BIS Certification for Safety Glass for Road Transport IS 2553 (Part 2)

In India, road safety is a national priority due to the high number of traffic-related incidents each year. Among the numerous safety components in vehicles, safety glass plays a critical role in protecting passengers during accidents and providing structural integrity to vehicles. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, regulates the quality of such materials through mandatory certification schemes. For safety glass used in road transport vehicles, BIS certification ensures that manufacturers adhere to strict safety and quality standards, ultimately safeguarding public health and safety.

What is Safety Glass?

Safety glass is a type of glass specifically designed to minimize the risk of injury when it breaks. Unlike ordinary glass, safety glass breaks in a controlled manner — either into blunt pieces (laminated glass) or small granules (toughened glass) — reducing the chances of severe injuries. It is commonly used in windshields, side and rear windows of automobiles, buses, and other road transport vehicles.

There are two primary types of safety glass used in the automotive sector:

1. Toughened (Tempered) Glass – Heat-treated glass that shatters into small, blunt pieces.

2. Laminated Glass – Consists of two or more layers of glass bonded with a plastic interlayer, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which holds the fragments in place upon impact.

Importance of BIS Certification for Safety Glass

The BIS certification assures that the safety glass used in vehicles complies with Indian safety and quality norms. It is particularly important because:

• Protects passengers during accidents by minimizing injury risks.

• Maintains structural integrity of the vehicle, especially in rollover accidents.

• Prevents ejection of passengers in severe crashes.

• Ensures driver visibility, especially for windshields, by maintaining optical clarity.

• Enhances public trust in automotive safety standards.

The certification process mandates compliance with the Indian Standard IS 2553 (Part 2): Safety Glass – Specification for Road Transport, which outlines the technical requirements, testing methods, and labeling guidelines for different types of automotive safety glass.

Legal Framework and Mandatory Requirements

The BIS certification for safety glass is mandatory under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) for automotive components. This requirement is governed by:

• Automotive Industry Standards (AIS)

• Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR)

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

• Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Government of India

Manufacturers and importers of safety glass must obtain a valid BIS license before selling or distributing their products in the Indian market. Failure to comply can lead to fines, product recalls, or bans on sales.

Applicable Standard: IS 2553 (Part 2)

The relevant BIS standard for safety glass used in road transport is IS 2553 (Part 2): 2019 – Safety Glass – Specification – Part 2: Road Transport. This standard covers:

• Types of safety glass: Laminated and Toughened

• Dimensions and thickness requirements

• Impact resistance and fracture behavior

• Optical quality and light transmission

• Marking and labeling for identification

• Sampling and testing procedures

The standard also specifies the marking requirements, including the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark), the manufacturer’s code, and the date of manufacture.

BIS Certification Process

The BIS certification process for safety glass includes the following key steps:

1. Application Submission

Manufacturers must apply online through the BIS portal and submit all required documentation, including:

• Factory layout and manufacturing process flow

• Test reports from an accredited laboratory

• Product specifications and labeling samples

• Quality assurance and internal testing protocols

2. Factory Inspection

BIS officers conduct a factory inspection to:

• Assess manufacturing facilities and production processes

• Verify the implementation of quality control measures

• Collect random samples for independent testing

3. Sample Testing

Samples collected during inspection are tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory or the BIS Central Laboratory. Tests may include:

• Fragmentation and breakage behavior

• Resistance to temperature change and humidity

• Light transmission and optical distortion

• Impact resistance and penetration tests

4. Grant of License

If the samples pass all tests and the factory inspection is satisfactory, BIS issues a license to the manufacturer, authorizing them to use the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on their products.

5. Surveillance and Renewal

Post-certification, BIS regularly conducts surveillance audits and market inspections to ensure continued compliance. The license must be renewed periodically, based on product performance and regulatory compliance.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Manufacturers

• Market Access: BIS certification is a legal requirement for automotive safety glass in India, enabling entry into the domestic market.

• Brand Reputation: BIS-certified products are seen as safer and more reliable, boosting consumer confidence.

• Export Potential: Certification adds credibility in international markets, especially in regions that recognize Indian standards.

• Product Quality: Compliance with BIS standards ensures consistent product quality and reduces liability risks.

• Competitive Advantage: Certification differentiates manufacturers in a competitive market focused on safety and compliance.

Challenges Faced by Manufacturers

While BIS certification is beneficial, manufacturers often face challenges such as:

• Complex Documentation: Gathering and submitting comprehensive technical data can be time-consuming.

• Testing Delays: Limited availability of BIS-accredited labs may cause delays in sample testing.

• Cost of Compliance: Setting up in-house testing facilities and adapting manufacturing processes can be costly.

• Frequent Audits: Regular surveillance and testing impose continuous compliance pressure on manufacturers.

Role of BIS in Ensuring Safety Standards

BIS plays a proactive role in:

• Updating standards to align with global best practices and technological advancements.

• Conducting market surveillance to identify substandard or counterfeit products.

• Collaborating with industry stakeholders for effective implementation and feedback.

• Training and capacity building of manufacturers and testing agencies.

The evolving regulatory landscape ensures that BIS remains responsive to emerging safety challenges in the automotive sector.

Conclusion

The BIS certification for safety glass for road transport is a critical regulatory mechanism to ensure public safety and maintain quality standards in the automotive industry. With road accidents continuing to pose a serious threat in India, the role of certified safety glass in protecting lives cannot be overstated. For manufacturers, compliance with IS 2553 Part 2 is not just a legal necessity but also a mark of quality and trust.

As the Indian automotive market continues to grow, driven by both domestic demand and exports, adherence to BIS certification requirements will be vital. It reflects a commitment to excellence, safety, and consumer welfare — all essential components of a responsible and competitive industry.