The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a government agency responsible for conformity assessment, quality assurance of products, services and processes, and product standardization. According to a recent notification from the Department of Promotion of Indian Industry (DPIIT), it is mandatory for all footwear manufacturers to have a BIS certificate for footwear. BIS certification is mandatory for selling footwear in India. It ensures compliance with legal requirements and enables participation in tenders and contracts. Adherence to safety standards protects the manufacturer’s interests by reducing the risk of product recalls, consumer complaints, and litigation.
Moreover, all footwear must comply with Indian Standards and carry the ISI mark through a license issued by the BIS department. The ministry has introduced three quality control regulations covering footwear made of rubber and polymer materials, leather and other materials, and footwear with personal protective equipment (PPE), for which BIS registration for footwear is mandatory.
BIS certification for footwear is a complex and lengthy process that begins with product development and validation. To use the ISI standard mark on footwear, manufacturers and importers must first obtain a BIS certificate or license. Sale of footwear without an ISI mark is prohibited in the country.
