Jammu, Jan 10: The Jammu and Kashmir Controller of Legal Metrology has initiated a significant crackdown on the sale of non-standard helmets, resulting in the seizure of 5,000 such helmets.
To ensure adherence to regulatory standards among helmet manufacturers and sellers, the Controller has established enforcement teams, taking stringent action against those distributing non-standard helmets throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Legal Metrology Department initiated a targeted campaign to inspect helmet sales outlets, ensuring compliance with the mandatory declarations stipulated in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodity) Rules, 2011,” stated Anuradha Gupta, the Controller of Legal Metrology, J&K.
Furthermore, the Legal Metrology department received directives from the Chief Secretary of J&K during a recent review meeting focused on implementing the Supreme Court Committee’s recommendations on Road Safety.
These instructions aim to eradicate the sale of non-standard helmets in the marketplace and enhance road safety for two-wheeler riders.
The enforcement teams carried out simultaneous surprise inspections across all districts of J&K at helmet retail and distribution centers, ensuring compliance with legal metrology guidelines and confirming that helmets possess BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification.
“The LMD teams inspected 320 establishments and filed 42 cases under the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodity Rules 2011,” she noted.
Some of the seized helmets did not conform to BIS specifications and will be forwarded for further legal action to BIS, the authority responsible for maintaining quality standards in helmets.
“During this targeted initiative, 5,000 non-standard helmets were seized, including bulk inventories at two warehouses in Digiana and R.S. Pura,” announced the Controller.
The LMD also acknowledged the police for providing assistance when requested at various inspection locations.
“This initiative highlights our commitment to ensuring that only certified and safe helmets, compliant with Legal Metrology guidelines, are available to consumers. We will continue these efforts in the future,” emphasized Anuradha Gupta.
The department has firmly warned all sellers against offering helmets that lack the mandatory declarations dictated by Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules 2011, stating that violators will face severe legal repercussions under the Legal Metrology Act.
Individuals can contact the Department of Legal Metrology for any complaints related to violations of the Legal Metrology Rules at the toll-free number 1800 180 7114.
Additionally, the LMD has launched its social media channels to provide updates on departmental activities and information regarding consumer rights, she added.
