Come March 2021, helmets that aren’t certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are going to be banned within the country. However, the govt is lifting the 1.2-kg or lower rule on the helmet weight limit.
Image for representational purpose only
After having considered tons of updates and outcomes of selections on safety norms for two-wheeler crash helmets, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has now announced new norms which will inherit effect on 1st March 2021. All helmets will now be required in touch ISI certification and therefore the previous ban on helmets weighing over 1.2 kg has been lifted also. The sale, stocking, and manufacturing of helmets that haven’t been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are going to be banned.
The new norms under the order called the ‘Protective helmet for two-wheeler rider (Quality Control) Order, 2020’ will inherit effect from 1st March 2020. The order defines the compulsory use of a typical mark under a license from the BIS (except for helmets meant for export). Hence, helmets to be sold in India will get to bear IS 4151:2015 mark.
While the previous ban on helmets weighing over 1.2 kg meant that foreign brands complying too much higher standards like ECE, Snell, or Sharp would need to be excluded from the retail market entirely. Now though, the lifting of this ban means their products are often sold in India as is. However, they’re going to require BIS certification before the manufacturer or a stakeholder can bring them within the marketplace for sale. this suggests that the value to the corporate or the stakeholder could rise substantially, hence, increasing prices for the end-user also.
The ministry has invited the overall public and stakeholders for views and advice on the matter. While are often “> this is often an honest move to make sure roadside helmets that meet no safety standards are going to be off the market and there can be safer helmets that are light and better ventilated for the masses, international manufacturers can still retail purpose-built helmets with higher safety standards.
