BIS Certification for Footwear – A Complete Guide
Footwear constitutes an essential element of daily existence because it delivers comfort and style while providing protection and practical function. Amid an expanding marketplace coupled with heightened consumer interest in product longevity, the Indian government initiated measures to mandate BIS Certification for footwear sold in India to meet safety performance and quality standards.
A Quality Control Order (QCO) now mandates certification for numerous footwear categories through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. This article presents an examination of the significance applicable standards certification process documentation, and FAQs related to BIS certification for footwear.
What is BIS Certification?
The BIS certification process represents a conformity assessment system that verifies that products adhere to specified Indian Standards (IS) for quality, performance, and safety. Through the implementation process, it becomes operational by means of the:
ISI Mark Scheme (for domestic manufacturers)
FMCS Scheme (for foreign manufacturers)
The recent government notification mandates BIS certification for footwear creating an essential requirement that all manufacturers and importers must meet.
Read More: Introduction To Bureau Of Indian Standards
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Footwear?
Yes, BIS certification is mandatory for various categories of footwear as per the Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020, and subsequent amendments issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
No manufacturer, importer, or seller can manufacture, store, sell, or distribute specified footwear products in India without BIS certification and the ISI mark.
Footwear Products Covered Under Mandatory BIS Certification
The following categories of footwear are notified under QCO for mandatory BIS certification:
| S. No. | Footwear Category | Indian Standard | IS Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leather Safety Footwear | IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 | Safety footwear for professional use |
| 2 | Protective Footwear | IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 | Protective footwear for industrial applications |
| 3 | Performance & Protective Footwear | IS 15298 (Part 4):2017 | Performance requirements for occupational footwear |
| 4 | Canvas Shoes Rubber Sole | IS 3735:1996 | Canvas shoes for general purpose |
| 5 | Rubber Hawai Chappal | IS 10702:1992 | Rubber hawai chappal for general use |
| 6 | PU Sole with Upper Leather Sandals | IS 11226:1993 | PU sole leather sandals |
| 7 | Sports Footwear | IS 15844:2010 | Sports footwear (general requirements) |
| 8 | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Chappals | IS 13695:2017 | EVA injection molded chappals and sandals |
Additional categories such as leather shoes, polyurethane slippers, and occupational footwear may also be brought under QCO from time to time.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Footwear
Below, we mentioned some benefits of BIS Certificate for footwear:
- Legal Compliance – Required to sell or manufacture notified footwear in India
- Consumer Trust – Ensures product meets quality and safety benchmarks
- Access to Tenders – ISI-marked products are often mandatory for government procurement
- Competitive Edge – Enhances market image and brand reliability
- Export Readiness – Preferred by buyers in international markets
Step-by-Step Process BIS Certification for Footwear (ISI Mark Scheme)
Manufacturers must apply for BIS certificate for Footwear under the ISI mark scheme if operating within India. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify Applicable Standard
Confirm which category your footwear product falls under and check the respective IS code (e.g., IS 15298 for safety shoes).
Step 2: Register on BIS Portal
Visit https://manakonline.in and register your company under the ISI mark scheme. Select the appropriate product category and standard.
Step 3: Product Testing
Submit product samples to a BIS-recognised laboratory for testing as per the standard. Testing includes:
- Tensile strength
- Sole bonding
- Flexing resistance
- Slip resistance
- Upper leather quality
- Heel attachment strength
- Shock absorption
Step 4: Factory Inspection
BIS officials will conduct an on-site audit to verify:
- Production facilities
- In-house testing laboratories
- Quality assurance practices
- Raw material traceability
- Marking and labeling system
Step 5: License Grant
If the sample passes all tests and the factory meets BIS criteria, a license is issued. You can then use the ISI mark on your footwear.
Read More: Process for getting BIS for Certification
Documents Required for BIS Certification for Footwear
Below we mentioned some documents required for BIS certificate for footwear
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Incorporation | PAN, GST, CIN/Partnership Deed |
| Factory Documents | Ownership/lease, layout map, utility bills |
| Manufacturing Process | Flowchart, machinery details |
| Quality Control Manual | Internal SOPs, calibration records |
| Product Samples | Required for lab testing |
| Test Reports | From BIS-recognized labs |
| Label Design Sample | Showing ISI mark placement |
| Authorized Signatory Proof | ID proof, authorization letter, board resolution (if applicable) |
Read More: Documents Required For BIS Registration
Fees for BIS Certification
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Testing Fee (per model) | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Factory Inspection Fee | ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Annual License Fee | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Marking Fee | ₹0.50 – ₹3 per unit (based on product type) |
Fees may vary depending on variants, lab charges, and BIS category.
ISI Marking Guidelines
All certified footwear products must carry:
- The ISI mark with license number (CM/L-XXXXXXX)
- Product name and model
- Size and batch number
- Manufacturer’s name/logo
- Standard number (e.g., IS 15298)
Marking should be durable and legible, placed on the insole, outsole, or tag label.
Renewal and Surveillance
- Initial license is valid for 1 year
- Renewal is required annually or biennially, subject to compliance
- BIS conducts surprise inspections and market surveillance
- Renewal requires updated test reports, audit documents, and compliance history
BIS Certification for Footwear For Imported (FMCS)
Importers or foreign manufacturers must apply through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS).
Requirements include:
- Appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
- Submitting product samples for testing
- Undergoing BIS audit at foreign manufacturing unit
- Complying with packaging and labeling as per BIS norms
Only after obtaining FMCS license, the product can carry the ISI mark and be legally sold in India.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the BIS Act, 2016, the following penalties apply for non-compliance:
- Fine up to ₹2,00,000 for first offense
- Imprisonment up to 2 years for repeated violations
- Confiscation of stock
- Ban from manufacturing or selling uncertified products
Role of Consultant in BIS Certification for Footwear
Below, we mentioned the role of consultant in BIS Certificate for Footwear
- Identify relevant standards and scope
- Prepare documentation and application
- Coordinate with labs and officials
- Prepare for BIS factory audit
- Avoid rejection and speed up approval
This ensures error-free, fast-track certification especially for companies new to BIS processes.
How ELT Corporate Can Help You
At ELT Corporate, we specialise in providing end-to-end assistance for BIS certification of toothpaste, including
- Document preparation
- Lab coordination
- BIS portal submission
- Factory inspection support
- Liaison with BIS officials
Whether you are a domestic brand or a global exporter, we ensure fast-track BIS certification with complete legal compliance.
Get in touch with our experts today and simplify your certification journey!
Conclusion
With the government now enforcing mandatory BIS certification for footwear, manufacturers and importers must ensure their products comply with Indian Standards to continue lawful operations. Obtaining BIS certification under the ISI mark boosts brand image, ensures legal compliance, and gives confidence to retailers and consumers.
Whether you’re producing safety shoes, sports footwear, Hawai chappals, or canvas shoes, BIS certification is now an industry standard that cannot be ignored
Is BIS certification mandatory for all types of footwear?
Only footwear categories listed under the QCO need BIS certification. Other categories are voluntary until further notification.
How long does the BIS certification process take for footwear?
Typically 30–90 days depending on documentation, lab availability, and audit scheduling.
Can one license cover multiple footwear models?
Only if the models have similar construction and testing requirements. BIS decides on a case-by-case basis.
