What will be the impact of BIS Amendments Occupational Safety, Food Storage, and Respiratory Device Standards?

What BIS has Notified?

BIS published this amendment notification on 11 June 2026 under Ref: HQ-PUB015/1/2020-PUB-BIS (1554), signed by Chitra Gupta, Scientist G & DDG (Hallmarking and Training). This notification issues Amendment No. 1 (June 2026) to three existing Indian Standards, meaning these are targeted, surgical updates to existing standards rather than full replacements.

Complete Schedule of the Three Amended Standards

Implementation Timeline

• Gazette notification date: 11 June 2026
• Amendment effective date: 10 June 2026 (all three)
• Concurrent validity: The standards without the amendment remain valid until 9 December 2026
• Final compliance deadline: 9 December 2026, after which only the amended versions are recognized

The 6-month transition window (10 June → 9 December 2026) is the industry's window to update all products, test reports, certifications, and operational procedures referencing these standards.

Standard 1: IS 8521 (Part 1): 2022- Eye and Face Protection for Occupational Use

The Standard in Context

IS 8521 (Part 1): 2022 is India's national standard governing general requirements for eye and face protectors used in occupational settings. It adopts ISO 16321-1: 2021 as the base and covers:

• Safety spectacles and goggles for industrial, chemical, and general workshop use.
• Face shields for grinding, welding, and chemical splash protection
• Welding filters and screens.
• Lens performance requirements: optical clarity, refractive power, prismatic deviation, light transmission
• Frame and housing requirements: mechanical strength, material compatibility, resistance to ignition
• Field of vision requirements
• Marking and user information requirements

The parent IS 8521 Part 1: 2022 was itself the first revision, updating older standards to align with the new ISO 16321 series (which replaced the earlier ISO 16321: 2005 and related parts). Amendment No. 1 of June 2026 makes targeted corrections or additions to specific clauses within the 2022 version.

What the Amendment Likely Contains?

Since the document provides the metadata (amendment number, dates) but not the clause-level amendment text, the nature of Amendment No. 1 to IS 8521 (Part 1) is inferred from typical BIS amendment practice and the ISO 16321-1: 2021 framework:

• Corrigenda or clarification to specific clauses that generated industry queries or ambiguity post-2022 publication
• Updated test method references within the standard typically cross-reference to other parts of IS 8521 or allied IS (e.g., IS 17274 respiratory protection test methods amended in the same batch, suggesting a coordinated update)
• Material or chemical restriction updates aligning lens or frame material requirements with current REACH or BIS chemical restriction norms
• Revised marking requirements updated ISI mark placement, user information leaflet content, or shelf-life labelling for anti-fog coatings.

Who is Affected?

The revised standard will have implications across the personal protective equipment (PPE) ecosystem, affecting not only manufacturers and importers of eye and face protection equipment but also industries where the use of protective eyewear is mandatory under workplace safety regulations. The key stakeholders impacted by this development are outlined below:

1.    Manufacturers of eye and face protection equipment:

• Industrial safety equipment manufacturers (3M India, Honeywell Safety India, Karam Industries, Mallcom India, Safari Industries, Frontier Safety, dozens of MSMEs across Jalandhar, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai)
• Welding equipment manufacturers are producing integrated face shields.
• Importers of safety spectacles, goggles, and face shields

2.    End-user industries with mandatory PPE compliance:

• Construction and infrastructure- every construction site under building regulations and Labor Code requires eye protection in specified operations.
• Mining- DGMS (Directorate General of Mines Safety) mandates eye protection in hazardous zones.
• Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing- eye/face protection in chemical handling
• Metal fabrication and welding- grinding and welding operations
• Automotive manufacturing- machine operators and assembly workers
• IT/electronics manufacturing- soldering, chemical etching

3.    Regulatory authorities:

• DGFASLI (Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labor Institutes) and Factory Inspectorates who enforce eye protection compliance under the Factories Act and Labor Codes
• OISD (Oil Industry Safety Directorate) for petroleum sector eye protection requirements
• DGMS for the mining sector

Why BIS Amended this Standard?

The amendment to IS 8521 (Part 1): 2022 reflects BIS's ongoing efforts to strengthen product quality, improve worker safety, and align Indian standards with evolving industry and regulatory requirements. Several factors are likely to have contributed to the decision to revise the standard, including changes in occupational safety regulations, market surveillance findings, and developments within the PPE manufacturing sector.

1. Occupational Safety is a National Priority: Post-Labour Code Reforms. India's four new Labor Codes, including the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, have shifted the regulatory architecture for worker safety. The implementation of the OSHWC Code and associated rules has created renewed focus on PPE standards:

• Eye and face injuries are among the most common occupational injuries.
• Correcting or clarifying IS 8521 Part 1 ensures consistent product quality and enforcement.
• DGFASLI and State Factory Inspectorates use BIS standards as the reference for PPE compliance audits

2. Market Monitoring Findings: BIS conducts regular market surveillance (including testing of BIS-certified products). Amendment No. 1 may address:

• Non-conformity patterns detected in surveillance testing
• Industry-reported interpretation issues
• Gaps between IS 8521: 2022 and its ISO 16321-1: 2021 source standard

3. Post-COVID Surge in PPE Manufacturing: The COVID-19 period saw rapid expansion of PPE manufacturing in India. Many new manufacturers entered the eye protection market, and Amendment No. 1 may tighten specific parameters where new production has shown inconsistency.

Impact on Eye and Face Protection Businesses

The introduction of Amendment No. 1 to IS 8521 (Part 1): 2022 will also require manufacturers, importers, and end-user organizations to review their existing compliance frameworks and ensure alignment with the revised requirements. While the amendment may not necessitate significant changes for every stakeholder, proactive compliance assessment will be essential before the implementation deadline.

1. For BIS ISI-Certified Manufacturers

• Must review Amendment No. 1 clauses as published
• For each amended clause, determine whether:
  • Their current product design and testing already complies.
  • They need to modify product design, materials, or manufacturing process.
  • They need to conduct additional or revised testing.
• If product modification is required: submit revised test reports to a BIS-designated lab and update BIS licence documentation before 9 December 2026
• If no product modification is required: record the compliance verification assessment internally and maintain it as evidence for BIS surveillance inspections.

2. For Importers

• Importers of eye and face protection products under BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme) must:
  • Ensure foreign manufacturers are informed of Amendment No. 1
  • Verify compliance of imported products with amended IS 8521 Part 1 requirements
  • Update FMCS certificate where test reports need updating

3. For End-User Companies

• Update procurement specifications to reference IS 8521 (Part 1): 2022, including Amendment No. 1 June 2026.
• When next reviewing PPE vendor approvals, verify that certified products comply with the amended standard.
• Include amended standard reference in Safety Management System documentation.

Standard 2: IS 16144: 2014 Food grain Storage Godowns Code of Practice

The Standard in Context

IS 16144: 2014 is India's Code of Practice for food grain storage godowns, the primary national standard governing the design, construction, operation, and management of storage facilities for food grains (wheat, rice, pulses, coarse cereals, oilseeds).

This standard cover:

• Structural requirements: Foundation, floor, wall, and roof specifications for grain godowns.
• Ventilation requirements: Natural and mechanical ventilation to control the temperature and moisture.
• Moisture and humidity management: Vapor barriers, damp-proof courses, moisture monitoring.
• Pest management: Fumigation provisions, aeration systems, pest monitoring.
• Fire safety: Firefighting infrastructure, clearance requirements.
• Operational requirements: Stacking patterns, stack heights, cleaning protocols.
• Record keeping: Stock records, quality monitoring, inspection logs.
• Safety and health: Worker safety in storage operations.

This is a 2014 standard, 12 years old, receiving its first amendment. Amendment No. 1 of June 2026 updates specific operational or technical clauses.

What the Amendment Likely Contains?

Based on the evolving policy and operational landscape in Indian food grain storage, Amendment No. 1 to IS 16144: 2014 most likely addresses:

• Silo and steel bin storage provisions: India has rapidly expanded scientific bulk storage (steel silos) alongside traditional godown storage. The amendment may add or revise provisions for bin/silo storage operations
• Fumigation safety updates: Revised protocols for phosphine fumigation, including the updated gas-tight sealing requirements, phosphine monitoring standards, and worker safety protocols (aligned with the current CIBRC and DGFASLI guidance)
• Cold storage provisions for millets and high-oil grains: Reflecting national policy push for millet production (2023 was International Year of Millets)
• Digital record-keeping and monitoring provisions: Recognizing that modern warehouse management uses IoT-based temperature, humidity, and CO₂ monitoring
• Updated fire safety requirements: Potentially updated distances, firefighting equipment specifications.
• Solar power integration: Provisions for solar panels on godown rooftops are increasingly common and need guidance on installation without compromising structural integrity

Who is Affected?

The revised standard is expected to impact a wide range of stakeholders involved in the storage, handling, financing, regulation, and insurance of food grains. Both public and private sector entities that operate or rely on warehousing infrastructure will need to assess their compliance with the updated requirements.

1. Direct stakeholders:

• Food Corporation of India (FCI) operates the largest network of foodgrain storage facilities in the world (over 600 lakh metric tons capacity)
• Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs) across all states
• NAFED, NCCF, and other commodity procurement agencies
• State civil supplies corporations and state food departments
• Private warehousing companies (All Cargo, DHL Supply Chain, Mahindra Logistics, hundreds of registered warehouse service providers under WDRA)
• Commodity traders and agricultural produce traders with licensed storage facilities
• Cold storage operators storing temperature-sensitive foodgrains and pulses
• FSSAI-licensed food storage operators (FSSAI references storage standards in its food safety regulations)

2. Indirect stakeholders:

• Farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) also using storage facilities for post-harvest management under PM-ASA and other schemes.
• Banks and NBFCs providing warehouse receipt financing who require IS-compliant storage as a condition of their lending programs.
• Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), which requires IS compliance in accredited warehouses
• Insurance companies providing crop storage insurance using IS compliance as an underwriting consideration.

Why BIS Amended IS 16144?

The revision of the food grain storage standard reflects the growing need to strengthen India's agricultural storage infrastructure, improve food security, enhance safety practices, and align warehousing systems with emerging national priorities. Several factors are likely to have influenced the decision to update the standard.

• India's Food Security Imperatives: India manages the world's largest buffer stock of food grains, over 80 million metric tons at peak. Post-harvest storage losses in India have historically been estimated at 5-10% of grain production, billions of kilograms wasted annually due to poor storage. Updating storage standards directly addresses this massive national economic loss.
• PMGSY / PM-ASA Expansion Creating New Storage Infrastructure: The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) and expanded MSP procurement are driving the construction of thousands of new primary agricultural market and storage facilities. These new facilities must be built to current standards.
• PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy: The National Logistics Policy 2022 identified inadequate agricultural storage as a major supply chain bottleneck. The government's Rs 1 lakh crore push for storage infrastructure (announced in Union Budget 2023-24), creating 700 lakh metric tons of decentralized cooperative and PACS-level storage, makes updating the storage code of practice urgent.
• Fumigation Safety Incidents: Phosphine fumigation-related deaths and accidents at grain storage facilities have been reported across multiple states. The amendment may tighten safety protocols specifically around confined-space entry, phosphine monitoring equipment requirements, and rescue protocols.
• Climate Change Resilience: Higher ambient temperatures and humidity variability, direct consequences of climate change, are stressing existing storage infrastructure. The amendment likely adds guidance on climate-adaptive storage design.

Impact on Food Storage Businesses

The introduction of Amendment No. 1 to IS 16144:2014 will also require various stakeholders across the warehousing, logistics, agriculture, finance, and insurance sectors to review their existing practices and ensure that compliance with the revised requirements. The amendment is also expected to influence both operational procedures and future infrastructure development.

1. For Government and Public Sector Warehousing

• FCI, CWC, SWCs, and state food departments must:
• Review all godowns against Amendment No. 1 requirements by 9 December 2026
• Prepare the capital expenditure plans for any structural or operational upgrades.
• Update their Standard Operating Procedures for storage operations to incorporate amended IS requirements.
• Train godown managers and warehouse supervisors on updated requirements.

2.    For Private Warehousing and Logistics Companies

• Companies with WDRA-accredited warehouses must:
  • Verify continued accreditation compliance under amended IS 16144
  • Update their WDRA accreditation documentation to reference IS 16144: 2014 with Amendment No. 1
• Companies applying for new WDRA accreditation after 10 June 2026:
  • Must design and operate per the amended standard from day one

3.    For FPO and PACS Storage Facilities

• New storage facilities being constructed under PM cooperative storage schemes:
  • Engineering designs must be drawn to IS 16144: 2014 + Amendment No. 1
  • Project management consultants must include amendment compliance as a design specification.

4.    For Banks and Insurers

• Banks financing warehouse receipt (pledge/hypothecation) transactions must update their warehouse eligibility criteria to require IS 16144: 2014 + Amendment No. 1 compliance.
• Insurance companies providing crop storage insurance should add amended IS compliance as a policy condition in new policies issued after 9 December 2026

Standard 3: IS 17274 (Part 6): 2023 Respiratory Protective Devices Test Methods, Part 6: Mechanical Resistance/Strength

The Standard in Context

IS 17274 is India's multi-part standard series for respiratory protective devices (RPDs), the technical backbone of mask, respirator, and breathing apparatus testing in India. It adopts the ISO 16900 series as the base.

Part 6 specifically covers test methods for evaluating the mechanical resistance and strength of RPD components and connections, including:

• Headband and harness testing: Tensile strength, elongation, and durability of head straps
• Valve testing: Mechanical resistance of inhalation and exhalation valves under cyclic breathing simulation
• Facepiece connection testing: Mechanical strength of connections between facepiece body, filters, cartridges, and exhalation valves
• Body strength testing: Resistance to deformation and distortion of the facepiece body.
• Connector and thread testing: Mechanical integrity of bayonet, screw, and push-fit connections.
• Drop and impact resistance: Drop test protocols for complete assembled devices.

This Part 6 (2023) itself was the first revision, meaning it had already incorporated one round of ISO updates. Amendment No. 1 of June 2026 makes further targeted corrections or updates.

What the Amendment Likely Contains?

Amendment No. 1 to IS 17274 Part 6 most likely addresses:

• Coordination with IS 8521 (Part 1) Amendment No. 1: Both are in the same notification batch, strongly suggesting the amendments are technically interlinked. RPD and eye/face protection are often used together in combination PPE configurations. Shared test or marking provisions may need simultaneous updating.
• Updated test equipment specifications: Revised specifications for tensile testing rigs, cycling breathing machines, or torque measurement equipment
• Additional test conditions: For RPDs intended for extreme temperature or humidity environments
• Correction of errors or inconsistencies: Identified since the 2023 publication through PESO, BIS tech committee, or ISO feedback

Who is Affected?

The amendment to IS 17274 (Part 6): 2023 will impact a broad range of stakeholders involved in the manufacturing, testing, certification, procurement, and use of respiratory protective devices (RPDs). The key affected groups are outlined below:

1. Respiratory protective device manufacturers:

• Major RPD manufacturers: 3M India, Honeywell Safety Products India, Karam Industries, Venus Safety, Mallcom India, Scott Safety India, and hundreds of MSME manufacturers in Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra
• N95 and FFP2/FFP3 respirator manufacturers (COVID-19 expansion created many new manufacturers)
• Gas mask and SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) manufacturers for industrial and defense use
• Half-face and full-face elastomeric respirator manufacturers

2. Test laboratories:

• SITRA (South India Textile Research Association) key BIS-designated lab for PPE testing
• DRDO laboratories conducting RPD testing for defense procurement
• NABL-accredited independent labs providing commercial RPD testing services

3. Industrial users with mandatory RPD compliance:

• Chemical industry: handling toxic gases, vapors, particulates.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: containment and operator protection.
• Mining and tunneling: dust and toxic gas control
• Firefighting: SCBA use
• Construction: silica dust, asbestos abatement
• Agricultural sector: pesticide applicators

Why BIS Amended IS 17274 Part 6?

The amendment to IS 17274 (Part 6) reflects BIS's continued focus on strengthening the quality, reliability, and safety performance of respiratory protective devices (RPDs). The revision is likely to be driven by evolving industry requirements, increased workplace safety expectations, and the need to maintain consistency across India's personal protective equipment (PPE) standards framework.

1. Post-COVID RPD Manufacturing Quality Control- India's rapid expansion of domestic N95 and other RPD manufacturing during COVID-19 created a large new manufacturing base. Post-pandemic surveillance of this industry found:

• Quality inconsistencies in mechanical construction (headband failures, valve leakage from mechanical failure)
• The amendment tightens and clarifies mechanical testing requirements to address these quality gaps.

2. Occupational Health Enforcement Under New Labor Codes- The OSHWC Code 2020 and its state-level rules are increasing enforcement of RPD use in industries including:

• Chemical plants
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Mining and quarrying
• Updated mechanical testing standards for RPDs ensure that all RPDs in these workplaces meet current safety benchmarks.

3. Harmonization Between PPE Standards- Issuing Amendment No. 1 to both IS 8521 Part 1 (eye protection) and IS 17274 Part 6 (RPD testing) in the same notification batch is deliberate; it reflects BIS's systems approach to PPE standards, ensuring that combination PPE scenarios (e.g., full-face respirator with integrated eye protection) are covered coherently.

4. India's Defence and Emergency Response Procurement- DRDO, Indian Army (Chemical Corps), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) procure RPDs based on IS standards. Amendment No. 1 keeps the IS current with evolving military and civil protection operational requirements.

Impact on Respiratory Protective Device Businesses

The amendment to IS 17274 (Part 6): 2023 will require manufacturers, testing laboratories, and industrial users of respiratory protective devices to review their compliance processes and ensure alignment with the updated requirements. Stakeholders should assess the implications of the amendment well before the implementation deadline to avoid any disruptions in certification, procurement, and product approvals.

1.    For BIS ISI-Certified RPD Manufacturers

• Review Amendment No. 1 to IS 17274 Part 6 clauses upon BIS publication of the amendment document
• Assess impact on:
  • Test methods used in their BIS licence-linked test reports
  • Their in-house QC testing procedures for mechanical resistance
• If test methods change: commission revised testing at BIS-designated lab and update licence documentation by 9 December 2026
• Update QMS (ISO 9001 / BIS factory QMS) test procedures to reference the amended standard

2.    For Test Laboratories

• Update SOPs for all mechanical resistance tests covered by IS 17274 Part 6
• Verify and validate the test equipment against any revised specification in the amendment
• Update NABL accreditation scope to reference the amended standard
• Communicate updated test capabilities to RPD manufacturer clients.

3.    For Industrial Procurement Teams

• Update RPD procurement specifications to reference IS 17274 (Part 6): 2023 with Amendment No. 1, June 2026
• During the next vendor/product requalification cycle, request updated test certificates from suppliers

How Businesses Across All Three Standards Will Achieve Compliance?

The amendments introduced across the three standards require businesses to adopt a structured compliance approach. While the specific technical requirements may differ for each standard, the overall compliance framework remains largely similar and can be implemented through the following steps:

Step 1: Obtain the Amendments from BIS

Purchase Amendment No. 1 documents for each relevant standard from the BIS online shop (shop.bis.gov.in). These amendments are typically 1–10 pages and contain the specific clause additions, deletions, or some modifications.

Step 2: Conduct a Gap Assessment

For each amended clause:

• What does the amendment change vs the current version?
• Does the current product/facility/process comply with the amended requirement?
• If not, what needs to change: design, material, process, equipment, or documentation?

Step 3: Implement Changes

For each gap identified:

• Product manufacturers: Modify design, material, or process; commission revised testing at a BIS-designated lab.
• Storage facility operators: Implement operational or structural changes; update SOPs.
• Test laboratories: Update SOPs, validate any new test equipment requirements.

Step 4: Update Documentation and Certifications

• Update BIS licence application files (for ISI-certified manufacturers)
• Revise procurement specifications, quality plans, and management system documentation
• Update any product labelling, user manuals, or declaration of conformity that references the standard.

Step 5: Complete Before 9 December 2026

This is a firm date after which only the amended standard versions are recognized. All BIS-certified products, accredited facilities, and procurement contracts must reference the amended standards by this date.

Benefits for Businesses After Implementation

While compliance with Amendment No. 1 may require initial review and process updates, the revised standard offers several long-term benefits for businesses operating in the respiratory protective device (RPD) ecosystem.

1. For PPE Manufacturers (Eye and Face, Respiratory)

2. For Food Storage Operators

Is this the Right Decision?

All three amendments represent correct and proportionate regulatory action. Key reasons:

The 6-month transition window is appropriately calibrated sufficient for most businesses to assess and comply without operational disruption.

How do these Amendments Improve Quality, Consumer Satisfaction, and Environmental Conditions?

The amendments introduced across these standards are designed not only to strengthen regulatory compliance but also to enhance product quality, improve user confidence, and promote more sustainable and responsible industry practices. Their benefits extend beyond manufacturers to consumers, workers, regulators, and the broader environment.

1. Quality Improvements

• Eye and Face Protection: Clearer, more comprehensive performance requirements mean all ISI-certified products must actually protect eyes from the specified hazards at the specified intensity levels. Amendment-driven quality tightening reduces the market presence of safety spectacles that pass current tests but fail under real-world industrial conditions.
• Food Grain Storage: Updated operational requirements translate directly into less grain damaged by moisture, pests, fumigation accidents, and structural failures quality preservation in storage: better-quality grain reaching mills and consumers.
• Respiratory Devices: Tighter mechanical testing reduces failures in the field: headbands that don't snap, valves that don't fail, connections that don't leak. Every improvement in mechanical integrity of an RPD directly protects the wearer's health.
• Consumer and Worker Satisfaction
  • Workers wearing the updated-standard eye protection and RPDs get genuine protection rather than false comfort.
  • Grain consumers benefit from better-stored, less-contaminated grain reaching processing plants.
  • Farmers selling stored grain under WDRA-accredited warehouse receipts benefit from better-maintained grain quality and therefore better realization prices.

2. Environmental Improvements

• Food grain Storage: Reducing post-harvest storage losses means less land, water, fertilizer, and agricultural inputs are wasted a massive embedded resource saving. Better fumigation protocols under amended IS 16144 reduce phosphine gas release into the atmosphere and prevent groundwater contamination from fumigant residues. Reduced spoilage means less rotted grain entering waste streams.
• PPE Manufacturing and Disposal: Longer-lasting PPE (better mechanical strength) means less frequent replacement, directly reducing PPE waste volumes, which are a significant environmental problem (masks, respirators, and goggles are not easily recyclable).

Business Opportunities for Corpseed

1. BIS PPE Certification and Licence Management

2. Food Storage Compliance Advisory

3. Industrial Safety Compliance Packages

• Bundle PPE-related BIS certification services with broader occupational health compliance under OSHWC Code rules
• Target chemical plants, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and mining companies facing increased DGFASLI/DGMS scrutiny
• Offer an "OSHWC PPE Compliance Pack" inventory all PPE in use, verify current IS compliance, identify upgrades needed post-amendments, manage BIS certification for in house manufactured or imported PPE.