Latest news with #BIS-certified
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Steel ministry moves SLP in SC to keep its BIS mandate even on intermediate steel products
New Delhi: The Union steel ministry has moved the Supreme Court against a high court stay order on import curbs on steel that fall short of national standards, highlighting the plight of small businesses amid government's thrust for local manufacturing. The ministry's special leave petition (SPL) follows a 13 June notification mandating Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for all imported raw material that goes into making steel products. The notification led to protests by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that import cheap raw materials for making steel products, prompting the government to suspend the order until 15 July. In the meanwhile, a petition against the notification by an MSME producer led the Madras High Court to order a stay on it on 13 July. MSMEs include secondary steel makers who depend largely on steel imports used as inputs in their final steel products, potentially pitting them against the government, whose rationale for imposing a quality control order was to check steel dumping into the country. The steel ministry, in its SLP filed on 23 July seen by Mint, has requested the apex court to stay the interim order of Madras High Court. 'It is respectfully submitted that the said order was passed at the admission stage without even hearing the stand of the Union of India," the ministry's petition says. The steel ministry's 13-June notification mandated that in addition to finished steel products, intermediate raw materials such as stainless steel slabs, and hot rolled and cold rolled coils must be BIS-certified for all imports with a bill of lading dated on or before 16 June. On 11 July, the ministry exempted the mandatory adherence of BIS specifications for raw materials used in final steel product in case of imports, where material have been shipped on or before 15-07-2025. MSME importers then wrote to the steel ministry asking for the notification to be withdrawn. The QCO, which was notified on 13 June but whose implementation was ordered just three days later, put approximately ₹150 crore of advance payments in jeopardy, according to a letter written by industry body Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM) on 18 June to the steel ministry. "Importers who placed orders months ago under pre-existing regulations are now facing uncertainty. Shipments already in transit or contracted prior to 16 June are suddenly non-compliant, risking needless financial loss and supply disruption," said the letter. Subsequently, a writ petition was filed in the Madras High Court by Shree Ramdev Metalex LLP challenging the steel ministry's 13 June notification as being bad in law and contrary to BIS Act, 2016 and the BIS Rules, 2018. 'The domestic steel industry faces QCO and similar regulations should not be there for imports. It's no point to have BIS specifications for hot rolled coils but not for say slabs. Government should address the concerns of certain sections of the industry with respect of BIS specifications separately," said A.S. Firoz, former chief economist at the Economic Research Unit of the ministry of steel. In June 2025, 0.797 million tonnes (mt) of finished steel were slated for imports under 25,759 such applications, as per the SIMS portal monthly report by the union steel ministry. SIMS stands for Steel Import Monitoring system. Korea, with a share of 34.6%, followed by China, with a 30.6% share of May 2025 imports, were the top two sources. The highest share of the imports in June 2025—29.1%—were for the automobile and auto components sector, SIMS data showed. Chandan Bhansali, president of the Metal & Stainless Steel Merchant's Association (Massma), said the steel ministry's strategy on imports was becoming a hindrance to micro and small businesses. "The micro and small-scale industries are already suffering from slowing down of economy and these compliances are implemented with an impossible timeline of one working day. The SIMS 2.0 portal in its new avatar is too regressive and implementation has become exactly opposite of 'ease of doing business'." 'Compliance of BIS standards for intermediate product is required to ensure that the finished product is as per quality requirement given by BIS Standards. If this not done, a final product may be sub-standard. It is also to be noted that because of excess capacity and declining consumption in certain countries, there a is big possibility of dumping of substandard steel. As India is the only fast-growing large economy in the world, there is a very high possibility of cheap steel getting pushed into Indian market unless adequate measures are put in place for import of quality steel," a steel ministry spokesperson said in reply to a query mailed by Mint on 27 July. The query was mailed to the spokesperson as well as secretary in the ministry of steel. The ministry did not respond to questions on the legal action taken by it.
News18
5 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
After Mandating ABS, Govt Considering Hands-Off Detection In Bikes
Last Updated: Centre to enforce stricter safety norms for two-wheelers, requiring overspeed warnings and hands-off handlebar detection to reduce reckless riding and improve road safety. Despite the severe risks involved, some individuals continue to engage in reckless driving, overspeeding, and hands-off riding to create social media reels. This behaviour not only endangers their own lives but also the lives of other road users. In a significant step toward enhancing road safety, the Centre is preparing to tighten safety norms for two-wheelers. After mandating anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and certified helmets, the government is now considering a new set of regulations aimed directly at reckless behaviour such as overspeeding and hands-off riding. According to a LiveMint report, the government plans to make overspeed warning systems and hands-off handlebar detection features mandatory in all new motorcycles. These safety systems will monitor rider behaviour and issue visual and audible alerts when speed limits are exceeded or when the rider removes their hands from the handlebars. The proposed changes are currently under consultation but reflect a strong intent to tackle the staggering number of road accidents involving two-wheelers. Data shows that nearly 44 per cent of all road fatalities in India involve two-wheeler riders, with overspeeding and loss of control among the leading causes. These features are not just about compliance but about changing the riding culture, as riders not only endanger their lives but also put others at risk through reckless riding. The system, inspired by car safety mechanisms like seatbelt reminders, will use electronic sensors to detect unsafe riding behaviour. Once operational, it will help enforce safer practices without relying solely on manual policing. This initiative is part of a broader two-wheeler safety effort, set to take effect from January 2026. All new two-wheelers will be required to come equipped with ABS, a braking technology already mandated for motorcycles above 125cc. The rule will now apply across the board to ensure better stability and reduced stopping distance during sudden braking. Additionally, the government has already mandated the inclusion of two BIS-certified helmets with every new two-wheeler sale to tackle the high incidence of head injuries. For electric two-wheelers, which are virtually silent, new regulations will require built-in sound-generating systems to alert pedestrians and nearby vehicles, enhancing safety for both riders and others on the road. These upcoming safety norms highlight the government's commitment to reducing road fatalities and ensuring a safer riding experience in a country where two-wheelers dominate daily commuting. view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 17:40 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Helmet rule flouted by over 70% of riders across AP
Visakhapatnam: Nearly 74% of two-wheeler riders in urban areas and 78% in rural Andhra Pradesh violated helmet safety norms in 2024, according to a report by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention (TRIP) Centre at IIT Delhi. Alarmingly, over 98% of pillion riders — both urban and rural — failed to wear helmets last year. Despite repeated awareness drives and clear mandates from the Committee on Road Safety and the government, helmet use remains sporadic among two-wheeler users across the state. This negligence contributed to 30–35% of road fatalities in Andhra Pradesh. Within the Vizag police commissionerate limits alone, over five lakh helmet violations were reported in 2024. Of the 8.72 lakh traffic infractions citywide, 57.6% — more than five lakh — were committed by riders traveling without helmets. As per Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, both riders and pillion passengers must wear protective headgear conforming to BIS standards. However, a senior police official noted that widespread disregard for the law continues, placing many lives at risk. On average, the state sees six to eight road crash deaths daily due to non-use of helmets. Ministry data shows 3,042 fatalities among two-wheeler users in 2022 — including 970 pillion riders — for not wearing headgear. Most of the patients admitted to trauma centres across the state following road crashes were not wearing helmets at the time of the incident. This group comprises both two-wheeler drivers and pillion passengers who failed to wear helmets and consequently sustained serious injuries. Authorities say only one to two percent of pillion riders in cities such as Vizag and Vijayawada wear helmets despite repeated appeals and warnings. Officials expressed concern over the growing disregard for this vital safety practice. Stringent enforcement and awareness campaigns have contributed to some drop in primary riders without helmets in Vizag. However, pillion riders seem to be ignoring their safety, which could prove fatal in case of road crashes. Despite the series of awareness campaigns, pillion riders continue to neglect this critical safety measure, said a senior police officer in Vizag. GFX Pillion riders top helmet violation chart Section 129 of MV-Act says both rider and pillion rider on a two-wheeler must wear helmets, and failure to comply can result in a fine for the rider. Vizag city police issued over nine lakh challans to two-wheeler riders for not wearing helmets in two years. The enforcement officials book at least over 12 lakh cases in the state in a year for not wearing head-guard. Helmetless pillion riders are just as vulnerable to head injuries in road crashes as the rider. Parents to purchase helmets only for the rider, often neglect for the child A BIS-certified helmets costs in between Rs1,500 and Rs5,000 The union government has mandated that all helmets show the ISI mark issued by the BIS Nearly 900 to 1,000 pillion riders die in AP in road crashes for not wearing helmets Police and RTA personnel plans to impose fines for pillions not wearing helmets
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Demand will explode, but market short by a crore units: Steelbird MD on two-helmet rule
Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd. India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety . The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This will make it mandatory for manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The move aims to promote safer riding habits and reduce the number of road fatalities, especially among pillion riders, who often skip wearing helmets. As per the draft notification, dealerships will also be required to hand over both helmets at the time of vehicle delivery. For an industry long plagued by poor safety awareness and rampant use of fake helmets, this move could bring a much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could spark a major boom in helmet demand. 'If every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, that alone will create a requirement of over 4 crore helmets annually,' he said during a media interaction. However, there's a challenge. Kapur said that the actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets in India is just about 3 crore units a year. This leaves a significant gap. Simple One review: Is this the EV to beat? | TOI Auto The proposed rule is in line with the government's broader push to reduce road fatalities. India reports over 1.5 lakh deaths annually due to road accidents, with two-wheeler riders making up a large chunk. Steelbird, one of the largest helmet manufacturers in India, is already investing heavily in automation and plant expansion, and plans to launch 75 new models over the next five years to cater to all segments, from budget to premium. But a key concern still remains: the widespread availability of fake helmets. These look like real helmets but don't meet safety standards and offer no real protection. Kapur said that nearly half of the helmets on Indian roads are fake, and insists that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must be backed with strong checks to ensure only genuine ISI-marked products are sold. 'If this law is enforced well, it will not only protect more lives, but also help weed out counterfeit players from the market,' he added. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Urban launches slimmest 67W GaN Charger ‘Lumen' in India, priced at Rs 1,799
URBAN Smart Wearables has unveiled its first slimmest charger — Lumen 67W GaN Charger in India. Roughly the size of a credit card, the ultra-flat charger claimed to deliver up to four times faster charging than standard models, while fitting flush against walls and sockets—making it ideal for tight spaces and travel. Price and availability The charger is BIS-certified and built with smart chip technology to ensure safe and efficient performance. It's available at an introductory price of Rs 1,799 on Amazon, Flipkart, and offline retail stores across India. Powered by Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, Lumen offers a 67W output with dual ports (USB-A and Type-C), allowing users to charge two devices simultaneously. It supports a wide range of gadgets including MacBooks, iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and Windows laptops, and comes with interchangeable global plugs for US, UK, and EU sockets. Designed for modern lifestyles, Lumen features: Foldable, ultra-slim design for easy portability Smart voltage adjustment to protect against thermal surges Matte soft-touch finish for a premium look and feel Fast-charging capability: up to 60% in 30 minutes for select devices Speaking at the launch, URBAN Co-Founder Aashish Kumbhat said, 'With Lumen, we've solved the everyday hassle of bulky chargers and slow charging—without compromising on aesthetics or ease. It's a premium product built for performance and convenience.' AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
