Centre urges consumers to use only BIS-certified helmets to bolster road safety

IANS July 5, 2025 418 views

The Centre has urged citizens to use only BIS-certified helmets to enhance road safety. Substandard helmets compromise protection and contribute to fatalities. BIS conducts raids and market checks to enforce compliance. Consumers can verify helmet authenticity and report violations through the BIS Care App.

"The Department has observed that many helmets sold on roadsides lack the mandatory BIS certification, posing significant risks." – Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Centre urges consumers to use only BIS-certified helmets to bolster road safety
New Delhi, July 5: In a major step towards ushering road safety, the Union government on Saturday appealed to consumers across the country to use only Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified helmets.

Key Points

1

Government mandates BIS-certified helmets under Quality Control Order

2

Over 21 crore two-wheelers in India require safe helmets

3

BIS seized 2,500 non-compliant helmets in Delhi raids

4

Consumers can verify helmet authenticity via BIS Care App

The Department of Consumer Affairs also called for strict enforcement against the manufacture or sale of helmets without BIS certification.

According to data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, India has over 21 crore two-wheelers on roads.

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 licenses for protective helmets,” the Ministry said.

"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," it added.

In a bid to enforce quality standards, BIS regularly conducts factory and market surveillance. In the last financial year, it tested over 500 helmet samples, 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," the Ministry said.

Further, BIS has added a provision on the BIS Care App and BIS portal to check whether a helmet manufacturer is licensed or not and also allows users to lodge a complaint on the BIS Care App.

As part of a nationwide consumer awareness initiative, BIS organises the Quality Connect campaign where ‘Manak Mitra’ volunteers engage directly with consumers to provide information on mandatory certification for helmets and other products.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who survived an accident thanks to a good quality helmet, I can't stress enough how important this is. The ₹200 roadside helmets might save you from traffic police but won't save your head during impact. Invest in safety!
A
Ananya R
Good initiative but implementation is key. In my city, police only check if you're wearing helmet, not whether it's ISI marked. They should be trained to identify fake certifications too. #RoadSafety
V
Vikram M
The BIS Care App feature is useful 👍 Just checked my helmet's certification. But government should also make these certified helmets more affordable - currently good ones cost ₹2000+ which is too much for daily wage workers.
K
Kavya N
Saw a demonstration where substandard helmets cracked like eggshells during testing 😳 This awareness campaign is much needed. Parents especially should ensure their college-going children use proper helmets, not those flimsy half-helmets.
M
Michael C
While the intention is good, the government should also improve road infrastructure and driver training. Helmets are last line of defense - we need to prevent accidents first. The focus seems one-sided currently.
P
Priya S
The 'Manak Mitra' volunteers should visit schools and colleges! Young riders are most vulnerable and often buy stylish but unsafe helmets. Safety

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
BIS-certified helmets road safety Consumer Affairs helmet standards two-wheeler safety