Full body harnesses are essential safety devices designed to protect workers while
performing tasks at height. They are widely used in construction sites, industrial plants,
telecom towers, warehouses, maintenance work, and other environments where there is
a risk of falling. A full body harness helps distribute impact forces across the body and
connects the user to a fall arrest system, reducing the chances of serious injury during
accidents. These products play an important role in workplace safety and are
considered critical personal protective equipment.
To ensure dependable quality and user protection, the Bureau of Indian Standards has
prescribed requirements under IS 3521 (Part 1):2021. Manufacturers are required to
obtain BIS certification for full-body harnesses before selling or supplying these
products in India.
What is IS 3521 (Part 1):2021?
This is the Indian Standard that specifies safety and performance requirements for the
full body harness. It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure that the
product is:
- Strong enough to support body weight during use.
- Capable of protecting the user during a fall situation.
- Made with durable webbing, fittings, and quality materials .
- Properly designed for secure fitting and comfort.
- Tested for strength, suspension, and fall arrest performance.
- Marked with important product details and safety instructions.
Who must get BIS approval for Body Safety Harness?
Obtaining the BIS license under IS 3521 (Part 1):2021 is required for businesses
involved in manufacturing, importing, and selling full-body harnesses in India.It applies
to:
- Manufacturers – Must obtain BIS certification before selling full body harnesses
made in India.
- Importers – Need to ensure imported full body harnesses meet BIS
requirements.
- Suppliers / Distributors – Should supply only BIS-approved harnesses in the
Indian market.
This certification is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
-
Benefit: BIS certification helps ensure product safety, legal market access, reliable
performance, and greater customer trust.
BIS Quality and Testing Requirements for Industrial Safety Harnesses
To protect workers during height-related activities, the Bureau of Indian Standards has
prescribed testing and inspection requirements for personal fall arrest systems under IS
3521 (Part 1):2021. The main BIS testing parameters and quality checks are given
below:
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process for Fall Protection Harness Systems
To obtain a BIS license, manufacturers must follow the certification process prescribed
by the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS 3251 (Part 1). This process confirms that
the product meets required safety and quality standards for sale in India.
- Online Registration:Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for material safety and structural durability.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials inspect the manufacturing unit to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: If all requirements are met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark:After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
IS 2673 : 2002 Compliance Documents Guide
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS approval:
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 & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains the BIS license, the ISI mark for steel step bolts must be applied clearly and permanently on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI Mark, other important details must also be provided on the product or packaging, as specified in the table below. This ensures the product meets all quality and safety standards. .
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 3251 (Part 1) |
| 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 traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
BIS Licence Validity for Full Body harnesses
After obtaining BIS approval for the nickel battery, the license is valid for a fixed period and must be maintained by following BIS rules and standards.
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
bis approval Cost For Personal arrest systems
The cost of BIS compliance for the portable batteries 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
Full-body harnesses covered under IS 3521 (Part 1):2021 are important safety products
used to protect workers during height-related jobs. Because they are used in critical
safety applications, proper quality and performance standards are essential.
BIS certification confirms that this body harness meets required standards for strength,
fall protection performance, material quality, and safe use before sale in India. With the
right guidance, the certification process becomes easier to manage. Support from an
experienced consultant like EVTL India can help with documentation, testing
coordination, and approvals for smooth market entry.
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