The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published a number of standards for medical assistive technologies as a part of the NLEAP (National List of Essential Assistive Products) initiative brought about by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The NLEAP document aims to serve as a guideline for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the concerned stakeholders for provision of assistive products as well as support the development of assistive technologies across the country.

The BIS Technical Committee on Assistive Products including Rehabilitation Appliances, Orthotic and Prosthetic Items (MHD 09) formulates Indian Standards pertaining to assistive technologies. The scope of committee is to formulate Indian Standards for Assistive Products including Rehabilitation Appliances, Orthotic and Prosthetic Items involved in assistance or rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, elderly persons and persons with impairments due to non-communicable diseases. This national committee formulates standards through the consensus of various relevant stakeholders including technical experts from the Indian industry, academia and government bodies such as ALIMCO Kanpur (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India), ICMR and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities under the chairmanship of Dr. Sanjay Wadhwa, Head (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation), AIIMS New Delhi. Social organizations like BMVSS Jaipur (Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti) are also a part of the committee for representation of consumer interests. The national committee also participates in the international technical committees of ISO: ‘Assistive Products’ (ISO/TC 173) and ‘Prosthetics and Orthotics’ (ISO/TC 168) for harmonization with the global standards.

BIS has published the following standards in the past year for mobility aids, structural aids and accessible designs which are listed as priority assistive products under the NLEAP:

1. IS 18558 (Part 1): 2025/ISO 11334-1 Elbow crutches

The Standard specifies requirements and test methods for elbow crutches fully equipped with handgrip and tip including requirements relating to safety, ergonomics, performance, and information to be supplied by the manufacturer, including marking and labelling.

2. IS 5145: 2026 Walking sticks

IS 5145 covers the requirements pertaining to material, shape, dimensions, workmanship, finish and performance of walking sticks (including wooden, cane, aluminium, plastic and rubber). This is an indigenous standard developed after consultation with the technical experts from the Indian industry.

 

3. IS 18558 (Part 4): 2025/ISO 11334-4 Walking sticks, three or more legs

IS 18558 (Part 4) specifies requirements and methods of walking sticks with three or more legs and fully equipped with handle and tips. It also gives the requirements relating to safety, ergonomics, performance, marking and labelling.

4. IS 19189: 2025/ISO 19028 Accessible Design — Information Contents, Figuration and Display Methods of Tactile Guide Maps

The Standard explains what information tactile guide maps should include and how they should be designed and displayed. These maps help people who are blind or have low vision understand buildings (like public places, transport areas, and parks) and nearby routes, so they can move around safely and easily.

5. IS 19190: 2025/ISO 17049 Accessible Design —Application of Braille on Signage Equipment and Appliances

The Standard specifies the fundamental requirements for braille used on signage, equipment and appliances, including the dimensional parameters of braille and the characteristics of materials used, and the guidelines for practical implementation.

6. IS 19631: 2026 Portable Ramps

This Standard specifies the requirement for Portable ramps for wheelchair users, as well as people pushing strollers, carts, or other wheeled objects, to more easily access steps, buildings, and other transportation systems. This standard is applicable to portable ramps used for people with a range of mobility problems using powered or manual wheelchairs, mobility aids, older people, and children on with or without assistance of a caregiver to improve freedom of movement around a variety of environments, including the home, place of work, or local community. This is an indigenous standard developed after consultation with the technical experts from the Indian industry.

Through the development of standards on assistive technology, BIS aims to support the nationwide initiative of Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan) brought about by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment which targets to achieve universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Due to ageing societies, the need for assistive products due to age related functional restrictions, limitations or impairments has increased. There is a growing need for standards in the area of Assistive Products that are crucial for enhancing the quality of life and promoting independence among individuals with functional impairments. By developing standards aligning with the global practices and their compliance would ensure that products of Indian Domestic Manufacturers meet International quality benchmarks and eligible for export to international markets. Formulation of such standards would also assist in research and development, encouraging the Indian manufacturers for innovation while ensuring the minimum requirements for safety and performance of the products being used in the country. The manufacturing base for assistive technologies in India is expanding day by day and standardization for the industry plays an important role in leveraging the indigenously manufactured products.

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RT/ IA/ ARC

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