The Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Standards have jointly appealed to Indian two-wheeler riders to use only BIS-certified helmets, emphasising that substandard products pose critical safety risks and contribute to preventable fatalities. The Central Government has also called for strict enforcement against the manufacture and sale of helmets lacking BIS certification.
With over 210 million two-wheelers on Indian roads, helmet quality has emerged as a top concern in road safety. While helmet usage is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the protective efficacy of helmets depends entirely on whether they meet the standards prescribed under BIS certification (IS 4151:2015). A Quality Control Order, in effect since 2021, mandates that all protective helmets for two-wheeler riders must carry the ISI mark confirming compliance with BIS specifications.
As of June 2025, 176 manufacturers in India hold valid BIS licences to produce protective helmets. However, a large number of helmets available at roadside stalls continue to violate the law by lacking the required certification. The Department reported that in many cases, expired or cancelled licences are being misused to pass off non-compliant goods as certified.
BIS undertook over 30 search-and-seizure operations during the 2024–25 financial year, testing more than 500 helmet samples as part of its surveillance and enforcement effort. One major operation in Delhi uncovered over 2,500 substandard helmets from nine manufacturers operating without valid licences. Further seizures of around 500 units occurred across 17 roadside and retail locations. Legal action is now underway against the violators.
In response to growing concerns, the Department had previously written to District Collectors and Magistrates urging them to lead a special campaign targeting non-compliant helmet manufacturers and vendors. This campaign, designed to be integrated with ongoing road safety initiatives, has shown strong results in Delhi-NCR and is expanding across other regions. BIS branch offices are working with district authorities and police departments to intensify enforcement.
Earlier this year, BIS Chennai conducted a public awareness roadshow with local traffic authorities, distributing certified ISI-marked helmets and educating riders about the importance of using approved safety gear. The outreach is being expanded through mass media, social media, and partnerships with civil society organisations.
To empower consumers, BIS has added features to the BIS Care App and online portal that allow users to verify whether a helmet manufacturer is BIS-licensed. Complaints about suspected violations can also be lodged through the app. BIS is also running its “Quality Connect” awareness campaign, deploying “Manak Mitra” volunteers who engage directly with the public to share information about mandatory certification and other consumer safety issues.
The Department of Consumer Affairs reiterated its commitment to strengthening consumer protection and road safety frameworks nationwide. It stressed that the goal is not only to remove dangerous products from the market, but to ensure that every two-wheeler rider in India has access to high-quality, certified protective gear.
