The footwear industry in India is growing rapidly, with both domestic and international players focusing on providing stylish, durable, and comfortable shoes to consumers. However, alongside design and branding, the quality and safety of footwear remain a priority. To safeguard consumer interests and ensure standardization, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a vital role through mandatory and voluntary certification.
The BIS Certification for Footwear is not just a regulatory requirement but a quality assurance system that ensures every pair of shoes entering the market meets durability, performance, and safety standards. Whether it is leather shoes, sports shoes, sandals, or protective footwear, BIS certification guarantees uniformity and reliability.
Importance of BIS for Footwear
Footwear is an essential commodity, and any compromise in its quality may lead to health hazards, discomfort, or safety risks. For example, poor-quality soles can cause slipping, and weak materials may damage foot posture. To address such concerns, BIS for Footwear establishes strict guidelines that manufacturers must follow.
Key benefits of BIS for Footwear include:
Consumer Safety: Ensures shoes are made from non-toxic and safe materials.
Durability: Certified footwear lasts longer due to superior manufacturing standards.
Market Access: BIS certification is mandatory for many categories, allowing entry into regulated markets.
Consumer Confidence: The ISI mark on shoes becomes a symbol of trust and authenticity.
BIS Certification for Footwear: Mandatory Standards
The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for specific footwear products under the BIS Act, 2016. These orders make it mandatory for manufacturers and importers to obtain certification before selling in India.
Some of the major standards under BIS for Shoes and Footwear include:
IS 15844: For leather safety footwear.
IS 15298: For protective and safety shoes.
IS 5676: For rubber microcellular sheets for soles and heels.
IS 6664: For PVC soles and heels.
These Indian Standards ensure that footwear is tested for strength, slip resistance, chemical safety, and overall durability.
Process of Obtaining BIS Certification for Footwear
The certification process involves multiple stages designed to evaluate the quality of footwear:
Application Submission: The manufacturer submits an application with product details.
Factory Inspection: BIS officials visit the manufacturing site to check facilities, testing labs, and production quality.
Sample Testing: Footwear samples are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories to confirm compliance with the Indian Standards.
Grant of License: If all conditions are satisfied, BIS issues a license, allowing manufacturers to use the ISI Mark on footwear.
Ongoing Surveillance: BIS continues market surveillance to ensure consistent product quality.
This detailed approach helps ensure that every certified shoe on the market is safe, reliable, and manufactured to the highest standards.
Role of BIS for Shoes in the Indian Market
The Indian market has a wide range of footwear categories—sports shoes, leather shoes, sandals, slippers, safety boots, and more. For manufacturers, BIS for Shoes is an opportunity to differentiate their products from low-quality alternatives. With the growing demand for branded and premium footwear, BIS certification serves as a quality stamp that enhances credibility.
For international companies exporting to India, BIS certification is mandatory under various QCOs. Without certification, foreign manufacturers cannot legally market their footwear products in India. Thus, compliance ensures smoother entry into one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Why You Need a BIS Consultant for Footwear
While the BIS certification process is comprehensive, it can also be complex and time-consuming for manufacturers, especially first-time applicants. This is where a BIS consultant for Footwear becomes essential.
A professional consultant helps in:
Documentation Support: Ensuring all applications and technical documents are accurate.
Product Testing Assistance: Coordinating with BIS-recognized labs for sample testing.
Inspection Preparation: Guiding manufacturers on factory setup and compliance before BIS visits.
Faster Approval: Reducing delays by avoiding errors in the application process.
Legal Compliance: Ensuring full adherence to QCOs and Indian Standards.
Choosing the right consultant not only saves time but also ensures successful and hassle-free certification.
Advantages of BIS Certification for Footwear Manufacturers
Regulatory Compliance: Legal requirement for selling certain footwear categories in India.
Competitive Edge: Certified products stand out in the marketplace.
Customer Satisfaction: Better comfort, durability, and safety result in higher consumer trust.
Global Recognition: BIS certification enhances brand reputation, even in international markets.
Reduced Risk: Certified products minimize liability risks for manufacturers and retailers.
Future of BIS for Footwear in India
The footwear industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by rising disposable incomes and changing fashion trends. With increasing government emphasis on quality control and consumer protection, the role of BIS Certification for Footwear will continue to strengthen.
Manufacturers who adopt BIS compliance early will not only gain regulatory approval but also establish themselves as leaders in quality assurance. This will be crucial in building long-term consumer loyalty and brand value.
Conclusion
EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. The BIS Certification for Footwear is more than a regulatory necessity; it is a tool for quality, safety, and consumer trust. By adhering to Indian Standards, manufacturers ensure that their products meet global benchmarks while protecting the interests of Indian consumers.
Whether you are a domestic producer or an international brand entering the Indian market, obtaining BIS certification is a strategic move that secures compliance, enhances brand reputation, and builds market confidence. With the guidance of an experienced BIS consultant for Footwear, the process becomes seamless, enabling you to focus on delivering high-quality shoes that stand the test of time.
