Footwear Quality Control Order- BIS certification for footwear scheme

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has notified all footwear manufacturers that they will be required to obtain BIS registration for footwear complying with applicable Indian standards and authorized to bear the ISI Mark, which must come into effect before 1 July 2023, the date specified below. From this date onwards, no manufacturer will be able to sell non-BIS certified footwear in the Indian market. It will be illegal to manufacture and sell shoes made of leather or any other material without an ISI mark. The regulations prohibit manufacturers from producing shoes without a BIS certificate. Failure to do so will result in criminal prosecution and heavy fines. BIS certification for footwear is granted to the manufacturing facility where the final manufacturing activity takes place and not to the brand that launches or designs the product. Further, BIS issues specific licenses for each type of footwear based on its classification as per the relevant Indian standards even if different variations of a footwear are covered by the same Indian standards and licenses.

List of footwear covered under BIS Registration for footwear scheme

1. General Purpose sports footwear (Fitness, exercising, walking and light sports activities) – IS 15844: 2010

2. Performance Sports Footwear (Jogging, Running including Trail Running, adventure sport, trekking, climbing and etc.)

3. Professional Sports Footwear, General purpose shoes, Derby shoes

4. All types of Sandal and slippers

5. All kinds of Hawaii Chappals

6. Leather Safety Shoes, High ankle tactical boots with PU rubber sole, High ankle industrial boots

7. Canvas Shoes (School PT shoes) and other similar shoes, Footwear for men and women for municipal scavenging work—Scavenging shoes

8. Canvas Boots, PVC Industrial boots, Personal Protective Equipment Part 4: Occupational footwear

9. Safety Shoes for mining, Industrial & protective rubber knee & ankle boots, etc.

Conclusion:

To summarize, obtaining a BIS license for footwear is a complex and time-consuming process and involves a number of crucial steps for any business unit, such as the development of footwear as per the relevant Indian standards, preparation of documents, and on-site factory verification of the manufacturer’s competence to manufacture and test footwear. Therefore, hiring a consultant with expertise in the BIS licensing process is advised. Max Solution Consulting Services can assist with BIS-compliant product development and documentation support, helping you understand the specific requirements of the ISI certification process and ensuring your application is complete and meets all required standards. Our team of experts has in-depth knowledge of the regulatory environment, government policies and procedures, and the functioning of various government agencies.