Footwear Companies to Comply with Quality Norms from Next Month

The government said on Monday that large and medium-scale footwear manufacturers and all importers will have to comply with the mandatory quality standards for 24 footwear and related products from July 1. The move aimed at curbing sub-standard imports from countries like China and to ensure that people get the best quality products.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Chief Pramod Kumar Tiwari said, “No further extension will be provided. This quality control order (QCO) will ensure domestic production of quality footwear and check sub-standard imports.” The government has said that for small-scale footwear makers, the deadline is January 1, 2024 and for the micro footwear industry, the mandatory quality standards will be applicable from July 1, 2024.

The QCO for 24 footwear and related products were notified in October 2020 and thereafter extension was given thrice, before making it mandatory for large and medium-scale industries from next month. However, the footwear sector and the retail industry have been asking for extension of the compliance date.

The 24 footwear products on which the quality standards will apply include, rubber gum boots, PVC sandals, rubber hawai chappals, slippers, moulded plastic footwear, footwear used for municipal scavenging work; sports footwear, derby shoes and anti-riot shoes, moulded solid rubber soles and heels, among others.