Why BIS for Footwear is Now a Non-Negotiable Standard for Manufacturers in India

In a country where quality assurance is increasingly non-negotiable, the footwear industry has stepped into the regulatory spotlight. Gone are the days when shoes were just a matter of fashion and comfort. Today, ensuring safety, durability, and performance in footwear has become equally crucial. And at the center of this transformation is BIS Certification for Footwear — a legal and quality benchmark all manufacturers must align with.

But what does this really mean? And why is it important not just for large-scale manufacturers but also for small and medium footwear businesses in India?

Let’s walk you through this journey — step by step.

The Changing Landscape of Footwear Manufacturing in India

India is the second-largest producer of footwear in the world, exporting to over 150 countries. This massive scale comes with responsibility. With global competition and increasing consumer expectations, the Indian government — through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — is tightening its grip on product quality.

In July 2023, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) introduced the Quality Control Order (QCO) for footwear, making compliance with Indian Standards mandatory for selected categories of footwear.

This meant that manufacturers, domestic or foreign, can no longer sell non-standard or sub-par products in the Indian market. Compliance with specific Indian Standards like IS 15298 and IS 6664 became compulsory.

And that’s where ISI Mark for Footwear comes in — the visible proof that a product meets all BIS norms.

Who Needs to Comply?

If you’re manufacturing or importing:

• Safety footwear

• Leather boots or shoes

• Canvas footwear

• Sports shoes

• PVC/PU-based footwear

• Children’s footwear

…then you must obtain a valid BIS license before selling in the Indian market.

Interestingly, this requirement doesn’t only apply to finished products. In many cases, even components such as soles and insoles are now expected to meet specified Indian Standards.

Why BIS is More Than Just a Certification

Let’s bust a myth — BIS is not just about putting a logo on the box.

Think of it as a framework that ensures:

• Consistent product quality

• Safe design and materials

• Better durability and performance

• Traceability and accountability in manufacturing

• Competitive advantage in domestic and international markets

By getting certified, you’re signaling to buyers, retailers, and even foreign clients that your brand values quality and compliance. This reputation boost is especially crucial for Indian exporters aiming to expand globally.

The Hidden Business Benefits You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many footwear manufacturers assume that BIS is a regulatory hurdle. But smart players are using it as a business tool.

Here’s how:

• Market Access: Without BIS, you’re locked out of large retail chains and online marketplaces that require compliance documentation.

• Consumer Trust: Indian buyers are increasingly aware of certified vs. non-certified products. Displaying compliance boosts purchase confidence.

• Export Opportunity: Some countries consider BIS-certified products as pre-approved for local compliance, easing export formalities.

• Reduced Returns: Quality control drastically reduces customer complaints and product returns.

The Process — Simplified

The process to get your products certified might sound intimidating, but with the right guidance, it’s fairly streamlined.

Here’s a snapshot:

1. Choose the Right Standard: Identify which Indian Standard applies to your footwear category (e.g., IS 15298-2 for protective footwear).

2. Prepare Technical Documents: These include product drawings, raw material specs, manufacturing process flowcharts, etc.

3. Test Your Product: Get your footwear samples tested in BIS-recognized laboratories.

4. Apply Online: Fill out the application form through the BIS portal and upload required documents.

5. Factory Audit: BIS officials will conduct an inspection of your manufacturing unit.

6. Grant of License: If everything checks out, you receive your BIS license and permission to use the ISI Mark.

This is where an experienced BIS consultant for Footwear can play a critical role — especially in minimizing errors, managing documentation, and coordinating with BIS authorities.

Challenges Manufacturers Often Overlook

Let’s be honest — BIS certification isn’t always smooth sailing.

Here are a few practical challenges many footwear brands face:

• Non-standardized production lines: Many Indian SMEs still rely on manual processes without proper quality control documentation.

• Raw material inconsistency: Footwear involves a variety of inputs — rubber, leather, PU, textiles. Each of these needs to meet specific standards.

• Frequent design changes: Some companies launch new models without realizing each model may need separate testing.

• Delays due to audit readiness: If your factory setup is not audit-compliant, the process can be delayed for weeks or even months.

The trick lies in preparing early and thinking long-term.

Digital Footprint: How Certification Influences Online Sales

Today, more than 70% of footwear shopping in India happens online. Marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, and Tata Cliq are increasingly asking sellers for compliance documentation. Without it, your products risk being de-listed or blocked from sale.

BIS compliance not only future-proofs your operations but also opens doors to newer digital avenues — whether you're targeting niche fashion buyers or industrial safety clients.

What About Custom or Designer Shoes?

Good question.

Small-scale artisan brands or customized footwear makers may not immediately fall under QCO if their output is limited or unique per pair. But if you're producing at scale or planning to scale up, it’s only a matter of time before compliance becomes mandatory.

Plus, obtaining BIS certification even for niche products can help such brands position themselves as premium and trustworthy in the eyes of discerning customers.

Future of BIS for Shoes: What’s Coming Next?

With the government’s “Zero Defect Zero Effect” policy under Make in India, expect more categories of footwear to be brought under mandatory certification. Slippers, orthopaedic shoes, school shoes, and even eco-friendly footwear are next in line.

Early adopters of certification will naturally enjoy the benefits of smooth operations, regulatory respect, and customer loyalty.

Conclusion

EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. Footwear is no longer just about style or size. It’s about quality, compliance, and credibility. Whether you're a budding brand, an established exporter, or a growing private label manufacturer, aligning with BIS for Shoes is your ticket to sustainable growth.

Don’t treat certification as a checkbox — treat it as a business advantage.