BIS-ISI Certification for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Protective Clothing, Helmets and Safety Footwear
24. February 2026Personal protective equipment (PPE), protective clothing, safety footwear, tactical equipment, and safety helmets listed under the below Indian Standards are subject to mandatory BIS-ISI certification in India where notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry or relevant authorities.
Under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Conformity Assessment Scheme, manufacturers must comply with the applicable Indian Standards (IS) to ensure product safety, mechanical performance, fire resistance, impact protection, durability, and overall reliability.
For products covered under mandatory certification, the ISI Mark Scheme (Scheme I) applies. Certification is a prerequisite for legal manufacturing, import, and sale in the Indian market.
Compliance includes:
- Testing in BIS-recognized laboratories
- Factory inspection and quality system assessment
- Ongoing surveillance after certification
Failure to obtain BIS-ISI certification may result in import clearance issues, penalties, or prohibition from market access in India.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 5557: 2004
Industrial and Protective Rubber Knee and Ankle Boots
This standard specifies requirements for rubber protective boots used in industrial environments. It covers:
- Material composition
- Waterproof performance
- Mechanical strength
- Resistance to chemicals and abrasion
Manufacturers must undergo product testing and factory inspection under the ISI Scheme before affixing the ISI Mark.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 15298 (Part 2): 2016
Personal Protective Equipment – Safety Footwear
This standard applies to safety footwear incorporating toe protection against high impact and compression risks. It defines:
- Toe cap resistance
- Slip resistance
- Ergonomic design
- Additional protective features
BIS certification requires laboratory testing and assessment of production controls.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 15298 (Part 3): 2019
Personal Protective Equipment – Protective Footwear
This part regulates protective footwear offering protection beyond basic safety footwear requirements. It includes testing for:
- Mechanical hazards
- Sole penetration resistance
- Electrical properties where applicable
Certification under the ISI Scheme is mandatory where notified.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 15298 (Part 4): 2017
Personal Protective Equipment – Occupational Footwear
This standard applies to occupational footwear without toe impact resistance but designed for professional use environments. It addresses:
- Slip resistance
- Sole performance
- Material durability
Testing and factory inspection are mandatory under BIS certification procedures.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 16890: 2018
Protective Clothing for Firefighters
This standard defines performance requirements for firefighter protective garments, including:
- Flame resistance
- Thermal insulation
- Heat transfer resistance
- Mechanical durability
Products must pass fire and heat exposure testing in BIS-approved laboratories before certification.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 16874: 2018
Protective Gloves for Firefighters
This standard regulates protective gloves designed for firefighting operations. Requirements include:
- Heat and flame resistance
- Dexterity
- Mechanical strength
- Water resistance
Compliance assessment includes product testing and factory evaluation.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 15748: 2022
Protective Clothing for Industrial Workers Exposed to Heat
This standard applies to clothing intended for workers exposed to high-temperature industrial environments. It specifies:
- Resistance to radiant heat
- Molten metal splash resistance
- Thermal performance
ISI certification ensures conformity to Indian heat protection requirements.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 15742: 2007
Clothing Made of Limited Flame Spread Materials
This standard regulates flame-retardant garments and materials providing protection against heat and flame spread. Testing evaluates:
- Flame spread behavior
- Afterflame time
- Material integrity
Certification confirms compliance with Indian flame resistance standards.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 15809: 2017
High Visibility Warning Clothes
This standard applies to high-visibility garments used in hazardous environments. It defines:
- Retroreflective performance
- Fluorescent material properties
- Visibility after washing
BIS certification ensures continued visibility and durability performance.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 16655: 2017
Protective Clothing for Welding and Allied Processes
This standard regulates protective clothing for welding applications. Requirements include:
- Resistance to molten metal splashes
- Flame spread limitation
- Mechanical strength
Testing under BIS procedures verifies protective performance.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 16725: 2018
Tactical 3 Point Sling
This standard applies to tactical support equipment used for weapon carrying systems. It specifies:
- Load-bearing capacity
- Durability
- Material strength
ISI certification confirms structural reliability under operational conditions.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 16726: 2018
Pouch for Ammunition and Grenades (Nylon-66 Disruptive Pattern)
This standard regulates military-grade storage pouches. It defines:
- Fabric specifications
- Seam strength
- Environmental durability
Certification verifies compliance with Indian defense-related technical requirements.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 17051: 2018
Bullet Resistant Jackets
This standard specifies requirements for ballistic resistance and impact performance. It includes:
- Ballistic testing
- Penetration resistance
- Trauma level limits
- Durability testing
Certification involves highly specialized laboratory testing and strict factory control verification.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 17286: 2019
Waterproof Multipurpose Rain Poncho
This standard regulates waterproof protective outerwear. Requirements include:
- Water penetration resistance
- Tear strength
- Dimensional stability
ISI certification ensures suitability for field and operational use.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 2745: 1983
Non-Metal Helmet for Firemen and Civil Defence Personnel
This standard defines impact resistance, penetration resistance, and flame resistance for firefighting helmets. Factory audits and laboratory testing are required.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 2925: 1984
Industrial Safety Helmets
This standard applies to helmets used in industrial environments. It specifies:
- Shock absorption
- Penetration resistance
- Chin strap strength
- Electrical insulation (where applicable)
Certification ensures compliance with Indian workplace safety regulations.
BIS-ISI Certification under IS 9562: 1980
Non-Metal Helmet for Police Force
This standard regulates protective helmets used by police forces. It defines mechanical strength, impact resistance, and material requirements. BIS certification is required where notified.
Is BIS-ISI Certification Mandatory for PPE and Safety Equipment in India?
Yes. Where products are listed under a mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO), manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS certification under the ISI Scheme before placing products on the Indian market.
The ISI Mark demonstrates compliance with Indian Standards and is legally required for notified categories.
What Is the BIS-ISI Certification Procedure?
The certification process generally includes:
- Application submission to BIS
- Identification of applicable Indian Standards
- Product testing in BIS-recognized laboratories
- Factory inspection and quality control assessment
- Grant of license to use the ISI Mark
- Ongoing surveillance and periodic testing
Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
How Long Does BIS-ISI Certification Take?
The timeline depends on:
- Product complexity
- Testing duration
- Factory readiness
- Documentation completeness
On average, certification may take several months from application to license grant.
MPR International GmbH – BIS-ISI Certification Service for PPE, Protective Clothing and Safety Equipment
MPR International GmbH provides specialized consulting and project management services for BIS certification India under the ISI Scheme for:
- Safety footwear and occupational footwear
- Firefighter protective clothing and gloves
- Industrial heat protective garments
- High visibility clothing
- Bullet resistant jackets
- Tactical equipment
- Industrial and police helmets
- Rubber protective boots
Our services include:
- Regulatory analysis of applicable Indian Standards
- End-to-end management of the BIS registration process
- Coordination of product testing with BIS-recognized laboratories
- Technical documentation review
- Factory inspection preparation and coordination
- Support for Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) requirements
- Assistance with ongoing compliance and surveillance
With in-depth expertise in ISI certification, Indian Standards compliance, and regulatory procedures for market access India, MPR International GmbH supports manufacturers in achieving efficient and legally secure entry into the Indian market.
