New BIS standard sets benchmarks for bomb disposal systems in India

India has notified its first dedicated standard for bomb disposal systems, aimed at addressing a critical gap in the country’s security preparedness framework and providing clear performance benchmarks for manufacturers.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued the standard, IS 19445:2025, following a request from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory. The standard lays down comprehensive guidelines for evaluating bomb disposal systems against blast loads and splinter effects.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said the standard is intended for “voluntary adoption” by procurement agencies, manufacturers, and testing bodies.

“Its implementation is expected to bring uniformity in evaluation practices, promote quality-driven manufacturing, and enhance confidence in bomb disposal systems deployed in critical security operations,” she said in a statement.

According to the Consumer Affairs Ministry, the standard specifies detailed requirements related to test equipment, test range conditions, and evaluation procedures. These parameters are designed to enable objective assessment of the effectiveness of bomb disposal systems.

The ministry said the need for a dedicated Indian standard arose because existing international standards are either restricted in access or are not fully aligned with the threat profiles and operational conditions faced by Indian forces.

Indian armed forces, central armed police forces, state police units, and civilian agencies increasingly encounter threats from unexploded bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and hand grenades. These threats are reported across conflict zones, cantonment areas, and public places.

To mitigate such risks, three categories of bomb disposal systems are commonly deployed — bomb blankets, bomb baskets, and bomb inhibitors. While several public and private sector agencies manufacture these systems in India, their safe deployment requires rigorous and standardised performance evaluation.

The standard serves as a reference framework for test sponsors, manufacturers, and accredited testing agencies. It defines test methodologies, testing apparatus, test specimens, and acceptance criteria to verify compliance with prescribed performance benchmarks.

While developing IS 19445:2025, authorities considered international best practices and globally accepted performance concepts. These were adapted to suit Indian threat scenarios and operating environments. The ministry said this approach promotes global alignment while maintaining national relevance and supports Indian manufacturers in improving international competitiveness.