Footwear is more than just a necessity—it is a product that ensures comfort, safety, and durability for millions of consumers. In India, where the footwear industry is one of the largest in the world, maintaining consistent quality and meeting safety standards has become a crucial responsibility for manufacturers. To ensure consumer safety and uphold quality benchmarks, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a pivotal role by mandating BIS for Footwear.
This certification ensures that every pair of shoes produced, imported, or sold in India complies with national safety, durability, and quality standards. For businesses, obtaining the ISI Mark for Footwear is not just a legal requirement but also a powerful way to build brand credibility and trust.
Understanding BIS for Footwear
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national body responsible for formulating and enforcing standards across different industries, including footwear. With footwear being directly linked to consumer health and safety, BIS has specified strict guidelines under IS 15298 (Part 1-4) for protective and safety footwear and IS 15844 for leather sandals and chappals.
These standards ensure footwear meets requirements for:
Durability (wear and tear resistance)
Safety (slip resistance, sole strength, protective features)
Comfort (breathability, material quality, ergonomic design)
Consumer Protection (avoiding substandard or hazardous products)
By making BIS for Shoes and Footwear mandatory, the Indian government aims to protect consumers from low-quality imports and encourage domestic manufacturers to adhere to global standards.
What is BIS Certification for Footwear?
BIS Certification for Footwear is an official approval that the product complies with Indian quality and safety standards. Once certified, footwear products are allowed to carry the ISI Mark, a trusted symbol that assures consumers about authenticity and quality.
The process involves:
Application to BIS – Manufacturers must apply for certification with detailed documentation.
Product Testing – Footwear samples are tested in BIS-recognized laboratories to verify compliance.
Factory Inspection – BIS officials inspect manufacturing facilities to check processes, raw materials, and quality systems.
Grant of License – Once approved, manufacturers can use the ISI Mark on their footwear.
For foreign manufacturers, the certification is covered under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), ensuring imported footwear also meets Indian standards before entering the market.
Why ISI Mark for Footwear is Important?
The ISI Mark for Footwear is a symbol of safety, quality, and trust. It benefits both consumers and manufacturers:
Consumer Benefits:
Ensures protection from harmful or low-grade materials.
Guarantees durability and safety in different environments.
Builds confidence in product quality.
Manufacturer Benefits:
Enhances brand credibility and consumer trust.
Ensures compliance with Indian laws and avoids penalties.
Expands opportunities for retail and government contracts.
Provides a competitive edge in both domestic and export markets.
In a highly competitive footwear industry, carrying the ISI Mark for Footwear sets a product apart from uncertified alternatives.
BIS for Shoes: Segments Covered
The BIS certification applies to multiple categories of footwear, including:
Leather Footwear – formal shoes, sandals, and chappals.
Sports Footwear – running shoes, trainers, sneakers.
Safety Footwear – industrial shoes, boots, protective gear.
Rubber & PVC Footwear – daily wear slippers and sandals.
Specialized Footwear – medical footwear, waterproof boots, and more.
This ensures that whether it’s protective industrial shoes or everyday casual sandals, all must meet minimum standards to ensure consumer safety.
Process of BIS Certification for Footwear
The certification process requires systematic preparation and expert handling:
Identify Relevant Standard – Depending on the footwear type, determine the applicable IS standard.
Documentation – Prepare business licenses, test reports, manufacturing details, and product specifications.
Product Testing – Send samples to BIS-approved laboratories.
Application Submission – Apply online or offline with BIS.
Inspection & Verification – Factory visits by BIS auditors.
Certification Grant – License issued and ISI Mark usage authorized.
The process may seem lengthy, but with proper guidance, it becomes smooth and hassle-free.
Role of a BIS Consultant for Footwear
For many manufacturers, navigating BIS certification is complex due to technical documentation, testing requirements, and regulatory procedures. This is where a BIS Consultant for Footwear becomes valuable.
A professional consultant provides:
Guidance on applicable standards for footwear types.
Assistance in preparing and submitting documents.
Coordination with BIS labs for product testing.
Support during factory audits and inspections.
Ensuring quicker certification approval without errors.
With expert help, businesses save time, avoid rejection risks, and ensure compliance with Indian standards.
Challenges in BIS Certification for Footwear
While essential, the certification process comes with challenges:
High testing costs for multiple footwear variants.
Technical complexity in understanding Indian Standards.
Delays due to documentation errors or factory non-compliance.
Difficulties for foreign manufacturers in meeting Indian-specific requirements.
By working with an experienced BIS Consultant for Footwear, these challenges can be overcome effectively.
Conclusion
EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. The Indian footwear industry is witnessing rapid growth, but with this expansion comes the responsibility of maintaining global quality benchmarks. BIS Certification for Footwear ensures that every shoe, sandal, or boot reaching consumers is safe, durable, and reliable.
The ISI Mark for Footwear is more than a compliance symbol—it is a mark of trust, credibility, and consumer satisfaction. Whether you are a domestic manufacturer or a foreign brand aiming to enter the Indian market, obtaining BIS certification is not optional—it is a necessity.
With expert support from a BIS Consultant for Footwear, businesses can simplify the process, ensure compliance, and strengthen their market presence. In the end, certified footwear not only meets regulatory standards but also walks the extra mile in earning consumer confidence.
