Lanyards and energy absorbers are important safety products used in personal fall arrest systems to protect workers during height-related jobs. They are commonly used at construction sites, factories, warehouses, telecom towers, and maintenance areas where there is a risk of falling. Lanyards help connect the worker’s harness to an anchorage point, while energy absorbers reduce the impact force during a fall. These products play a key role in improving worker safety at elevated work locations.
To ensure user protection and product compliance, the Bureau of Indian Standards has prescribed requirements under IS 3521 (Part 2):2021. Manufacturers need to obtain BIS certification for these fall arrest systems before selling these products in India, confirming that they meet the required safety and quality standards.
What is IS 3521 (Part 2):2021?
This is the Indian Standard that specifies safety and performance requirements for Lanyards and Energy Absorbers used in Personal Fall Arrest Systems. It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure these products are safe, strong, and suitable for working-at-height applications.
The standard ensures that the product is:
- Strong enough to withstand fall arrest loads.
- Designed to reduce impact force during a fall.
- Made with proper webbing, ropes, connectors, and quality materials.
- Safe for use in industrial and construction environments.
- Properly tested for strength and performance.
- Marked with important product details and user instructions.
Who requires BIS certification for shock-absorbing lanyards?
BIS certification under IS 3521 (Part 2):2021 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, and selling fall arrest system accessories in India. It applies to:
- Manufacturers – Must obtain BIS certification before selling products made in India.
- Importers – Need to ensure imported lanyards and energy absorbers meet BIS requirements.
- Suppliers / Distributors – Should deal only in BIS-approved products for sale in India.
BIS Testing & Quality Standards for industrial safety lanyard
To improve worker safety during height-related work, the Bureau of Indian Standards has specified testing and inspection requirements for lanyards and energy absorbers under IS 3521 (Part 2):2021. The main BIS testing parameters and quality checks are given below:
How to Get BIS License for Kitchen Range Hoods
Confirms identification, user guidance, and BIS compliance requirements To obtain a BIS license, manufacturers must follow the certification process prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS 3521 (part 2). This process confirms that the product meets required safety and quality standards for sale in India.
- Online Registration: Apply through the BIS Manak Online Portal by submitting company details, factory information, and product specifications. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Product Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories to evaluate tensile strength, stitching integrity, load-bearing capacity and evaluate overall performance.
- Application Submission: Submit the BIS application along with test reports, technical documents, manufacturing details, and quality control information. Foreign applicants must also submit AIR documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing unit to verify production capability, testing facilities, quality systems, and compliance with applicable standards.
- Grant of BIS License: If the product and factory meet all BIS requirements, the license is issued under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI: Mark After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI Mark with the CM/L number, confirming compliance with BIS standards.
Required BIS Documents Checklist for fall arrest system accessories
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS approval for these safety lanyards:
Basic Details: - GST Certificate
- Email ID, Contact Number
- Factory, Office Address
- Rent and Lease Agreement(if applicable)
- Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
| Product and Packing Details: - Quantity per Package
- Nature of Packing
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
Testing and Quality Control: - List of testing Equipment
- Calibration Certificates
- QC or Lab In-charge Appointment Letter
- Qualification
| Raw Material Details: - List of Row Materials
- Supplier Details
- Raw Material Invoices
- Raw Material Test Certificates
|
Manufacturing Details: - List of Machinery
- process flow chart
- Layout plan of Factory
| Brand and Certification Documents: - Trademark / Brand Certificate
- Consent Latter From BIS Recognized Laboratory
|
Production Details: - Annual Installed Capacity
- Last Year Production Value
| Additional Documents: - Weekly Off Details
- Hygiene Documents(if applicable)
- Relaxation Latter(if applicable)
- Any Other Relevant Documents
|
Management Details: - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
| Required Documents: - Agreement with AIR
- Aadhaar Card with AIR
- AIR Nomination Form
- Required Undertakings
- Scope of License
|
Foreign manufacturers must additionally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manage compliance requirements in India.
Marking Requirements and ISI Labeling
After obtaining the BIS license, the ISI mark for fall protection lanyards and energy absorbers must be clearly and permanently applied on the product or its packaging. Other required details are provided in the table below. This ensures the product is compliant with applicable quality and safety standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 3251(part 2) |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for tracea |
Note: Marking should be done using stamping, tags, or permanent printing so the product can be easily identified during handling, storage, and transport, as per BIS requirements.
BIS License Validity for safety harness lanyard
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Usually valid for 1 to 2 years, based on BIS approval |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry with required documents and fees |
| Surveillance | BIS conducts factory inspections and may test market samples |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with IS standards and QCOs is required |
| Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of the license |
BIS Approval Cost for fall arrest systems
The cost of BIS certification includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- Marking fee depends on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are paid directly to BIS-approved laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Lanyards and energy absorbers covered under IS 3521 (Part 2):2021 are important safety products used in fall protection systems for workers performing tasks at height. Because these products are used in high-risk conditions, proper quality and performance standards are essential. BIS Certification confirms that the product meets required Indian safety and testing standards before sale in India. With proper expert support, the certification process becomes simpler and faster. EVTL India can assist with documentation, product testing coordination, and BIS approval support for smooth market entry.
