BIS for Footwear: A Step Towards Safer and Quality Shoes

The footwear industry in India has been growing rapidly over the past decade. With increasing demand comes the responsibility to maintain product quality and safety. To make sure consumers get strong, safe, and durable footwear, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made it compulsory for footwear manufacturers to follow certain Indian Standards. This process is known as BIS Certification for Footwear.

If you are a footwear manufacturer, importer, or seller in India, understanding BIS regulations is essential. In this blog, EVTL India explains everything you need to know about BIS for footwear, including the importance of certification, the process, the meaning of the ISI Mark for Footwear, and how the right BIS consultant for footwear can make your journey easier.

Why BIS Certification for Footwear is Necessary

The primary purpose of BIS certification is to ensure that products meet specific safety, quality, and performance standards. In the case of footwear, poor-quality shoes can cause discomfort, injuries, or health issues. Therefore, BIS has made it mandatory for various types of footwear to be certified before being sold in the market.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for footwear to maintain uniform standards and protect consumers. As per these orders, footwear must meet Indian Standards and carry the ISI mark before entering the Indian market.

Footwear Products Covered Under BIS Certification

BIS certification is applicable to a wide range of footwear types, including:

• Leather safety boots and shoes

• Rubber and PVC footwear

• Canvas shoes

• Sports shoes

• Industrial safety footwear

• Plastic moulded footwear

• Children’s footwear

Each of these footwear types must comply with specific Indian Standards such as IS 15298 (for safety footwear), IS 6664 (for rubber boots), and more. BIS regularly updates the list of applicable standards, so manufacturers must stay informed.

What is the ISI Mark for Footwear?

The ISI mark is a symbol that assures consumers of a product’s quality and compliance with Indian standards. When it comes to footwear, the ISI mark confirms that the product has passed tests for durability, material quality, design, safety, and other critical features.

Any footwear that does not carry the ISI mark and falls under the mandatory certification category cannot be sold legally in India. Therefore, it is essential for manufacturers and importers to get BIS certification before launching their products.

BIS for Shoes: Process and Steps Involved

The process to get BIS for shoes or any footwear involves multiple steps. Here is a simplified version:

1. Determine the applicable Indian Standard

The first step is to identify the right IS (Indian Standard) number that applies to your specific type of footwear. Each footwear category has its own standard.

2. Factory inspection

BIS officials conduct a visit to the manufacturing unit to verify production capacity, equipment, quality control system, and testing facilities.

3. Product testing in BIS-approved lab

Samples of footwear are collected and sent to BIS-recognized laboratories for quality and performance testing. Only after passing these tests can the product be certified.

4. Submission of documents

Manufacturers need to submit various documents, including company registration certificates, test reports, factory layout, quality control plan, and more.

5. Grant of license and use of ISI mark

Once everything is verified and approved, BIS grants the license to use the ISI mark on the certified footwear.

The process can take anywhere between 2 to 6 months, depending on document readiness, testing timelines, and factory compliance.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Footwear

Getting BIS certification offers many benefits to businesses:

• Builds consumer trust and brand reputation

• Ensures product quality and safety

• Meets legal and regulatory compliance

• Enhances competitiveness in both domestic and international markets

• Reduces chances of product recalls or penalties

For consumers, the ISI mark is a symbol of assurance. It helps them choose products that are safe and reliable.

Challenges Faced by Footwear Manufacturers

Although BIS certification is important, the process can be complicated, especially for first-time applicants. Some common challenges include:

• Lack of clarity on which IS standard applies

• Difficulty in preparing documents and compliance reports

• Delays in product testing and factory inspection

• Language and procedural barriers

These challenges can lead to delays in getting certified, affecting business timelines.

Role of a BIS Consultant for Footwear

This is where a professional consultant can help. A BIS consultant for footwear like EVTL India can simplify the certification process, offering complete guidance from start to finish.

Here’s how we help:

• Identifying the applicable Indian Standards for your footwear products

• Preparing documents and ensuring compliance with BIS norms

• Coordinating with testing laboratories for faster results

• Managing factory inspection and audit support

• Handling communication with BIS authorities

With our experienced consultants, you can save time, reduce cost, and avoid unnecessary delays.

Why Choose EVTL India for BIS Certification for Footwear?

EVTL India is one of the most trusted names when it comes to BIS certification services in India. We specialize in certification for footwear and have helped numerous brands meet the required quality standards.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Decade-long experience in BIS and compliance advisory

• Expert team with deep knowledge of Indian Standards

• Personalized support throughout the process

• Transparent communication and no hidden charges

• Fast-track service options for urgent requirements

We understand that your product launch timeline is important, and our aim is to make the BIS journey smooth and stress-free for you.

Conclusion

EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. In today’s competitive market, maintaining product quality and safety is essential. For footwear businesses in India, getting BIS certification is not just a legal requirement—it is a commitment to consumer satisfaction and trust.

Whether you are manufacturing shoes, sandals, or industrial safety boots, BIS certification will improve your product credibility and help you gain market access. If you need help navigating the certification process, EVTL India is here to support you at every step.