The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has initiated a nationwide drive to combat the production and sale of substandard helmets, aiming to enhance the safety of two-wheeler riders. This campaign addresses growing concerns over helmet quality and its importance in reducing road fatalities.

The DoCA has instructed District Collectors (DCs) and District Magistrates (DMs) to take strict action against manufacturers and retailers selling non-compliant helmets. So far, 162 manufacturers' licenses have either expired or been cancelled, and 27 search-and-seizure operations have been conducted for misuse of the BIS Standard Mark or violations of quality control orders (QCO) related to IS 4151:2015 standards. Legal action has been initiated in several cases.

Since June 1, 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated that all helmets comply with BIS standard IS 4151:2015. Selling or manufacturing helmets without this certification constitutes a violation under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. Despite this, many helmets available on roadsides continue to lack the required BIS certification, posing severe risks to consumers.

The government’s intensified efforts reflect its commitment to ensuring safer roads and promoting the use of certified helmets to protect lives. (New Indian Express)