New helmet norms from September 4 to allow sale of imported helmets in India
The Bureau of Indian Standards has issued a notification regarding the change in helmet standards for two-wheelers. The new norms come into effect on September 4, and allow the sale of imported helmets as long as they comply with ISI norms.
Notably, the weight constraint that was a hindrance to the sale of heavier foreign helmets has been done away with too. Earlier, on a recommendation by a committee, the BIS had restricted maximum helmet weight to 1.2 kg, from the earlier 1.5 kg.
All players in the market will have to comply with the IS mandated standards within six months of this notification. After this, selling non-ISI marked helmets will be an offence.
Given the expected boom in such vehicles to be used as personal transport on account of the COVID19 pandemic, these new standards have come at a good time.
Two-wheeler riders are the most vulnerable road users in total India's already dire road safety situation. In 2019, 36 per cent of the 1.51 lakh road accident fatalities were two-wheeler riders. Of these, 29 per cent died because they weren't wearing helmets. A regulation that allows riders to be as safe as they possibly can be in such a situation is definitely a positive step.
