BIS Certification for Footwear - Complete Process, Standards & Compliance Guide

In a significant move to ensure the quality and safety of footwear products in India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has mandated BIS certification for all types of footwear. This includes footwear made of leather, rubber, polymeric materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE) footwear. As per the recent Quality Control Orders (QCOs), any footwear product without the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) cannot be legally manufactured, sold, or imported in India.

At Standphill India, we help you obtain the BIS certification for footwear in a fast, stress-free, and fully compliant manner. This blog provides you with all the details you need to understand the importance, scope, process, and documentation required for BIS certification for footwear.

Why BIS Certification for Footwear is Mandatory

The main objectives of making BIS certification mandatory for footwear are:

1. ) To protect consumers from substandard products.

2. ) To maintain uniformity in product quality across the market.

3. ) To limit the import of cheap, non-compliant products.

4. ) To ensure product safety, especially in the case of safety shoes and PPE footwear.

No manufacturer, distributor, or importer is permitted to sell footwear without ISI Mark. Violations can lead to criminal penalties, fines, and imprisonment.

For foreign manufacturers, BIS certification is compulsory for exporting footwear to India. They must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to apply for BIS certification on their behalf.

Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for Footwear

The DPIIT has issued three QCOs covering different types of footwear:

1. ) Footwear made from Leather and Other Materials (QCO), 2020

2. ) Footwear made from All-Rubber and All Polymeric Materials and Its Components (QCO), 2020

3. ) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Footwear (QCO), 2020

Let’s understand what’s covered under each.

BIS Certification for Leather and Other Material Footwear

The footwear types and applicable Indian Standards under this category include:

BIS Certification for Rubber & Polymeric Footwear

Footwear and components under this QCO include:

BIS Standards for PPE Footwear

These are safety and occupational footwear products:

Note:- BIS Certification is not required for footwear meant exclusively for export.

BIS Certification Process for Footwear

Here is the step-by-step process to get your footwear BIS certified:

Step 1: Identify Applicable Indian Standard

Determine which Indian Standard applies to your product based on type and material.

Step 2: Evaluate Product and Infrastructure

Ensure your footwear and manufacturing facilities meet BIS norms.

Step 3: Register on the BIS Portal

Create login credentials on Manakonline Portal to begin your application.

Step 4: Submit Application

Choose between Normal Procedure and Simplified Procedure to apply for BIS license.

Step 5: Documentation & Application Scrutiny

Submit all necessary documents for evaluation.

Step 6: Factory Audit

A BIS auditor will visit the plant and verify the processes and facilities.

Step 7: Sample Testing

Samples are drawn and tested in a BIS-approved lab.

Step 8: Grant of BIS License

If the test report is satisfactory, you will be issued a BIS license with a unique license number and allowed to use the ISI mark.

Required Documents for BIS Footwear Certification

To complete the application, the following documents are mandatory:

1. ) Factory Registration Certificates

2. ) Identity Proof (Owner/Authorized Signatory)

3. ) Manufacturing Flow Chart

4. ) List of Machinery and Testing Equipment

5. ) Internal Testing Reports

6. ) Quality Control Parameters

7. ) Factory Layout

8. ) Nomination of Authorized Signatory

9. ) Testing Facility Details

Benefits of BIS Certification for Footwear Manufacturers and Importers.

Here’s why BIS certification is crucial for your footwear business:

Proven Expertise in the Footwear Industry

At Standphill India, we have deep expertise in handling BIS certification specifically for the footwear industry. Over the years, we have successfully assisted numerous prestigious clients in obtaining BIS certification for various types of footwear, including:

Voganow Fashions Pvt. Ltd. – For General Purpose Footwear (IS 17043 – Part 2)

Soccer International Pvt. Ltd. – For Performance and Professional Sports Footwear (IS 15844 – Part 2 & 3) Etc.

Our hands-on experience with audits, lab testing, compliance requirements, and BIS coordination makes us the preferred partner for both Indian and foreign footwear manufacturers. Whether it’s leather boots, safety shoes, or polymeric sandals, Standphill India ensures fast, reliable, and fully compliant certification solutions.

Why Choose Standphill India for BIS Footwear Certification?

At Standphill India, we are one of the most trusted names in the field of BIS certification consultancy. We provide end-to-end support, including:

1. Product Standard Identification

2. Document Preparation

3. BIS Portal Registration

4. Factory Audit Assistance

5. Lab Coordination

6. Liaising with BIS Officials

7. Post-License Compliance

We help manufacturers and importers obtain BIS certification for footwear fast, affordably, and without complications.

Final Words

BIS certification for footwear is now mandatory and non-negotiable in India. Whether you’re a domestic manufacturer or an importer, compliance with BIS standards is essential to avoid legal issues and build trust with your customers.

For complete support and professional BIS certification services, connect with Standphill India today and ensure your products meet all quality and regulatory standards.

Get in touch with us now to start your BIS certification journey for footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – BIS Certification for Footwear

Q1. Is BIS certification mandatory for all types of footwear in India?

Yes, as per Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the DPIIT, BIS certification is mandatory for leather, rubber, polymeric, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) footwear sold, manufactured, or imported in India. Products must carry the ISI Mark to be legally distributed.

Q2. Can foreign footwear manufacturers export to India without BIS certification?

No. Foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS certification and appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to apply on their behalf. Products without the ISI Mark are not permitted for sale in India.

Q3. How long does it take to obtain BIS certification for footwear?

The process generally takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on product type, testing duration, audit scheduling, and documentation readiness. Timelines may vary for foreign applicants or if re-testing is needed.

Q4. What happens if a company sells footwear without BIS certification?

Selling non-certified footwear is a legal offense in India. It can result in seizure of goods, financial penalties, and imprisonment under the BIS Act, 2016.

Q5. What is the difference between IS 15844 Part 1, 2, and 3?

These refer to different categories of sports footwear:

Part 1 – General Purpose Sports Footwear

Part 2 – Performance Sports Footwear

Part 3 – Professional Sports Footwear

Each has its own specification and testing parameters under BIS norms.

Q6. Is BIS certification applicable to footwear meant only for export?

No. BIS certification is not required for footwear manufactured exclusively for export and not sold in the Indian domestic market.

Q7. What are the key documents required for BIS footwear certification?

You will need:

Factory registration documents

Owner/Authorized Signatory ID proof

List of machinery & testing equipment

Internal test reports

Manufacturing process flowchart

Nomination letter for signatory

Layout of testing facility

Q8. Can Standphill India help with testing and factory audits?

Absolutely. Standphill India provides end-to-end support, including document preparation, product classification, test coordination, audit readiness, and post-license compliance.

Q9. What are the different categories covered under BIS footwear certification?

Footwear categories include:

1. Leather safety boots

2. Canvas shoes & boots

3. Sports footwear (general, performance, professional)

4. Tactical & anti-riot boots

5. PPE safety footwear

6. Rubber/PVC footwear

7. Industrial boots and sandals

Each is covered under specific IS codes listed in the blog.

Q10. How can I start the BIS certification process for my footwear brand?

You can contact Standphill India for a free consultation. Our experts will guide you through the entire process from standard identification to license grant.

Get in touch with us today to get your footwear BIS certified quickly and hassle-free.

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