Protective Textiles
Bullet Resistant Jackets
Strategic Recommendations for Bullet Resistant Jackets (IS 17051:2018)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Initiate BIS license application immediately; conduct ballistic resistance, durability, and ergonomics testing in BIS-approved labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate 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 application filing, lab coordination, and packaging compliance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Monitor updates on Protective Textiles (QCO), 2022 including S.O. 1707(E), S.O. 2332(E), and S.O. 3896(E) for amendments and enforcement changes. - Do a Gap Assessment
Identify non-compliant jackets; ensure ballistic performance, trauma reduction, and durability meet IS 17051:2018 before domestic sale.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Bullet Resistant Jackets |
| IS Standard | IS 17051:2018 |
| Title of IS | Textiles – Bullet Resistant Jackets – Performance Requirements |
| 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 ballistic protection, durability, and reliability of bullet resistant jackets through BIS-certified manufacturing. |
| Products Covered | Jackets designed to protect the wearer against ballistic threats, made from high-performance textile and composite materials. |
| Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export |
| Industries Impacted |
- Defense & Paramilitary Forces - Law Enforcement Agencies - Bulletproof Gear Manufacturers |
| Mandatory Compliance |
- Must conform to IS 17051:2018 - BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 - ISI marking required |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
- Apply for BIS license - Conduct ballistic and material testing in BIS-recognized labs - Mark with ISI 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 17051:2018 is mandatory from 7 October 2023 for all bullet resistant jackets sold or used in India. |
| 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
Bullet resistant jackets were notified under the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, via S.O. 1707(E) dated 10 April 2023. Enforcement was extended via the first amendment (S.O. 2332(E), dated 24 May 2023). The second amendment (S.O. 3896(E), dated 11 September 2024) retained this category unchanged.
Enforcement Timeline
Mandatory BIS certification under IS 17051:2018 came into effect on 7 October 2023.
Overview
Bullet resistant jackets are personal protective equipment designed to safeguard military, law enforcement, and security personnel from ballistic threats. These jackets are made using high-strength textile fabrics, composite materials, and ballistic plates engineered to stop or slow down projectiles.
Objective & Scope
The purpose of IS 17051:2018 is to standardize the design, construction, and performance of bullet resistant jackets. It includes specifications for ballistic resistance levels, trauma reduction, ergonomics, and durability to ensure reliable protection in real-world threat scenarios.
Products Covered
The standard applies to bullet resistant jackets used in defense, paramilitary, and law enforcement operations. It includes both soft armor vests and hard armor plate carriers.
Exemptions Provided
Under Clause 2 of the QCO, products meant exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking requirements.
Industries Impacted
- Defense & Paramilitary Forces – End users relying on certified ballistic protection.
- Law Enforcement Agencies – Required to procure BIS-certified jackets.
- Protective Gear Manufacturers – Must align production to IS 17051:2018 and obtain BIS licensing.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All bullet resistant jackets must comply with IS 17051:2018, bear the ISI mark, and be manufactured under a BIS license issued as per Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and suppliers should:
- Apply for BIS certification
- Conduct ballistic and durability testing at BIS-recognized labs
- Affix ISI marking before sale or supply
- Maintain compliance documentation for audits
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the enforcement authority. Penalties for violations include:
- Seizure of non-compliant products
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
- Fines or imprisonment up to two years
Conclusion
From 7 October 2023, BIS certification under IS 17051:2018 is mandatory for all bullet resistant jackets manufactured, imported, or sold in India. This regulation ensures uniform protection standards and safety for frontline personnel.
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.