In a renewed push to enhance road safety, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has urged consumers across India to use only helmets certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the widespread sale of substandard and non-compliant helmets, which significantly undermine rider safety.
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, over 21 crore two-wheelers are currently on Indian roads, making helmet safety a critical public concern. While wearing helmets is mandated under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, officials emphasize that only quality-certified helmets offer reliable protection. A Quality Control Order in effect since 2021 mandates BIS certification (ISI mark under IS 4151:2015) for all protective helmets sold for two-wheeler use.
In the financial year 2024–25, BIS conducted more than 30 search-and-seizure operations, testing over **500 helmet samples. One major crackdown in Delhi led to the seizure of over 2,500 non-compliant helmets from nine manufacturers operating with expired or cancelled licences. An additional 500 substandard helmets were confiscated from roadside vendors and retail outlets.
Currently, 176 manufacturers across India hold valid BIS licences for protective helmets. Despite this, a large number of uncertified helmets continue to be sold, especially in unregulated markets. The Department has warned that such products pose serious safety risks and contribute to fatalities in road accidents.
To combat this, the Department has written to District Collectors and Magistrates across the country, urging them to launch special enforcement drives against non-compliant manufacturers and vendors. The initiative is being integrated with ongoing road safety campaigns for broader impact.
In Delhi NCR and other regions, the campaign has shown promising results. BIS branch offices are also working closely with local administrations and police departments to ensure effective enforcement.
Earlier this year, the BIS Chennai office conducted an awareness drive in collaboration with local traffic authorities, distributing certified helmets and promoting the importance of compliance through roadshows and media campaigns.
To help consumers make informed purchases, BIS has introduced new features on its BIS Care App and official portal, allowing users to verify manufacturer licenses and lodge complaints against non-compliant products. Additionally, the Quality Connect campaign and ‘Manak Mitra’ volunteers are spreading awareness at the grassroots level about the significance of ISI-marked helmets.
