Protective Textiles
High Visibility Warning Clothes
Strategic Recommendations for High Visibility Warning Clothes
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification without delay and submit all high-visibility garments to BIS-recognized laboratories for mandatory testing to ensure compliance with visibility and durability requirements. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work closely with ERA Compliance team to streamline documentation, lab testing, ISI marking, and alignment with Protective Textiles (QCO) 2022 mandates. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Assistance available for certification filing, lab coordination, and compliance guidance. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Stay updated with Protective Textiles (QCO) 2022, S.O. 1707(E), and amendments S.O. 2332(E) and S.O. 3896(E) for changes in enforcement timelines, product requirements, and compliance obligations. - Do a Gap Assessment
Identify non-compliant SKUs, verify color, retro-reflectivity, and design against IS 15809:2017. Ensure all garments carry ISI marking and are BIS-certified before sale, distribution, or use on worksites.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | High Visibility Warning Clothes |
| IS Standard | IS 15809:2017 (First Revision) |
| Title of IS | High Visibility Warning Clothes – 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 improve worker visibility and prevent accidents by mandating BIS-certified high-visibility garments. |
| Products Covered | Garments and accessories designed to enhance visibility of workers and personnel in low-light or hazardous environments. |
| Exemptions | - Products meant exclusively for export |
| Industries Impacted |
- Road & Highway Safety - Construction & Mining - Railways, Airports, Ports - Industrial PPE Manufacturers |
| Mandatory Compliance |
- Must conform to IS 15809:2017 - BIS license under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 - ISI marking required |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders |
- Apply for BIS license - Test products in BIS-recognized labs - Mark products with ISI before sale/distribution |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement |
- Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 - BIS is the certification and enforcement authority |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance |
- Seizure of goods - Suspension/cancellation of license - Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years or both |
| Conclusion | Compliance with IS 15809:2017 is mandatory from 7 October 2023. Certified high-visibility clothing is now required for all applicable uses. |
| 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
High Visibility Warning Clothes have been 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. The enforcement date was revised through 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 product without changes.
Enforcement Timeline
As per the amendment, compliance with IS 15809:2017 is mandatory from 7 October 2023.
Overview
High visibility clothing plays a vital role in preventing occupational accidents, especially in low-light or high-traffic zones. Workers on roads, construction sites, airports, and ports are especially vulnerable to accidents, making visibility-enhancing garments a critical component of safety. IS 15809:2017 lays down essential requirements for color, retro-reflectivity, and design to ensure maximum visibility.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 15809:2017 is to enhance occupational safety by mandating the use of garments that make personnel visible in low-light, night-time, or hazardous situations. It includes design and performance standards for high-visibility materials, ensuring uniform visibility, durability, and usability.
Products Covered
This standard applies to high-visibility garments and accessories, such as vests, jackets, bibs, trousers, and coveralls, used to alert approaching vehicles or equipment operators of a person’s presence.
Exemptions Provided
As per Clause 2 of the QCO, products meant exclusively for export are exempt from BIS certification and ISI marking.
Industries Impacted
- Construction & Infrastructure Projects – Workers must use certified high-visibility clothing.
- Road Safety, Railways, Airports, Ports – All personnel must be equipped with BIS-compliant gear.
- Mining and Industrial Facilities – Employers are required to ensure certified visibility gear for employees.
- PPE Manufacturers – Need to align product designs and production with IS 15809 standards.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
All high-visibility garments must conform to IS 15809:2017 and carry 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 should:
- Apply for BIS license
- Test garments at BIS-recognized laboratories
- Clearly label and package products with ISI mark
- Ensure only certified stock is distributed or sold after the enforcement date
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The QCO is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, with BIS as the certifying and enforcement authority. Non-compliance attracts:
- Product seizure
- License suspension or cancellation
- Fines or imprisonment up to two years
Conclusion
Effective 7 October 2023, all high-visibility warning clothes must be BIS-certified under IS 15809:2017. Manufacturers, distributors, and procurement bodies must act now to ensure compliance, worker safety, and uninterrupted business 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.