BIS Certification for Helmet – Apply Online

Helmets save lives. That is not a marketing line, it is the reason the Government of India made BIS certification for helmets mandatory. Every helmet sold in India, whether made locally or imported from abroad, must carry the ISI mark under IS 4151:2015 before it can legally reach a consumer, and since January 1, 2026, every new two-wheeler sold in the country must come with two BIS-certified helmets included by the dealer, one for the rider and one for the pillion. Demand has surged as a result, and so has enforcement: the government has already cancelled or let lapse over 160 manufacturing licenses in 2026 alone for non-compliance.

If you are a helmet manufacturer, importer, or brand owner trying to understand how to get a BIS certificate for a helmet, what the testing process involves, how much it costs, and what documents you need, this page covers everything you need to know, clearly and completely.

What Does IS 4151 Cover?

IS 4151 is the Indian Standard for Protective Helmets for Scooter and Motorcycle Riders. It specifies the construction, performance, and testing requirements that every certified helmet must meet.

The standard covers the following key areas:

• Shell Construction : The outer shell of the helmet must be made of materials that can withstand impact without cracking or shattering. The standard prescribes material and construction requirements for the shell.
• Impact Absorption : The inner lining typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) must absorb energy during a collision to protect the skull and brain. IS 4151 defines the specific impact energy that the lining must absorb during testing.
• Retention System : The chin strap and its fastening mechanism must hold the helmet securely on the rider's head during an accident. The standard tests the retention system for strength and for the amount by which the chin strap can stretch under load.
• Penetration Resistance : A pointed striker is dropped onto the helmet under controlled conditions to ensure the shell prevents penetration that could injure the skull.
• Field of Vision : The helmet must not restrict the rider's vision beyond the limits prescribed in the standard, ensuring the rider can see clearly in all necessary directions while riding.
• Visor Requirements : For helmets with visors, the visor material must be optically clear, impact resistant, and non-shattering.
• Weight Limits : IS 4151 prescribes maximum weight limits for helmets to ensure they do not become a fatigue or safety hazard during extended use.

BIS Helmet Testing : Key Tests Under IS 4151

Documents Required for Helmet BIS License

For Indian Manufacturers (ISI Mark Scheme I) :

• Duly filled BIS application form (Form V)
• Test report from a BIS-recognized laboratory confirming IS 4151 compliance
• Product specification sheet (materials, construction details, weight, dimensions)
• Manufacturing process flowchart
• List of manufacturing machinery and equipment
• Quality control plan and in-house testing facilities details
• Factory layout plan
• Business registration documents (GST certificate, company incorporation, trade licence)
• Trademark registration certificate (if applicable)
• List of raw material suppliers

For Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS Scheme IV) :

• Appointment letter of Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
• AIR's company registration documents in India
• Authorization letter from the foreign manufacturer to the AIR
• Country of origin certificate
• Quality management system certificate (ISO 9001 preferred)

BIS Helmet Certification Cost

The total cost of obtaining BIS certification for helmets under IS 4151 includes several components. Here is a breakdown :

• Government Application Fee : BIS charges a government application fee at the time of filing the ISI Mark application. This fee is set by BIS and is payable through the ManakOnline portal.
• Laboratory Testing Fee : The cost of testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory for all IS 4151 parameters. Laboratory testing fees for helmets typically range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 40,000 depending on the laboratory, the number of tests required, and the number of helmet variants being tested. Costs may vary to confirm current rates directly with the BIS-recognized laboratory.
• Annual Marking Fee : Once certified, a marking fee is payable to BIS annually based on the quantity of ISI-marked helmets manufactured during the year. This fee is calculated as per BIS's prescribed rate schedule.
• Factory Inspection Related Costs : For domestic manufacturers, BIS inspection involves travel and inspection charges that are typically borne by the applicant. For foreign manufacturers, the FMCS factory audit involves BIS delegation travel and stay expenses, which are paid by the manufacturer.
• Consultant Fee (If Applicable) : Many manufacturers work with a BIS compliance consultant to handle documentation, lab coordination, portal filing, and inspection preparation. Consultant fees vary depending on the scope of support required.

Common Reasons BIS Helmet Certification Applications Are Rejected

• Test report from a non-BIS-recognized laboratory. Always verify that the lab you choose is specifically BIS-recognized for IS 4151 testing.
• Mismatch between test sample and production model. The helmet you send for testing must be identical to what you will manufacture and sell. Any difference in materials, construction, or components requires fresh testing.
• Incomplete factory documentation. Missing quality control records, uncalibrated testing equipment, or an incomplete in-house lab will cause factory inspection failure.
• Incorrect or incomplete labelling. IS 4151 specifies mandatory markings on certified helmets. Missing markings or incorrect information cause BIS to raise queries or reject the application.
• Using outdated standard requirements. IS 4151 is periodically amended. Ensure you and your testing laboratory are working with the most current version.

Penalties for Selling Helmets Without ISI Mark

• Financial penalty of up to Rs. 2 lakh for first offence under the BIS Act, 2016
• Penalty of up to Rs. 5 lakh plus imprisonment for subsequent offences
• Seizure of non-certified stock by BIS market surveillance teams
• Challans for riders wearing non-ISI helmets during traffic enforcement drives
• E-commerce delisting major platforms require ISI certification proof for helmet listings
• Reputational damage a non-certified helmet involved in an accident creates severe product liability exposure