Protective Textiles
Protective Clothing for Firefighters
Strategic Recommendations for Firefighter Protective Clothing
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification promptly and carry out flame resistance, thermal protection, and durability testing in BIS-recognized laboratories. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA Compliance team to streamline BIS application, testing, ISI marking, and record maintenance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Assistance available for BIS filing, lab testing, and labeling compliance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Monitor updates under the Protective Textiles (QCO), 2022, including S.O. 1707(E), S.O. 2332(E), and S.O. 3896(E). - Do a Gap Assessment
Identify non-compliant inventory, review flame-retardant layers, garment design, and labeling, and ensure all domestic firefighter clothing meets IS 16890:2018 before supply.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Protective Clothing for Firefighters |
| IS Standard | IS 16890:2018 |
| Title of IS | Textiles – Protective Clothing 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 thermal and flame protection for firefighting personnel through mandatory BIS-certified protective gear. |
| Products Covered | Garments designed to protect firefighters from heat, flame, and hazardous conditions during firefighting operations. |
| Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export |
| Industries Impacted |
- PPE Manufacturers - Fire Safety Equipment Suppliers - Government Emergency Services - Defense & Disaster Management Agencies |
| Mandatory Compliance |
- Must conform to IS 16890:2018 - 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-approved labs - Ensure ISI mark 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/cancellation of license - Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years or both |
| Conclusion | BIS certification under IS 16890:2018 is mandatory for all firefighter protective clothing from 7 October 2023. Compliance is essential for supply. |
| 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 clothing for firefighters has been made subject to mandatory BIS certification under the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022. This was notified via S.O. 1707(E) dated 10 April 2023 by the Ministry of Textiles. Subsequent amendments were issued to extend the enforcement date (S.O. 2332(E) dated 24 May 2023) and revise the Schedule (S.O. 3896(E) dated 11 September 2024).
Enforcement Timeline
As per the amended QCO, compliance with IS 16890:2018 became mandatory from 7 October 2023.
Overview
Firefighting operations expose personnel to extreme heat, flames, and potentially hazardous environments. To protect life and minimize injury risk, garments worn by firefighters must meet stringent quality and safety benchmarks. IS 16890:2018 outlines critical performance requirements for such clothing, ensuring reliable protection and durability during emergencies.
Objective & Scope
The standard aims to improve safety for frontline responders by mandating design, material, and performance criteria for firefighter clothing. It addresses flame resistance, heat insulation, ergonomic design, and structural integrity of suits used in high-risk firefighting environments.
Products Covered
This specification covers garments intended specifically for firefighters, including flame-retardant overalls, jackets, and trousers made from multi-layered technical textiles offering thermal protection, breathability, and abrasion resistance.
Exemptions Provided
As per Clause 2 of the QCO, products manufactured solely for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking requirements.
Industries Impacted
- PPE & Protective Textile Manufacturers – Need to adapt to mandatory compliance and upgrade product lines.
- Fire Safety & Emergency Equipment Suppliers – Required to ensure BIS-certified inventory.
- Government Agencies & Disaster Management – Must procure only ISI-marked protective wear for fire departments.
- Defense & Industrial Fire Brigades – Impacted in terms of procurement standards and compliance verification.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Every unit of firefighter protective clothing must be certified under IS 16890:2018 and must bear the ISI mark. Licensing is governed by Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Only BIS-certified products can be manufactured, sold, or imported for use in India.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Stakeholders are advised to:
- Apply to BIS for product certification.
- Conduct mandatory testing at BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Ensure packaging and labeling comply with ISI marking norms.
- Verify that all stock post-enforcement is BIS-licensed and marked.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the certifying and enforcement authority. Penalties for non-compliance include:
- Seizure of goods
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Fines or imprisonment for up to two years
Conclusion
Compliance with IS 16890:2018 is mandatory from 7 October 2023. Stakeholders involved in the manufacturing, supply, or procurement of firefighter protective clothing must ensure certification, testing, and ISI marking to avoid penalties and maintain lawful operations.
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.