Footwear, beyond being a fashion accessory, plays an important role in ensuring comfort and safety for users. From casual shoes to specialized industrial boots, footwear serves diverse purposes across various industries, including construction, mining, and manufacturing. The Indian footwear industry, which has grown significantly, faces increasing scrutiny regarding quality and safety standards. To address these concerns, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made it mandatory for all footwear products to be ISI-marked. This applies to both domestically manufactured and imported footwear, as per the latest notification from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This article provides an in-depth understanding of BIS certification for footwear, its necessity, the categories of footwear it covers, and the certification process.
Importance of BIS Certification for Footwear
BIS certification ensures that footwear sold in India adheres to specific safety, quality, and durability standards. Here are the key reasons why BIS Certification is important:
1. Consumer Safety:
BIS-certified footwear is less likely to cause injuries as it meets stringent safety standards. This is particularly critical for industrial and protective footwear used in hazardous environments.
2. Quality Assurance:
Footwear with BIS certification is guaranteed to be durable, made from high-quality materials, and capable of withstanding wear and tear.
3. Market Access:
Only footwear that complies with BIS standards and carries the ISI mark can legally be sold in India. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
4. Legal Compliance:
Manufacturers and importers must adhere to BIS regulations to avoid penalties and maintain their market reputation.
Benefits of BIS Certification
1. Consumer Trust: Footwear with the ISI mark symbolizes quality, safety, and reliability, enhancing consumer confidence.
2. Market Expansion: BIS certification allows both domestic and international manufacturers to enter and compete in the Indian market.
3. Legal Protection: Compliance with BIS standards protects manufacturers from legal actions and penalties.
4. Enhanced Reputation: BIS-certified products are perceived as high-quality, improving the brand’s reputation and market standing.
Key Footwear Categories Under BIS Certification
The DPIIT has classified footwear into three broad categories for BIS certification. These categories encompass nearly all types of footwear available in the market:
1. Shoes Made from Leather and Other Materials
Leather shoes are widely used in official settings, mining, and other industries. The BIS standards for this category include:
-Leather safety boots for miners (IS 1989 Part 1: 1986)
-Leather safety boots for heavy industries (IS 1989 Part 2: 1986)
-Sports footwear (IS 15844 Part 1, 2, and 3: 2023)
-Anti-riot shoes (IS 17037: 2018)
Footwear in this category is subjected to rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand specific conditions. BIS Certification Consultants often assist manufacturers in completing the required audits and tests.
2. Shoes with Low Rubber and Polymeric Content
This category includes rubber-based footwear commonly used in construction and industrial settings. Examples include:
-Industrial and protective rubber boots (IS 5557: 2004)
-Rubber Hawai chappals (IS 10702: 1992)
-PVC industrial boots (IS 12254: 2021)
Such footwear undergoes testing to ensure it meets durability and safety standards for industrial use.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Footwear
PPE footwear is designed for use in hazardous environments such as construction sites and factories. Standards include:
-Safety footwear (IS 15298 Part 2: 2016)
-Protective footwear (IS 15298 Part 3: 2019)
-Occupational footwear (IS 15298 Part 4: 2017)
BIS certification for PPE footwear ensures compliance with workplace safety requirements, making it mandatory for manufacturers in this category to follow strict guidelines.
BIS Certification Procedure for Footwear
Obtaining BIS certification is a multi-step process. Below is a detailed overview of the procedure:
1. Product Identification
The first step involves identifying the relevant Indian Standard for the footwear product. Manufacturers must ensure their product meets all the characteristics specified in the standard.
2. Application and Documentation
Manufacturers must register on the BIS portal (BIS Manak) and submit the following documents:
-Factory registration documents
-Details of the testing facility
-Information about the manufacturing process
-Quality control parameters
-Laboratory testing reports
These documents are thoroughly reviewed by BIS Certification Consultants to ensure compliance with BIS standards.
3. Factory Audit
BIS officials conduct an on-site audit of the manufacturing facility. During the audit, they assess the production process and collect samples for testing.
4. Testing and Certification
Collected samples are tested at a BIS-accredited laboratory. If the products pass all tests, the manufacturer is issued a BIS license to use the ISI mark on their footwear.
5. Ongoing Compliance
Even after obtaining certification, manufacturers must ensure continuous compliance with BIS standards. Periodic inspections and sample testing are conducted to maintain quality and safety standards.
Conclusion
BIS certification is mandatory for footwear manufacturers aiming to sell their products in India. While the certification process is detailed and time-consuming, it offers significant benefits, including consumer trust, legal compliance, and market access.
For assistance with BIS certification, feel free to contact us. We ensure a seamless and hassle-free process for your footwear products to meet Indian standards. You can contact us through mail i.e., info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp us on 9988424211.
FAQs
1. What is the BIS certification for footwear?
Ans. BIS certification ensures that footwear products meet specific safety, quality, and durability standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It is mandatory for all footwear sold in India to carry the ISI mark.
2. Why is BIS certification necessary for footwear?
Ans. BIS certification is essential for consumer safety, quality assurance, and legal compliance. It also ensures that only certified footwear can be sold in the Indian market.
3. Which footwear products require BIS certification?
Ans. All types of footwear, including leather shoes, rubber footwear, and personal protective equipment (PPE) footwear, require BIS certification as per the latest DPIIT notification.
4. What documents are needed for BIS certification?
Ans. Key documents include factory registration certificates, testing facility details, manufacturing process information, quality control parameters, and laboratory testing reports.
5. How long does it take to obtain BIS certification?
Ans. The time required for BIS certification depends on the completion of documentation, factory audits, and product testing. On average, it may take a few weeks to a few months.
6. Can international manufacturers apply for BIS certification?
Ans. Yes, international manufacturers can apply for BIS certification to sell their footwear products in India. They must comply with the same standards as domestic manufacturers.
7. What happens if a manufacturer fails to comply with BIS standards?
Ans. Non-compliance with BIS standards can result in legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a ban on selling the non-compliant products in India.
