IS 19445:2025 is now India’s first standard for bomb disposal systems to boost security infrastructure! India has formally addressed a critical gap in its internal security and counter-IED preparedness by notifying a dedicated national standard for bomb disposal systems.
The move comes amid the growing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), unexploded ordnance and hand grenades across conflict zones, cantonments and civilian areas. According to the government, existing international standards are either restricted in access or poorly aligned with the threat profiles and operational realities faced by Indian security forces.
To address the same, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified a dedicated standard for bomb disposal systems – IS 19445:2025. It provides detailed guidelines for the performance evaluation of bomb disposal systems, particularly with respect to blast loads and splinter effects.
What is IS 19445:2025?
Newly notified IS 19445:2025, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), lays down comprehensive performance and evaluation guidelines for bomb disposal systems used in high-risk security operations.
The standard was developed at the request of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), reflecting close coordination between scientific, security and policy institutions.
What does the new standard aim to achieve?
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare shared that 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.
At its core, the standard seeks to ensure that bomb disposal equipment performs reliably when subjected to blast loads and splinter effects, which are common in real-world explosive threats.
How will bomb disposal systems be tested?
IS 19445:2025 defines test equipment specifications, test range conditions, evaluation and assessment procedures. These provisions allow for objective measurement of system effectiveness, ensuring consistency across testing and certification.
The standard acts as a technical reference for test sponsors, manufacturers and accredited testing agencies, clearly outlining methodologies, apparatus, test specimens and acceptance criteria required to meet performance benchmarks.
Which bomb disposal systems does it cover?
The standard applies to three widely used categories of bomb disposal systems – Bomb blankets; Bomb baskets; and Bomb inhibitors. These systems are routinely deployed by Indian armed forces, central armed police forces, state police and civilian agencies to contain explosions and reduce collateral damage.
India already has several public and private manufacturers producing bomb disposal equipment. However, safe deployment depends on rigorous and standardised performance validation.
By providing a clear and credible benchmark, IS 19445:2025 strengthens domestic manufacturing quality, reduces dependence on foreign certification norms, helps Indian firms achieve international competitiveness. While drawing on global best practices, the standard has been carefully adapted to Indian threat scenarios.
What does this mean for national security?
The introduction of a dedicated bomb disposal standard marks a significant step in enhancing India’s internal security architecture. It improves confidence in life-saving equipment used during counter-terror, counter-insurgency and urban security operations, while reinforcing India’s push towards self-reliance in defence and security technologies.