BIS Registration for Footwear

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) operates under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 and provides certification to manufacturers through its Scheme–I. This certification permits the use of the Standard Mark (ISI Mark), which stands as proof that the product complies with prescribed Indian Standards

By acquiring the license, manufacturers can self-certify their products at the production facility, ensuring ongoing compliance. The certification reassures customers that the products they purchase are safe, reliable, and of consistent quality.

While BIS certification is voluntary in general, the Government of India has made it compulsory for specific product categories, particularly those linked to public safety, national security, essential infrastructure, and consumer protection.

On October 27, 2020, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) released a notification making it mandatory for all footwear manufacturers to obtain a BIS License.

From July 1, 2023, it became illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute footwear in India without carrying the ISI Mark. Footwear without this certification is considered non-compliant, and manufacturers failing to adhere to the order may face criminal liability, imprisonment, and heavy financial penalties.

Importantly, footwear soles are also treated as finished products under BIS guidelines, and hence, they too require certification.

• The license is only for manufacturers (domestic or foreign).
• It does not apply to traders, retailers, or importers.
• For foreign manufacturers, BIS offers the FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme). From July 1, 2023, customs authorities will not release shipments of footwear without a valid BIS license.

• Medium & Large Scale Industries → Before July 1, 2023
• Small Scale Industries (SSI) → Before January 1, 2024
• Micro Industries → Before July 1, 2024

To enforce compliance, BIS has issued three Quality Control Orders (QCOs)-

• Leather and Other Material Footwear (QCO), 2020
• All-Rubber and Polymeric Footwear (QCO), 2022
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Footwear (QCO), 2020

The All-Rubber and All-Polymeric Material Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2022 covers a wide range of products, including-

• Rubber microcellular sheets
• PVC sandals
• Rubber gumboots & ankle boots
• Industrial protective boots (knee & ankle)
• Rubber slippers & Hawai chappals
• PVC industrial boots

All these items must meet the prescribed Indian Standards before being introduced into the Indian market.

The Leather and Other Materials Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020 makes it compulsory for a wide range of footwear types to comply with Indian Standards and carry the ISI Mark. This mandate applies to all footwear made from leather or other materials that fall under the notified categories.

The order ensures that every certified product is safe, durable, and fit for consumer use, helping both industries and end-users benefit from uniform quality standards.

Categories of Footwear Covered Under the Order

As per the notification, several varieties of leather and mixed-material footwear must adhere to BIS certification. These include-

• Boots – general leather and industrial varieties
• Protective and Safety Shoes – designed for workplace safety compliance
• Canvas Footwear with Rubber Soles – including both boots and shoes
• Sports Footwear – such as athletic and training shoes
• Derby Shoes – formal wear and leather-based variants
• Anti-Riot Footwear – specialized for law enforcement and security use

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020 mandates that all protective footwear used for safety purposes must comply with prescribed Indian Standards. This order covers various categories of PPE footwear designed to protect users in industrial, construction, and hazardous environments, ensuring they meet quality, durability, and safety benchmarks before being sold or used in India.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), through its Quality Control Orders, has brought 27 categories of footwear under the mandatory BIS registration framework. To begin the process, manufacturers must first identify the relevant Indian Standard (IS code) applicable to their product. These standards outline the requirements for production facilities, testing equipment, and product specifications.

Only when your factory setup and product quality match these prescribed requirements can you move forward with the certification process.

Step 1- Documentation Needed

To file a BIS application for footwear, manufacturers must prepare and submit the following-

• Factory establishment details and registration certificates
• Plant layout (showing machinery, lab, and workflow)
• Machinery list (as per prescribed BIS format)
• Testing equipment list (as per prescribed BIS format)
• Raw material details and sourcing list
• Trademark or brand registration documents
• Address proof of the plant unit
• Valid business license/trade license
• Quality control documents (Qualification certificate + ID proof)
• Flow chart of the manufacturing process (from raw material to final footwear)
• Identity proof of business owner/director
• Calibration certificates of testing instruments
• Recent in-house test reports of the footwear

Step 2- Validity of the BIS License

The BIS Certificate for footwear is initially valid for 1 year. It can be renewed annually upon submission of updated documents and successful audit/inspection by BIS officials.

Step 3- Cost Structure for BIS Certification

Manufacturers must account for the following costs when applying:

• Plant & Lab Setup Cost – investment in in-house testing facilities as per Indian Standards
• Testing Charges – payable to BIS approved laboratories
• Government Fees (Domestic Applicants)
  • Application Fee: ₹1000
  • Annual License Fee: ₹1000
  • Inspection Fee: ₹7000
  • Marking Fee (royalty): As per applicable footwear standard
• Consultancy/Service Charges – for advisory and application assistance (if availed)

Step 4- Timelines for Certification

• Domestic Manufacturers → Typically 30 to 45 days for ISI certification
• Foreign Manufacturers → Around 3 to 4 months under FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme)

The ISI Mark is a symbol of trust and quality. For footwear products in India, this mark is mandatory under BIS regulations. It indicates that the footwear complies with prescribed Indian Standards and has passed all necessary safety and performance tests.

1. Ensuring Safety and Comfort

Footwear is not just about style, it plays a crucial role in protecting the wearer from injuries, harsh environments, and workplace hazards. An ISI-marked shoe guarantees that it is safe, durable, and comfortable to use, giving consumers the confidence that their purchase meets the highest safety benchmarks.

2. A Mark of Quality and Compliance

The ISI Mark acts as proof that the manufacturer has adhered to strict quality checks during production. It not only reflects compliance with government regulations but also builds credibility for the brand in the market.

3. A Powerful Marketing Edge

Today’s consumers actively look for signs of authenticity. By displaying the ISI Mark, manufacturers gain a strong marketing advantage, customers are more likelyto trust and purchase certified footwear over uncertified alternatives.

For footwear manufacturers in India, ISI Certification is not optional but compulsory. Every producer must obtain a valid BIS license before starting production. Without this, manufacturing and selling footwear becomes illegal and can result in heavy penalties.

Obtaining a BIS certification involves technical documentation, testing, audits, and compliance with multiple standards, which can be challenging for manufacturers, especially new entrants and foreign companies.This is where BIS Consultancy Services plays a key role. With expertise in end-to-end certification support, they assist manufacturers in:

• Identifying applicable Indian Standards
• Preparing and filing documentation
• Coordinating with BIS for factory audits and testing
• Ensuring timely approvals to avoid shipment delays

Partnering with experienced consultants like BIS Consultancy Services makes the certification process faster, smoother, and fully compliant with government regulations.