist
IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 for Laptop and Computer Manufacturers: Complete Compliance Checklist
Laptops, desktops, tablets, notebooks, and portable computers — all previously registered under IS 13252 — must now transition to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. This checklist covers everything computer hardware manufacturers and importers need to action.
Product Categories Covered
- Laptops (including gaming laptops, business laptops, ultrabooks)
- Desktop computers (towers, all-in-ones, mini PCs)
- Tablets and 2-in-1 devices
- Workstations
- Servers (note: servers have specific PS3 requirements)
- Chromebooks and educational computing devices
What IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Tests for Laptops
Electrical Safety Tests:
- Touch current measurement (ES classification): Measured at accessible surfaces. Must be ES1 or safely protected ES2/ES3.
- Dielectric strength: High-voltage withstand test between live parts and accessible surfaces.
- Insulation resistance: Between isolated circuits and chassis.
- Earth continuity: For Class I laptops (those with 3-pin earth connection).
- PS classification of power supply: Most laptop adapters are PS2. High-performance workstations may be PS3.
Battery and Charging Safety:
- IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 has comprehensive requirements for integrated lithium batteries
- Overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, short circuit protection
- Thermal runaway containment requirements
- Battery management system (BMS) evaluation
Thermal Safety:
- Surface temperature limits on accessible areas (keyboard, palm rest, bottom)
- Particularly important for high-performance gaming laptops with elevated surface temperatures
- Thermal shutdown requirements for overtemperature conditions
Mechanical Safety:
- Screen hinge durability (not a BIS test per se, but relevant under mechanical hazard clauses)
- Housing material requirements
- Port and connector mechanical safety
USB-C and Power Delivery — Special Attention Required
Laptops with USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charging — now nearly universal — have specific requirements under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 that were not present in IS 13252 (based on older IEC 60950-1). The standard now addresses high-power delivery over USB-C at up to 240W (under USB PD 3.1 specification).
If your laptop supports USB-C charging above 60W, specific evaluation of the USB-C PD circuit is required.
Compliance Checklist for Laptop Manufacturers
| Action Item | Status |
|---|
| Identify all IS 13252 R-numbers for laptop products | ☐ |
| Check USB-C charging wattage for each model | ☐ |
| Verify battery chemistry and capacity (BMS documentation) | ☐ |
| Check component certifications against IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 Clause 4 | ☐ |
| Book pre-compliance gap analysis at BIS-recognized lab | ☐ |
| Submit samples for IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 formal testing | ☐ |
| Prepare series model undertaking | ☐ |
| File Standard Revision on BIS portal | ☐ |
| Update product documentation once BIS confirmation received | ☐ |
Timeline Recommendation
For a laptop range with multiple models:
- Pre-compliance gap analysis: 1-2 weeks
- Sample preparation and shipping to lab: 1-2 weeks
- IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 testing: 3-5 weeks
- BIS portal filing and scrutiny: 3-5 weeks
- Total realistic timeline: 8-14 weeks per product family
Plan your migration well before the November 2028 deadline. With a large product portfolio, companies should begin immediately to avoid testing lab backlogs.
Contact House of Testing for IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 laptop testing and compliance support.