How Does BIS ISI Certification Shape the Future of Footwear Manufacturing?

In addition to design, comfort, and fashion trends, product safety and the quality of materials, along with regulatory compliance, will play a major role in determining which manufacturers can compete successfully in the Indian market.

Each segment of the footwear industry has its own quality expectations. The Government of India has notified several orders mandating BIS certification for footwear products to protect consumers from substandard footwear.

Manufacturers now have an opportunity and responsibility to ensure products fulfill the quality and safety requirements. In the past, the focus of manufacturers covered by the quality control orders (QCOs) was on obtaining BIS ISI Certification for Footwear as a license to operate. Now manufacturers should view this as an opportunity to positively impact their business by enhancing their reliability and credibility in the marketplace.

What impacts will this certification mandate have on businesses? How will this change impact the day-to-day operations of manufacturers and businesses in India and abroad?

This document explores the impact, certification process, and future potential for the footwear industry of India.

Why is BIS Certification Important For The Footwear Industry?

India’s footwear industry comprises fashion footwear, sports footwear, school footwear, industrial footwear, and personal protective equipment. Given the variety in this industry, a consistent standard of manufacturing is essential.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national standards body of India, develops Indian Standards for specific products. As per the Mandatory Quality Certification of Products (MQCP) order, if the footwear falls under the category for which a BIS license is mandatory, the footwear manufacturer is required to obtain the BIS license and use the ISI mark on the footwear. This is applicable for both domestic and export markets.

The requirements for footwear under the MQCP include:

• Physical strength and durability
• Performance of sole and upper material
• Resistance to wear and deformation
• Protection against workplace hazards
• Construction quality and reliability
• Compliance with the Indian Standard

Under the BIS ISI Certification system of India, after the expiry of the stipulated period of the Quality Control Order (QCO), it is unlawful to manufacture, import, distribute, or sell the covered products without the mandatory ISI mark.

From this point of view, BIS certification makes it possible for the footwear industry to move towards quality and organized manufacturing.

What Should a Footwear Manufacturer Do Before Applying?

Before applying for BIS certification, footwear manufacturers should check whether their production facilities can consistently manufacture footwear as per the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard.

Usually, the following are the minimum requirements:

• Indian Standard
• Production facilities
• Raw materials
• Testing facilities
• Quality control
• Staff
• Identification of product
• Regulatory documents

For example, in the case of Safety Footwear, IS 15298 (Part 2): 2024, testing of footwear includes construction, toe protection, upper material, lining, insoles, outsoles and other protective features.

Manufacturers should check the recent BIS product manual since the grouping of test requirements may differ for various product categories.

BIS ISI Certification Procedure for Footwear: From Factory Assessment to ISI Mark

The certification process under Scheme-I consists of more than just submitting an online application. Before granting the certification, BIS evaluates whether the manufacturer is capable of producing the product of the required quality and whether the manufacturer has adequate quality control processes.

The process is generally as follows:

Step 1: Identify Indian Standard

Determine the Indian Standard and QCO corresponding to the category, material, and intended use of the footwear.

• Observe the latest revisions and releases of the IS codes.
• Verify the QCO and certification requirements.

Step 2: Readiness of the Manufacturing Facility

Confirm that the manufacturing unit can produce and control the quality of the product conforming to the requirements of BIS.

• Prepare drawings, schedules, and other details of the manufacture.
• Establish quality control and testing arrangements.
• Produce a sample of the product.

Step 3: Submission of BIS Application

Make an online application through BIS Manakonline.

• Furnish the details of the company and factory.
• Select the Indian Standard.
• Upload the required documents and pay the application fee.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

BIS officials verify the capability of the manufacturing unit to produce the product as required by evaluating the production machinery and processes, testing and calibration facilities, and quality control arrangements.

Step 5: Product Testing

Product samples are tested by a BIS-recognized laboratory.

• Required physical, mechanical, and performance tests are conducted.
• Test reports are submitted to BIS.

Step 6: Rectification of Non-Conformities

Defective product samples and/or inadequate quality control arrangements are addressed by

• Improving the quality control arrangements.
• Submitting additional samples and documents.

Step 7: Payment of Licence and Marking Fees

After satisfying BIS,

• The licence fee and ISI marking fee are paid.
• Other pending formalities are completed.

Step 8: Receive the BIS ISI Licence

Once approval has been granted, BIS issues the licence authorising the manufacturer to use the ISI Standard Mark.

• The ISI mark must be displayed along with the Authorised CM/L number.
• Maintain the quality of the product and comply with BIS surveillance and renewal requirements.

Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification for Footwear

The BIS evaluates the manufacturing capabilities of an applicant and determines the applicant’s regulatory eligibility based on the available documentation.

Some basic documents required are:

• Basic information about the manufacturing unit and product segment
• Submitted evidence could include a title deed or utility bill.
• Trade Mark registration certificate (if brand name is registered and used)
• Statutory approvals (such as Pollution Control) and manufacturing licence (if applicable)
• Design drawings and schematics of the product
• Manufacturing and Installed Capacity
• List of raw materials with their specification
• Information on machinery and equipment used in manufacture
• Layout of factory indicating various areas (production, test, storage, etc.)
• Flow process of manufacturing
• In-house test equipment and their calibration
• Information on Quality Control Staff
• Factory Organisation chart

Other documents could also be required based on the product category and the manufacturing facility.

BIS ISI Certification Cost for Footwear

The cost of BIS ISI certification for footwear varies based on the standards, category, and laboratory testing. The certification process and overall expenses could also be different for Indian and overseas manufacturers.

The estimated cost breakdown is shown below:

Estimated Timeline for BIS ISI Certification for Footwear in India

The time period required for obtaining BIS ISI Certification for Footwear consists of the time taken for document readiness, availability of a sample for product testing, laboratory testing schedules, factory inspection, and BIS application evaluation.

The time period for each certification stage is given below:

A BIS license is usually granted for an initial period of up to two years under Scheme-I, subject to the relevant BIS conditions. It can be renewed by fulfilling the specified requirements, paying the renewal fees, and maintaining product conformity. Read more also: BIS Certificate for Foreign Manufacture.

Common Problems That Could Arise During Certification and Delay the Process

Even large and established footwear manufacturers face issues during certification.

• Incorrect IS code selection
• Inadequate test facilities
• Raw material non-conformity
• Incomplete documentation
• Variation in product
• Poor quality control
• Changes in standards

It is best to evaluate the technical and documentation requirements and address the deficiencies before the BIS application is submitted rather than addressing the gaps after BIS raises queries.

What Can UMSPCS Do For Footwear Manufacturers Regarding BIS Certification?

Understanding product requirements and specifications, manufacturing and test procedures, and the regulatory framework is critical for footwear certification. At UMSPCS, we provide just that, and more, to manufacturers.

Having worked for 6+ years in compliance and handled more than 600 product compliance requirements, we provide end-to-end support for seeking BIS approvals.

We support in:

• Identification of products and standards
• Preparation of docs
• Manufacturing readiness
• Laboratory coordination
• Applying for approval
• Preparing for inspections
• Regulatory support
• Support after certification

We simplify the BIS certification process for Indian footwear manufacturers and those willing to manufacture footwear in India.

Conclusion

Manufacturing footwear that ensures product safety is key for any business to thrive in the sector. BIS ISI Certification for Footwear encourages footwear manufacturers to improve their product quality, strengthen production control processes, and lead consumers to regain trust in them.

For Indian manufacturers, it also enables better manufacturing practices and gives them a competitive edge, whereas for foreign manufacturers, it helps to achieve regulated market access for products they wish to sell in India.

Thinking of starting your footwear manufacturing or import business in India? Don’t let legal compliance bother you. We at UMSPCS provide free consultation services.

Read more also: Which BIS Consultants Provide Testing and Renewal Support

FAQs

1. Is BIS ISI Certification compulsory for footwear in India?

Yes, BIS certification is mandatory for footwear products covered under the applicable Quality Control Orders. A concerned manufacturer must obtain the relevant BIS license prior to manufacturing or selling the covered products in India.

2. Which footwear products need BIS ISI Certification?

Some of the footwear products that require BIS certification include specified protective footwear, some general-purpose leather footwear, sports footwear, rubber footwear, polymeric footwear, and their components.

3. What are the Indian Standards related to footwear certification?

Some of the important Indian Standards are IS 15298 for protective footwear, IS 15844 for sports footwear, and IS 17043 for general-purpose and service shoes. The relevant edition of the standard is to be verified.

4. Can Indian footwear manufacturers apply for BIS certification directly?

Yes, the Indian manufacturer can apply for BIS certification through the BIS Manakonline portal under Scheme I, after ascertaining the applicable standard and preparing their manufacturing and testing facilities.

5. Is BIS certification mandatory for foreign footwear manufacturers?

Yes, Foreign manufacturers who supply footwear products covered under the mandatory Quality Control Orders must obtain the concerned BIS license under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).

6. What is the role of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)?

An AIR represents a foreign manufacturer in India and undertakes FMCS-related activities and regulatory communication with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).