Manufacture & Sale of non-ISI helmets to be banned

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification stating that manufacture, storage and sale of non-ISI helmets for 2-wheelers will be an offence and can lead to arrest without warrant. A person found involved in these activities could face a prison sentence of 2 years and a fine. Repeat offenders could face higher fines.

The government has invited suggestions from stake holders and the general public, which can be submitted within the next 60 days. Post this period, manufacturers will have to stop producing non-standard helmets, while retailers will be forced to liquidate their stocks. International brands exporting their helmets to India will also have to adhere to ISI standards.

The Bureau of Indian Standards will be the certifying and enforcing authority. An officer above the rank of General Manager, District Industries Center in Department of Industries of the State Government will also have authority to enforce the rule. 

In January 2018, the Bangalore police had decided to crack down on non-ISI and imported helmet users, but the order was later withdrawn. Later, it was reported that Indian policy makers were planning to ban non-ISI helmets.