The Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have urged two-wheeler riders across India to use only BIS-certified helmets, warning that substandard headgear poses a serious risk to road safety.

With more than 21 crore two-wheelers plying on Indian roads, the government stressed that while wearing a helmet is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, its quality is equally vital to prevent fatalities in accidents. Helmets certified under BIS standards (IS 4151:2015) are compulsory under a Quality Control Order enforced since 2021.

However, according to the Department, a large number of helmets sold on roadsides and in informal markets still lack the mandatory ISI mark.

“Sub-standard helmets compromise protection and defeat the purpose of wearing a helmet,” the Department said in a statement, adding that strict action is underway to tackle this threat to consumer safety.

During the financial year 2024–25, BIS carried out over 30 search-and-seizure operations and tested more than 500 helmet samples. In one such operation in Delhi, over 2,500 non-compliant helmets were seized from nine manufacturers whose licences had expired or been cancelled. Similar operations at 17 retail and roadside locations led to the seizure of nearly 500 substandard helmets. Legal proceedings have been initiated against violators.

Currently, 176 manufacturers across India hold valid BIS licences for protective helmets. To strengthen enforcement, the Department has written to District Collectors and Magistrates, urging them to launch special drives against illegal manufacture and sale of non-certified helmets. Local police and district administrations have been asked to integrate this initiative with existing road safety campaigns.

BIS has also stepped up consumer outreach, partnering with local traffic authorities for roadshows and awareness drives. For example, the BIS Chennai team recently organised a campaign distributing ISI-marked helmets and educating riders on the importance of certified safety gear.

Consumers can now check whether a helmet manufacturer is licensed on the BIS Care App or the BIS portal, which also allows users to lodge complaints against non-compliant sellers. In addition, BIS’s ‘Quality Connect’ campaign and its network of ‘Manak Mitra’ volunteers are engaging directly with the public to promote awareness about mandatory certification.