Protective Textiles
Protective Clothing for Use in Welding and Allied Processes (16655:2017)
Strategic Recommendations for Welding Protective Clothing
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply promptly for BIS license and conduct flame resistance, thermal protection, and durability testing in BIS-recognized laboratories. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with ERA Compliance team to streamline certification, testing, and ISI marking compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Assistance available for BIS application, lab testing, and labeling. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Monitor updates under Protective Textiles (QCO), 2022, including S.O. 1707(E), S.O. 2332(E), and S.O. 3896(E). - Do a Gap Assessment
Check non-compliant stock, assess flame-retardant material, garment design, and labeling. Ensure all domestic protective clothing meets IS 16655:2017 before supply.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Protective Clothing for Use in Welding and Allied Processes |
| IS Standard | IS 16655:2017 |
| Title of IS | Textiles – Protective Clothing for Use in Welding and Allied Processes – 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 welders and related workers are protected from sparks, molten metal splashes, and heat by mandating BIS-certified protective clothing. |
| Products Covered | Flame-resistant clothing for welding and allied processes, including jackets, aprons, trousers, and overalls. |
| Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export |
| Industries Impacted |
- Welding Equipment & PPE Manufacturers - Metal Fabrication & Engineering - Shipbuilding, Railways, Heavy Manufacturing |
| Mandatory Compliance |
- Must conform to IS 16655:2017 - BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 - ISI marking required |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
- Apply for BIS license - Test garments in BIS-recognized labs - Mark with ISI before sale or supply |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement |
- Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 - BIS is the 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 | Compliance with IS 16655:2017 is mandatory from 7 October 2023 for welding protective clothing. |
| 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] |
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Notification
Protective clothing for welding and allied processes was brought under mandatory BIS certification by the Ministry of Textiles through the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, notified via S.O. 1707(E) dated 10 April 2023. Enforcement was revised via the first amendment S.O. 2332(E) dated 24 May 2023, and the second amendment S.O. 3896(E) dated 11 September 2024 retained this category unchanged.
Enforcement Timeline
Compliance with IS 16655:2017 became mandatory from 7 October 2023.
Overview
Welding and similar processes expose workers to intense heat, molten metal splashes, sparks, and ultraviolet/infrared radiation. Proper protective clothing is critical to prevent burns, injuries, and long-term health hazards. IS 16655:2017 specifies performance requirements for garments intended for use during welding and allied processes.
Objective & Scope
The standard aims to ensure that welding protective clothing offers sufficient flame resistance, thermal protection, and durability, while maintaining comfort and ease of movement for the wearer. It covers design, material properties, and performance tests to ensure effective hazard protection.
Products Covered
IS 16655:2017 covers garments such as welding jackets, trousers, aprons, overalls, and other protective apparel designed to shield workers from welding-related hazards.
Exemptions Provided
As per Clause 2 of the QCO, the mandatory BIS certification requirement does not apply to products meant exclusively for export.
Industries Impacted
- Welding Equipment & PPE Manufacturers – Must produce BIS-certified garments.
- Metal Fabrication & Engineering – Required to provide certified PPE to workers.
- Shipbuilding, Railways, Heavy Industry – All welding operations must be conducted with certified protective wear.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All products in this category must conform to IS 16655:2017 and bear the ISI mark under a valid BIS license issued under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and suppliers must:
- Apply to BIS for certification
- Test products at BIS-approved laboratories
- Ensure ISI mark is visible before sale or distribution
- Educate buyers on QCO compliance requirements
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016. Non-compliance can lead to:
- Seizure of non-compliant goods
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Fines or imprisonment for up to 2 years
Conclusion
From 7 October 2023, BIS certification under IS 16655:2017 is mandatory for all welding protective clothing sold, manufactured, or imported in India. Stakeholders must ensure timely compliance to continue lawful operations and safeguard worker safety.
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.