On October 23, 2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Helmet for Police Force, Civil Defence and Personal Protection (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This order is designed to ensure that non-metal helmets used for safety by police forces, civil defence personnel, and others meet stringent Indian quality standards. 

If you are involved in the manufacturing, sale, or supply of Non- metal Helmet for Police Force, this order directly impacts your business. This regulation, initiated after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is part of a broader effort to maintain safety and reliability in protective gear as mandated under the BIS Act, 2016. 

Key Provisions of the Helmet for Police Force, Civil Defence and Personal Protection (Quality Control) Order, 2023 

1. Title and Implementation Timeline 

This regulation is officially titled the Helmet for Police Force, Civil Defence and Personal Protection (Quality Control) Order, 2023. The following timelines apply for compliance: 

   • The order becomes effective for medium and large-scale enterprises six months after its publication in the Official Gazette (23rd April 2024). 

   • For small enterprises, the implementation timeline is nine months from the date of publication (23rd July 2024). 

   • Micro enterprises have twelve months from the date of publication to comply (23rd October 2024).  

2. Mandatory BIS Certification 

Helmets covered under this order, specifically Non- metal Helmet for Police Force, must adhere to Indian Standard IS 9562:1980. These helmets must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) to demonstrate compliance. 

   • Manufacturers must secure a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to use the ISI Mark, ensuring that their products align with the specified quality criteria. 

   • This requirement applies only to helmets manufactured for domestic use. Products produced exclusively for export are exempt from this rule.  

3. BIS as the Certifying Authority 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the certifying and enforcement authority for this order. BIS will ensure compliance with quality standards and that only certified helmets with the BIS Standard Mark are supplied within India.  

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Violations of the Helmet for Police Force, Civil Defence and Personal Protection (Quality Control) Order, 2023 may result in significant penalties. Offenders will face penalties under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This measure is intended to ensure strict adherence to safety and quality standards, discouraging non-compliance. 

This order is a vital step to enhance the safety of protective headgear in India, ensuring that police and civil defence personnel have access to high-quality, reliable helmets. It aims to benefit both the consumer and the industry by enforcing consistent standards.

Implementation Dates: - Date of implementation for medium and Large Enterprises: 23rd April, 2024.

- Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 23rd July, 2024.

- Date of implementation for Micro Enterprises: 23rd October 2024.

BIS Certification for Non-metal Helmet for Police Force IS 9562: 1980