Governing body World Bowls has launched the "formal process" required, its chief executive Gary Smith confirmed.

Acceptance by the IOC would pave the way for potential inclusion at the Olympic Games in future.

Lawn bowls is already an established event at the Commonwealth Games, but the sport's efforts for IOC recognition were previously hindered by a requirement for 75 affiliated countries. 

This has now been lowered to just 50 nations, however, to give World Bowls the option of applying.

"We had to await the results of a full review undertaken by the IOC of their eligibility criteria to firstly ensure that we met the minimum number of member nations criteria," said Smith.

"The review was completed in December 2015 and the criteria were issued to us a couple of months ago and we meet this criteria.

"The initial step required was to send a formal letter to the IOC advising them that we are seeking their recognition.

"We are now required to complete a 40 page questionnaire and to submit this with a wide range of relevant documents."

Smith said the documents would need to reach the IOC by August 31, who could then consider the application in December.

He made the announcement at the World Bowls European Development Seminar in Glasgow.

In October, the sport of boules launched a campaign to get onto the Olympic programme in 2024.

The French game is governed by the Confédération Mondiale Sport Boules (CMSB).