Non-ISI Helmets Banned From June 1, 2021

A ruling by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), India has banned helmets that do not have Bureau of Indian Standards or an ISI mark from June 1, 2021. The blanket ban on non-ISI helmets via a notification issued by the MoRTH, dated November 26, 2020 states that "all two-wheeler helmets must be BIS certified and should bear the Indian standard (ISI) mark." So, according to the ruling, anyone using a two-wheeler and not using a helmet will be liable to be prosecuted and penalised from June 1, 2021.

Also Read: BIS Standards Revised For Two-Wheeler Helmets In India

Expensive imported helmets with safety certification like DOT, ECE and Snell certifications may be deemed illegal if they don't have the ISI mark

This will not be limited to users of helmets. The notification states that anyone who is actively involved in manufacturing, storing, selling or importing non-ISI helmets will be liable to face imprisonment ranging from 1 year, as well as a fine of Rs. 1 lakh which can also extend to Rs. 5 lakhs. The ban on non-ISI mark helmets aims to stop the sale of fake and sub-standard helmets usually sold by roadside vendors, and offer little protection to users. Low quality helmets do little to help users avoid fatal head injuries in case of a road accident.

Also Read: New European Certification Rules To Make Helmets Safer

Expensive imported helmets with international safety certification will also need additional ISI mark to be used on Indian roads

The order however is not clear on what will happen to imported helmets which come with international certification like DOT, Snell and ECE certification. While serious riders will look at helmets offering the very best protection, and will opt for helmets from imported brands, the new law leaves the ISI-mark clause open to interpretation. Even though internationally certified helmets may offer good quality and protection, if they are not homologated and branded with BIS/ISI mark, they can be deemed to be "low quality" and illegal by enforcers.