Smart Watches and Wearables BIS Compliance Under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

Smart Watches and Wearables BIS Compliance Under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

Smart Watches and Wearables BIS Compliance Under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

Smart watches, fitness trackers, and wearable technology devices were covered under IS 13252 and must migrate to IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. This product category has unique safety considerations due to body-worn use.

Products Covered

  • Smartwatches (Android, Apple Watch equivalents, custom OS)
  • Fitness trackers and activity bands
  • Smart rings
  • Heart rate monitors
  • GPS sports watches

Unique Considerations for Body-Worn Devices

Surface Temperature — Critical for Wrist-Worn Products

Wrist-worn devices are in direct skin contact for extended periods. IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 surface temperature limits are particularly stringent for products worn against the body. The thermal limits for extended skin contact (above 2 seconds continuous contact) are lower than for products only briefly touched. Smartwatch designs must ensure the back case temperature stays within these limits during charging and during high-CPU workloads (GPS tracking, health sensors).

Wireless Charging

Most smartwatches charge wirelessly. IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 evaluates the primary power source of wireless charging (the charger dock). The charger dock must comply with IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 as well. If the charger is bundled with the watch, both devices form a system that must be tested together.

Battery Safety for Small Cells

Smartwatch batteries are very small (typically 200-400 mAh) but still require full battery safety evaluation. The small form factor means the battery is very close to the user's skin — thermal management is critical.

Bioelectrical Sensors

Smartwatches with ECG, bioimpedance, or other bioelectrical sensors pass small electrical currents through the user's body. IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 evaluates the circuit design to ensure these currents remain well within safe physiological limits (ES1 classification).

Wireless Compliance

Smartwatches use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and sometimes GPS and cellular connectivity. All wireless functions require separate WPC/DoT type approval. The IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 BIS CRS registration covers electrical safety only.