Centre Urges Use of BIS-Certified Helmets, Seizes 2,500 Unsafe Units in Delhi
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th July: In a decisive move to enhance road safety and protect consumers, the Centre has urged citizens to use only Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified helmets while riding two-wheelers. The Department of Consumer Affairs and BIS have jointly called for strict enforcement against the manufacturing and sale of non-compliant helmets, following alarming findings from nationwide raids.
With over 21 crore two-wheelers on Indian roads, the government stressed that helmet quality is a critical factor in preventing fatalities. While wearing helmets is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, officials emphasized that only BIS-certified helmets—marked with ISI under IS 4151:2015—ensure proper protection.
As of June 2025, 176 manufacturers hold valid BIS licences to produce protective helmets in India. However, a recent BIS surveillance drive revealed widespread non-compliance. In FY 2024-25, over 30 search-and-seizure operations were conducted, testing more than 500 helmets. In Delhi alone, over 2,500 non-compliant helmets were seized from nine manufacturers operating with expired or cancelled licences. An additional 500 substandard helmets were confiscated from roadside vendors and retailers.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has written to District Collectors and Magistrates across the country, urging them to personally oversee enforcement and integrate helmet safety into broader road safety campaigns. BIS offices have been instructed to collaborate with local police and district administrations to ensure the success of the initiative.
Awareness efforts have also been stepped up. In Chennai, a roadshow was organised to distribute ISI-marked helmets and educate the public, in collaboration with traffic police. The BIS Care App and portal now allow users to verify manufacturers’ certification and lodge complaints against non-compliant sellers.
The Centre has also deployed ‘Manak Mitra’ volunteers under the Quality Connect campaign to spread awareness about helmet safety standards at the grassroots level.
Highlighting the urgency of the issue, officials said many roadside helmets lack certification and are a key factor in preventable fatalities. The Centre’s campaign is now being expanded beyond Delhi NCR to other parts of the country.
The Department reiterated its commitment to consumer protection and saving lives on Indian roads through strict quality enforcement and consumer awareness.
