In a strong push for road safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Department of Consumer Affairs have launched a nationwide campaign urging two-wheeler riders to use only BIS-certified helmets. The initiative, themed “Helmet – More Than Just a Shell. Choose Smart. Ride Safe,” highlights the critical importance of wearing scientifically tested and approved head protection, especially in a country where two-wheelers account for nearly 45% of road accident deaths.
Modern helmets, though commonplace today, trace their legacy to ancient headgear used for protection in battle and harsh environments. Yet despite advances in design and technology, helmet usage in India is still driven more by fear of penalties than genuine concern for safety. Many riders don helmets only near police checkpoints, often opting for low-cost, uncertified versions that offer little to no real protection.
According to the World Health Organisation, wearing a proper helmet can reduce the risk of death by six times and brain injury by up to 74%. However, thousands of substandard helmets -often with fake ISI marks – continue to flood roadside markets. These counterfeit products fail key safety checks and can shatter or slip off in accidents, providing a false sense of security that can prove fatal.
Under a Quality Control Order in effect since 2021, only helmets conforming to IS 4151:2015 and certified by BIS are legally permitted for use by two-wheeler riders. As of June 2025, 176 manufacturers across India are licensed to produce BIS-certified helmets. These helmets undergo rigorous testing for impact absorption, strap strength, visibility, sound penetration, and durability in extreme conditions.
To combat the menace of fake helmets, BIS has intensified enforcement. In 2024–25 alone, it carried out over 30 raids, seizing more than 2,500 non-compliant helmets from illegal manufacturers in Delhi and over 500 from retail points across 17 locations. Legal action against offenders is underway. Meanwhile, District Magistrates and police departments have been instructed to take action against the sale of non-certified helmets, and awareness drives are being conducted in cities like Chennai through public roadshows and free distribution campaigns.
BIS is also stepping up consumer outreach. Tools like the BIS Care App now allow riders to verify certification details and report suspicious products. Campaigns such as “Quality Connect,” led by local volunteers called Manak Mitras, are actively engaging with communities to raise awareness about helmet safety and the risks of uncertified gear.
As India’s roads grow busier and accidents more frequent, the message is clear: helmets are not just accessories – they are life-saving equipment. Choosing a BIS-certified helmet is not about avoiding fines, but about valuing life. In the critical moments of an accident, it’s not the look of the helmet that matters, but the science behind it. The difference between a certified and a counterfeit helmet is not just a label – it’s the difference between life and death.