BIS Amendment Order, 2024 for Footwear Made from All Rubber and All Polymeric Materials and Their Components

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Footwear 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) had earlier issued the Footwear Made from All Rubber and All Polymeric Material and Its Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024, in order to ensure that footwear sold in India meets mandatory quality as well as safety standards.

Under the original Quality Control Order:

• Covered footwear and its components were required to comply with the applicable Indian Standards.
• Products had to carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark).
• The order aimed to improve product quality, safety, as well as consumer protection.

Now, through the Footwear Made from All Rubber and All Polymeric Material and Its Components (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, the Government has introduced a relaxation for existing non-ISI stock manufactured or imported before the QCO came into force.

Key changes you should know

1. The amendment allows the sale of footwear without BIS marking that was manufactured or imported before the commencement of the QCO.
2. This relaxation applies only to existing stock.
3. Such non-ISI stock can be:
   1. Sold
   2. Displayed
   3. Offered for sale
4. The relaxation is valid up to 31st July 2026.
5. After this date, only BIS-certified footwear will be permitted in the Indian market

What is the date of implementation?

• The amendment comes into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
• Sale of existing non-BIS-marked stock is permitted only up to 31st July 2026.

This provides a clear transition period for businesses to move fully to BIS-compliant footwear.

Now, what to do?

Manufacturers, importers, as well as sellers of rubber and polymeric footwear should plan their compliance and stock movement carefully.

Here’s what businesses can do:

• Identifying footwear stock manufactured or imported before the QCO commencement date.
• Planning inventory clearance before 31st July 2026.
• Ensuring all new production, as well as imports, are BIS certified.
• Applying for BIS licensing if not already done.
• Maintaining clear records in order to avoid disputes during inspections.

For end-to-end support, ranging from BIS certification and documentation to compliance planning and stock transition management, Brand Liaison helps footwear businesses achieve smooth and risk-free compliance under the amended Footwear QCO.