Protective Textiles
Protective hand gloves for Firefighters
Strategic Recommendations for Protective Gloves for Firefighters
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification immediately and submit samples for testing in BIS-recognized laboratories to ensure compliance with flame and heat resistance standards. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with the ERA Compliance team to streamline documentation, product testing, labeling, and ISI marking as per QCO requirements. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Support available for application filing, laboratory testing, and alignment with BIS regulations. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Monitor Protective Textiles (QCO), 2022 updates, including S.O. 1707(E), S.O. 2332(E), and S.O. 3896(E), for amendments and enforcement guidance. - Do a Gap Assessment
Identify non-compliant gloves, assess material and design conformity, ensure ISI marking, and verify that all domestic products meet IS 16874:2018 before sale or distribution.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Protective Gloves for Firefighters |
| IS Standard | IS 16874:2018 |
| Title of IS | Textiles – Protective Gloves for Firefighters – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022 |
| Notification & Amendments |
- Notified via S.O. 1707(E), dated 10 April 2023 - First Amendment: S.O. 2332(E), dated 24 May 2023 - Second Amendment: S.O. 3896(E), dated 11 September 2024 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 7 October 2023 (as per First Amendment) |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure the safety of firefighting personnel by mandating flame- and heat-resistant gloves conforming to IS 16874:2018. |
| Products Covered | Protective hand gloves designed for use by firefighters during operations involving flames, heat, and hazardous conditions. |
| Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export |
| Industries Impacted |
- PPE Manufacturers - Firefighting Equipment Suppliers - Defense and Civil Safety Agencies - Emergency & Disaster Response Procurement |
| Mandatory Compliance |
- Must conform to IS 16874:2018 - BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 - ISI marking required |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
- Apply for BIS license - Conduct testing in BIS-recognized labs - Ensure ISI marking before sale or supply |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement |
- Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 - BIS is the designated certifying and enforcement authority |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance |
- Seizure of goods - Suspension or cancellation of license - Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years or both |
| Conclusion | BIS certification under IS 16874:2018 is mandatory for all firefighter gloves from 7 October 2023. Stakeholders must comply for legal trade. |
| References / Annexures |
- QCO 2022: S.O. 1707(E) [10 April 2023] - 1st Amendment: S.O. 2332(E) [24 May 2023] - 2nd Amendment: S.O. 3896(E) [11 Sept 2024] |
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.
Get in touch with us today
Notification
Protective hand gloves for firefighters are brought under mandatory certification via the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, notified through S.O. 1707(E) dated 10 April 2023 by the Ministry of Textiles. Enforcement was revised through the first amendment S.O. 2332(E) dated 24 May 2023. The second amendment (S.O. 3896(E), dated 11 September 2024) revised the Schedule without affecting this category.
Enforcement Timeline
The enforcement date for mandatory compliance with IS 16874:2018 was revised to 7 October 2023 via the 2023 amendment.
Overview
Firefighting gloves are critical components of personal protective equipment used by emergency responders. These gloves must offer resistance to flames, high temperatures, mechanical hazards, and chemical exposure while ensuring dexterity and comfort. IS 16874:2018 lays down detailed technical requirements for such gloves to ensure safety and performance.
Objective & Scope
The key objective of IS 16874:2018 is to regulate and standardize the quality of protective gloves used in firefighting operations. The standard includes specifications for flame spread, thermal resistance, water absorption, abrasion, cut resistance, and ergonomic design, ensuring comprehensive hand protection.
Products Covered
The specification covers all types of textile-based gloves intended for use by firefighters in environments involving flame, high heat, steam, or other hazardous exposures.
Exemptions Provided
Under Clause 2 of the QCO, products meant exclusively for export are exempted from BIS certification and ISI marking.
Industries Impacted
- PPE & Glove Manufacturers – Required to test and certify their firefighting glove products.
- Firefighting Equipment Suppliers – Must distribute only BIS-compliant gloves post-enforcement.
- Defense & Civil Safety Agencies – Procurement norms must include BIS-marked gloves.
- Emergency Services – Must ensure frontline personnel are equipped with certified hand protection.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All protective gloves for firefighters must conform to IS 16874:2018 and carry the ISI mark under a valid BIS license issued in accordance with Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and suppliers should:
- Apply to BIS with technical documentation
- Submit samples for testing in BIS-recognized labs
- Affix the ISI mark to packaging and gloves before distribution or sale
- Ensure only certified gloves are used in fire services
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
This QCO is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS is the nodal certifying authority, and non-compliance can lead to:
- Product seizure
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Fines or imprisonment up to two years
Conclusion
As of 7 October 2023, BIS certification under IS 16874:2018 is compulsory for all firefighting gloves. This ensures safety of frontline workers and compliance with legal and procurement standards. Stakeholders must act promptly to align with the QCO mandates.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.