Centre steps up crackdown on substandard helmets; urges strict BIS enforcement for road safety

Time of India

a day ago

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have urged consumers across the country to use only BIS-certified helmets. Additionally, the Department has called for strict enforcement against the manufacture or sale of helmets without
BIS certification
, a press release said.
With over 21 crore two-wheelers on Indian roads, rider safety is paramount. While wearing a helmet is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, its effectiveness depends on quality. Sub-standard helmets compromise protection and defeat their purpose. To address this, a Quality Control Order has been in force since 2021, mandating ISI-marked helmets certified under BIS standards (IS 4151:2015) for all two-wheeler riders.
As of June 2025, there are 176 manufacturers across India holding valid BIS licences for protective helmets. The Department has observed that many helmets sold on roadsides lack the mandatory BIS certification, posing significant risks to consumers and numerous fatalities in road accidents. Therefore, there is an urgent need to tackle this issue head-on.
To enforce quality standards, BIS conducts regular factory and market surveillance. In the last financial year, over 500 helmet samples were tested and more than 30 search-and-seizure operations were carried out for misuse of the BIS Standard Mark. In one Delhi operation, over 2,500 non-compliant helmets were seized from nine manufacturers with expired or cancelled licences. Similar action at 17 retail and roadside locations led to the seizure of around 500 substandard helmets, with legal proceedings underway.
To enhance road safety and protect consumers, the Department of Consumer Affairs had written to District Collectors (DCs) and District Magistrates (DMs) to launch a nationwide campaign targeting manufacturers and retailers selling non-compliant helmets. This initiative was a response to growing concerns over helmet quality and their critical role in safeguarding lives on the road.
The Department urged district officials to personally oversee the enforcement of the Quality Control Order and integrate the drive with existing road safety campaigns. BIS branch offices were instructed to coordinate with district administrations and police departments to support the initiative. The campaign saw encouraging results, particularly in the Delhi NCR region, and is now being expanded to other parts of the country.
Earlier this year, the BIS Chennai team conducted a roadshow distributing ISI-marked helmets and held an awareness drive in collaboration with local traffic authorities to promote adherence to safety standards. The campaign is also being amplified via media, social channels, and civil society partnerships.
To empower consumers, BIS has enabled verification of licensed helmet manufacturers on the BIS Care App and portal, and provided options for lodging complaints. As part of a national awareness initiative, BIS's 'Quality Connect' campaign and 'Manak Mitra' volunteers are actively educating consumers on mandatory certification for helmets and other safety products.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety by removing substandard helmets from the market and promoting BIS-certified protective gear to reduce preventable road accident fatalities.