Safety belts, which are known as safety harnesses, represent crucial personal protective equipment extensively utilized across sectors such as construction, mining, firefighting, maintenance, and logistics. The belts serve as protective devices that safeguard workers against falls and severe injuries during high-risk tasks. The Bureau of Indian Standards mandates safety belt certification because of its essential life-saving function to guarantee quality and safety standards.

This guide presents a comprehensive exploration of BIS certification for safety belts, covering applicable standards, whether certification is mandatory, step-by-step procedure,s documents required costs involved and frequently asked questions.

What is BIS Certification?

India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs oversees the Bureau of Indian Standards, which manages a third-party conformity assessment scheme known as BIS certification. The product verification process guarantees adherence to designated Indian Standards (IS) for quality, durability, and safety. Through government notification, safety belts as elements of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) require mandatory BIS certification.

Read More: Introduction To Bureau Of Indian Standards

 Is BIS Certification for Safety Belts Mandatory?

In India, safety belts require mandatory BIS certificate for Safety Belts:

Through the Personal Protective Equipment (Quality Control) Order, 2020, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry mandated that safety belts and harnesses used in fall protection systems must obtain BIS certification.

Legal Notification:

The manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and storage of safety belts is prohibited unless they meet Indian Standard IS 3521 and display the Standard Mark (ISI mark) with a BIS license.

 Applicable Indian Standard for Safety Belts

This standard replaces earlier versions of IS 3521 and aligns with modern safety norms, incorporating updated material, design, and testing requirements.

 Scope of IS 3521:2021

This standard covers:

• Full-body safety harnesses
• Chest and sit harnesses
• Work positioning belts
• Fall arrest systems
• Shock absorbers
• Attachment elements (D-rings, ropes, buckles, lanyards)

It defines performance requirements for:

• Tensile strength
• Breaking load
• Stitching durability
• Strap width and elongation
• Corrosion resistance of metal parts

Benefits of BIS Certification for Safety Belts

Below we mentioned some benefits BIS Certificate for Safety Belts:

• Legal compliance under mandatory QCO
• Worker safety assurance in high-risk environments
• Credibility for manufacturers and suppliers
• Tender eligibility for government and public sector projects
• Access to domestic and export markets
• Protection from penalties and product recalls

Step-By-Step process for BIS Certification for Safety Belts

Below we mentioned some process to obtain BIS Certificate for Safety Belts:

 Step 1: Identify the Product Standard

Verify that your product meets the scope of IS 3521:2021.

 Step 2: Register on BIS Portal

Visit https://manakonline.in and register your firm under the ISI Mark Scheme. Submit Form V and select IS 3521.

 Step 3: Sample Testing

Send product samples to a BIS-recognized lab for complete testing. Key tests include:

• Static strength test
• Dynamic fall test
• Stitching test
• Metal part corrosion resistance
• Dimension and material test

 Step 4: Factory Audit by BIS

BIS will conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to verify:

• Quality control and raw material checks
• In-house testing infrastructure
• Stitching machinery and tensioners
• Compliance with safety and design standards

 Step 5: Grant of License

If the product and factory pass all evaluations, BIS issues a license to use the ISI mark on safety belts and harnesses.

Read More: Process for getting BIS for Certification

Documents Required for BIS Certification for Safety Belts

Below, we mentioned some documents to obtain BIS Certificate for Safety Belts

Read More: Documents Required For BIS Registration

BIS Certification Fees and Cost Structure

Cost varies by product complexity, production volume, and location

Labeling and Marking Guidelines

Each safety belt or harness must display the following:

• ISI Mark with license number (CM/L-XXXXXXX)
• Product code and batch number
• Manufacturer name/logo
• Date of manufacture and expiry
• Standard number (IS 3521:2021)
• Instruction for use and warnings

Marking must be durable, clearly visible, and permanent (stitched or engraved).

 License Validity & Renewal

• Initial license validity: 1 year
• Renewable: Every 1–2 years
• Conditions for renewal: Continued compliance, submission of test results, BIS surveillance audit

BIS may also collect market samples and conduct surprise factory audits.

 Penalties for Non-Compliance

As per the BIS Act, 2016, manufacturing or selling uncertified safety belts can result in:

•  Fine up to ₹2,00,000 for the first offence
•  Imprisonment up to 2 years for subsequent offenses
•  Product seizure and factory sealing
•  Ban on sales, tenders, and exports

 BIS Certification for Imported Safety Belts

Foreign manufacturers must apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). It involves:

• Appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
• Submission of product samples to BIS-approved Indian lab
• Factory audit by BIS inspection team
• ISI marking on export-ready stock

Importers cannot sell safety belts in India without FMCS BIS license.

 Role of Consultant in BIS Certification for Safety Belts

Hiring a BIS consultant helps in:

• Interpreting IS 3521:2021 and its scope
• Preparing documents and internal SOPs
• Coordinating with testing laboratories
• Ensuring compliance before factory inspection
• Avoiding rejections or delays in approval

This is especially useful for new entrants or small manufacturers with limited compliance knowledge.

How ELT Corporate Can Help You

At ELT Corporate, we specialise in providing end-to-end assistance for BIS certification of toothpaste, including

• Document preparation
• Lab coordination
• BIS portal submission
• Factory inspection support
• Liaison with BIS officials

 Whether you are a domestic brand or a global exporter, we ensure fast-track BIS certification with complete legal compliance.

 Get in touch with our experts today and simplify your certification journey!

Conclusion

BIS certification for safety belts and harnesses is no longer optional — it is a mandatory legal requirement for all manufacturers and importers in India. The ISI mark on a safety belt signals that the product has undergone rigorous quality and performance testing and meets the highest safety standards as per IS 3521:2021.

For businesses involved in manufacturing, exporting, supplying, or distributing safety belts, obtaining and maintaining BIS certification is essential for legal compliance, worker safety, and market credibility.