Summary 

• Under IS 4151:2015, helmet manufacturers in India are required to obtain BIS certification.

• In addition to providing the ISI Mark, which is legally required for sale, it guarantees the safety of riders.

•  This guide explains the Bureau of Indian Standards process, compliance steps, and brand implications.

BIS Certification for Helmets – Why Every Brand Must Take It Seriously

An importer from Delhi called us in a panic in 2022. They were stuck at the port of Nhava Sheva with their two-wheeler helmet container. Customs denied clearance because the helmets lacked a valid BIS certification for helmets under IS 4151:2015. The shipment, valued at crores, was at risk of being seized.Their mistake? They had assumed CE certification from Europe would be enough for India.

This is a common trap. Selling helmets in India without Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approval is not only dangerous, but it is also against the law, regardless of whether you are a domestic manufacturer or an exporter.

Why India Requires BIS Certification for Helmets

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) mandates that protective helmets be certified by BIS. Only helmets with the ISI Mark can be sold in India.

• Regulation: Indian Standard IS 4151:2015, which outlines safety, impact resistance, and quality, must be followed by helmets.

• Enforcement: State transport departments, customs officers, and BIS market surveillance teams aggressively seize goods that do not comply.

• Consumer Safety: According to NCRB data, head injuries account for nearly 43% of two-wheeler accident fatalities. Low-quality helmets can be fatal.

•  To put it briefly, obtaining a BIS certification can save lives and serve as a business license.

What is IS 4151:2015 and Why It Matters

IS 4151:2015 is the technical standard for protective helmets used by two-wheeler riders.

It covers:

• Impact absorption capacity
  
  

• Penetration resistance
  
  

• Retention system strength (chin straps, buckles)
  
  

• Field of vision and comfort
  
  

Markings, labeling, and user data

A helmet cannot bear the ISI Mark if it does not comply with IS 4151.And without ISI Mark, it cannot be sold in India – irrespective of global approvals like DOT (USA) or ECE (Europe).

Step-by-Step Process: BIS Certification for Helmets

Many clients assume it’s just about filing paperwork. In reality, it’s a structured process.

1. Identifying the Product Category

Helmets fall under the Compulsory Certification Scheme (CCS) of BIS.

2. Application Filing

The manufacturer (Indian or foreign) files Form VI with BIS. Importers cannot apply; they must coordinate with the OEM.

3. Testing at BIS-Recognized Labs

Samples are sent to a BIS-approved lab for testing as per IS 4151:2015. Tests include:

• Impact absorption
  
  

• Rigidity
  
  

• Strap durability
  
  

• Peripheral vision checks
  
  

4. Factory Inspection

BIS officials visit the production site to audit quality control, machinery, and raw materials.

5. Grant of License (GoL)

If the application and test results are satisfactory, BIS issues a license to affix the ISI Mark.

6. Surveillance & Renewal

The certification is not permanent. BIS conducts periodic surveillance, including market sampling.

Common Pitfalls in Certification – Client Stories

1. Importer’s Dilemma:
   One Hyderabad trader imported helmets with CE certification, thinking it was enough. Customs rejected them. They had to re-route the consignment to Nepal, incurring massive losses.
   
   

2. Chinese OEM Trap:
   A Bangalore brand partnered with a Chinese factory. The supplier promised “BIS approval.” But during BIS inspection, documents were forged. The license was cancelled, damaging the Indian brand’s reputation.
   
   

3. Small Indian Manufacturer:
   A Pune-based SME producing 500 helmets a day delayed applying for BIS due to “cost concerns.” Their distributor refused to stock uncertified helmets, leading to a sales collapse.
   
   

Lesson: Delays or shortcuts in BIS certification can cost you crores in penalties, lost sales, and reputation damage.

Why ISI Mark is a Market Differentiator

While consumers may not read IS 4151:2015, they instantly recognise the ISI Mark.

• Retail Advantage: E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart only allow BIS-certified helmets.
  
  

• Distribution Networks: Dealers prefer brands with BIS approval to avoid raids and seizures.
  
  

• Trust Factor: For riders, ISI Mark equals safety assurance.
  
  

The Bureau of Indian Standards' (BIS) function

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs oversees the Bureau of Indian Standards, which is the country's national standards organization.. Its functions include:

• Formulating standards (like IS 4151:2015)
  
  

• Granting certification (ISI Mark, Hallmark, etc.)
  
  

• Market surveillance
  
  

• Consumer grievance redressal
  
  

https://www.diligencecertification.com/

• Schedules and Prices for Helmet BIS Certification

• Timeframe: usually 90–120 days, though this may vary depending on factory readiness or lab backlog.
  
  

• Costs:-
  
  

• Application & processing fee
  
  

• Testing charges (~₹1.5–2 lakh depending on lab)
  
  

• Inspection & auditor expenses
  
  

• Annual license fee
  
  

Compared to potential penalties (including seizure of goods), certification costs are negligible.

Manufacturers' Checklist Prior to Applying

• Verify that the raw materials (EPS liner, ABS/polycarbonate shell) fulfill BIS quality standards.

• Set up in-house testing for retention system, visor clarity, and impact absorption.
  
  

• Maintain batch records – BIS auditors will check traceability.
  
  

• Train QC staff in IS 4151:2015 requirements.
  
  

Internal Links for Further Reading

• BIS Certification Services in India – Diligence Certifications
  
  

• ISI Mark Registration Process – Diligence Certifications
  
  

Conclusion – BIS Certification for Helmets is Non-Negotiable

For any serious helmet brand, BIS certification for helmets under IS 4151:2015 is not a formality – it is survival. It brings legal compliance, consumer trust, and market access. The ISI Mark is more than a logo; it’s proof of safety.

If you’re a manufacturer, don’t wait for customs seizures or distributor rejections. Secure your Bureau of Indian Standards certification for helmets now, and future-proof your business.

Need assistance? Diligence Certifications has helped 100+ helmet brands obtain BIS licenses smoothly. Contact us today.

FAQs on BIS Certification for Helmets

Q1. Can foreign helmets be sold in India without a BIS certification?

Even with CE, DOT, or ECE approvals, a helmet cannot be sold in India without BIS certification under IS 4151:2015 and ISI Mark. Customs will hold these imports.

Q2. How long is a helmet's BIS certification valid?

 BIS grants an initial license for two years. Depending on compliance, it must then be renewed every one or two years after that. Renewal requires fresh factory audits and sample testing.

Q3. Can helmets used for cycling or cricket be certified by BIS?

No. As per IS 4151:2015, BIS certification is currently only necessary for protective helmets for motorcycles and scooters. Sports helmets have different voluntary standards.

Q4.What sanctions are in place for helmet sales that are not BIS certified?

License cancellation, product seizure, and fines of up to ₹5 lakh are among the penalties under the BIS Act of 2016. In repeat cases, imprisonment is also possible.

Q5. Can traders or distributors apply for BIS certification?
No. Only the manufacturer can apply, whether domestic or foreign. Indian traders must ensure their suppliers already hold a valid BIS license before importing or selling helmets.

Why Choose Diligence Certifications for BIS Helmet Approval

Over the past decade, Diligence Certifications has become a trusted partner for helmet brands across India and overseas. Clients rely on us because:

• End-to-End Handling – From application filing to BIS lab testing and inspections.
  
  

• Zero Rejection Strategy – Pre-audit checks reduce the risk of file rejection.
  
  

• Faster Approvals – Our liaison with BIS and labs helps cut down waiting periods.
  
  

• Understanding of Helmet Brands More than 100 Indian and international helmet manufacturers were given support under IS 4151:2015.

• Assistance following certification includes surveillance audits, compliance training, and renewal.

With Diligence Certifications, you’re not just getting BIS approval – you’re securing your brand’s reputation and market access.