How to get BIS ISI Certification for Helmets?

Global statistics show that road accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 5 to 29 years. To ensure the safety of all individuals, governments throughout the world are taking precautionary measures. About 22 countries have amended their regulations for safety equipment. In India, the government has also updated the old helmet standards (IS 4151:1993) with the new (IS 4151:2015). The Transport and Highway ministry also released a notification that has banned the use of a helmet that does not bear the ISI mark. If any person is found using a helmet without an ISI mark, then for the first offence, he shall be liable for a penalty of RS. 2,000 with about two years in jail, and the subsequent offences shall attract a higher fine.

What are the changes for under the new BIS ISI Certification for Helmets?

• Weight: As per the new standards, the weight of the helmets will be significantly lighter. The weight is reduced from the original 1.5 Kgs to 1.2 Kgs.
• Offence: Wearing a Non-ISI standard helmet has now become a criminal offence as per the notification of the transport ministry.
• Usage: The helmets will now mention that these are designed explicitly for two-wheelers, and now alternatives such as industrial safety helmets, cricket helmets and riding caps cannot be used.
• Air Vents: All manufacturers must create helmets with pockets for air ventilation. This shall allow the air to be circulated inside the helmet.

Indian standard for BIS ISI Certification for Helmets?

Which type of Schemes are applicable forBIS ISI Certification for Helmets?

There are two Schemes: ISI – Indian Standard Institution and FMCS- Foreign Manufacturers Certification^[1] Scheme that is applicable for BIS ISI Certification for Helmets.

• ISI Mark: ISI mark is the one that signifies the product has been made in conformity with the standards set by BIS. Hence, the product that bears the ISI mark shows that it has undergone proper analysis and testing procedures.
• FMCS Certification: FMCS certificate is a mandatory requirement for foreign manufacturers. This scheme ensures that the product imported into the country is up to Indian standards.

Documents required for BIS ISI Certification for Helmets?

A manufacturer requires the following documents for BIS ISI Certification for Helmets:

• Company registration certificate- copy
• Flow chart- depicting the process of manufacture
• Proof of Indian residency
• Particulars of the Directors of the company
• Details of the Insurance policy
• Copy of the bank statement
• Details of the ownership of the property or Rent agreement if the property is leased
• Utility bills: this shall include water and electricity bills
• Product test reports
• A detailed list of equipment at the plant
• List of in-house Testing equipment
• Calibration certificate of the equipment
• Layout plan of the factory
• Details of the raw materials utilised

Procedure to obtain BIS ISI Certification for Helmets?

The applicant must complete the following step for BIS ISI Certification for Helmets:

• Step 1: The applicant must select the product code for BIS ISI Certification for Helmets; this is – IS 4151: 2015. Here the applicant must make sure that all the standards for the selected product are being adhered to by him.
• Step 2: In step two, the manufacturer must fill in the application with relevant details to obtain ISI certification. In this application, the manufacturer has to pay the product registration fee and the auditing fee for the inspection.
• Step 3: here, the BIS shall carry out the inspection of the factory premises. A BIS official, along with a team, shall visit the factory premises. They shall look into the manufacturing process and quality tests carried out at the facility. BIS officials shall also pick some samples to test them at BIS labs.
• Step 4: The manufacturer must submit the test reports that are generated from the BIS labs to the BIS office. This is required to compare the product’s quality and the prescribed standards.
• Step 5: After completing the application and the inspection process, the BIS officials shall cross-check the documents. If they are satisfied with all the necessities, then they shall issue a BIS ISI Certification for Helmet to the manufacturer. The grant of certificate usually takes up to 30 days from the date of filing the application.

Renewal and validity of the BIS ISI Certification for Helmets

The BIS ISI Certification for Helmets shall be valid for a period of one year. This can be renewed by paying the required renewal fee. A practising Chartered accountant (CA) should file the renewal application.

Conclusion:

Road accidents have been one of the primary reasons for the death of young individuals. Therefore, to deal with the violation of using substandard helmets by two-wheeler users, the government introduced the new ISI standard for helmets. A manufacturer is obligated to design helmets that are up to Indian standards. To ensure strict compliance from the citizens, the government has made it mandatory for Individuals to use helmets with ISI marks only. If they fail to do so, then they shall be liable to a fine and imprisonment.

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