Consumer Affairs Ministry calls for action against helmets sold without BIS certification

As of June 2025, there are 176 manufacturers across India holding valid BIS licenses for protective helmets.
| Photo Credit:
GOVARTHAN M

The Department of Consumer Affairs on Saturday urged consumers across the country to ensure they use only BIS-certified helmets. It has also called for strict enforcement and action against the manufacture or sale of helmets without BIS certification.

lt had earlier also written to District Collectors (DCs) and District Magistrates (DMs) to launch a nationwide campaign targeting manufacturers and retailers who sell non-compliant helmets for two-wheeler riders.

DoCA expressed concerns about many helmets especially on roadside being sold without BIS mark putting consumers at risk .

“With over 21 crore two-wheelers on Indian roads, rider safety is paramount. 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,” it said in a statement.

As of June 2025, there are 176 manufacturers across India holding valid BIS licenses for protective helmets.

“In the last financial year, over 500 helmet samples were tested 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,” it added

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

Published on July 5, 2025