New Delhi: In a decisive move to enhance road safety and protect two-wheeler riders across the country, the Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has called on citizens to strictly use BIS-certified helmets. The initiative underscores the government’s resolve to eliminate substandard protective gear from the market and reduce fatalities caused by low-quality helmets.
Alarming Rise in Road Casualties Due to Substandard Helmets
India is home to over 21 crore two-wheelers, making helmets a critical component of everyday commuting. Although wearing a helmet is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the quality of the helmet plays a pivotal role in saving lives during accidents. Inferior, non-certified helmets offer little to no protection, undermining the very purpose of safety regulations.
To address this concern, the government has implemented a Quality Control Order since 2021, mandating that all two-wheeler helmets sold in India must comply with BIS standards — specifically IS 4151:2015. Only ISI-marked helmets that are certified under this standard are legally permitted for sale and use.
Enforcement Measures and Crackdowns
The BIS has stepped up surveillance and enforcement. During the financial year 2024–25, the agency carried out over 30 search-and-seizure operations, testing more than 500 helmet samples. In a major crackdown in Delhi, over 2,500 non-compliant helmets were seized from nine manufacturers who were operating with expired or cancelled licenses.
Additionally, around 500 substandard helmets were confiscated from 17 retail and roadside vendors, where unbranded and unsafe helmets are often sold to unsuspecting consumers. Legal action has been initiated against violators to deter the spread of uncertified products.
Nationwide Campaigns and Local Administrative Involvement
The Department of Consumer Affairs has written to District Collectors (DCs) and District Magistrates (DMs) across India urging them to personally lead special campaigns to enforce the mandatory use and sale of BIS-certified helmets. These efforts are being integrated with existing road safety initiatives to maximise outreach and effectiveness.
Notably, BIS branch offices have been instructed to coordinate with local police departments and state administrations to support enforcement on the ground. Encouraging results have already been observed in the Delhi-NCR region, and the campaign is being expanded to other states.
Awareness Drives and Consumer Outreach
To increase public awareness, BIS has launched a variety of educational initiatives:
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BIS Chennai conducted a roadshow earlier this year, distributing ISI-marked helmets in partnership with local traffic police, and educating the public about the risks of using non-compliant gear.
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‘Manak Mitra’ volunteers under the Quality Connect Campaign have been deployed to engage with communities and educate them about the importance of certified products.
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Media outlets, social media, and civil society groups have been roped in to amplify the message of “Safety through Standards.”
BIS Care App – Empowering Consumers
As part of digital empowerment, the BIS Care App now allows users to:
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Verify whether a helmet manufacturer holds a valid BIS license.
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File complaints against sellers or manufacturers offering substandard products.
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Track enforcement and compliance status of safety gear in the market.
This digital feature aims to increase transparency, enable accountability, and make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions.
The Way Forward: Safety as a National Priority
The Department has reiterated that ensuring the quality of safety gear is central to the government’s road safety and consumer protection goals. By weeding out unsafe helmets and encouraging the adoption of BIS-certified products, the government aims to significantly reduce preventable road deaths and injuries.
The message is clear: “Don’t just wear a helmet—wear the right one.” Citizens, manufacturers, and retailers must work collectively to foster a culture of safety, responsibility, and compliance.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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