BIS standardised helmets to become mandatory from March 1, 2021

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With the proposal on standardising helmet quality going back and forth since 2018, there is finally word that manufacturers will now have to comply with BIS norms from March 1, 2021.

Termed the ‘Protective Helmet for Two-Wheelers (Quality Control) Order, 2020’, a notification by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) states that all helmets must comply with Bureau of Indian Standards norms by March 1, 2021.

While the move to standardise helmet manufacturing is good, it does raise a few questions. Back in 2018 when the norms were first suggested, the ministry ruled that helmets over 1,200 grams would not be allowed to be manufactured, stored or sold in India.

While the weight factor does not do much for the Indian standard by itself, international brands who would have even thought of testing for Indian standards, would probably not anymore. This is primarily because international standards call for a higher level of protection making the helmets lighter.

For these brands to be able to hit that 1,200 gms mark, their expenses would only rise, thanks to the use of more exotic materials like carbon fibre. Using cheaper materials without compromising on the protective nature of the helmet is almost impossible at that weight.

Back in 2018, the notion was side-lined thanks to protests by the motorcycling community.

This time, however, while the government is accepting feedback till August 30, the notification reads, “The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in consultation of Bureau of India Standards, proposes to issue Protective Helmets for two-wheeler riders (Quality Control) Order, 2020 under the powers conferred under section 16, 17 and 25 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 to bring Protective Helmets for two wheelers rider under compulsory certification under Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.”

The problem is there is no mention of whether the new norms will come with or without that weight restriction, but maybe that will become clear in the days to come.

While the new norms will, of course, bring the protective quality of helmets to something that makes sense, one thing is certain: for those of us who would like to protect our heads with something that offers a higher degree of safety, a 1,200 gm weight restriction could be expensive and it will only be up to the motorcycling enthusiast community to do something about it.

The government is accepting feedback up August 30. Emails can be sent to Priyank Bharti, Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India at jspb-morth@gov.in.