Government to introduce mandatory footwear standards from July 1

The government plans to launch a new range of mandatory quality standards for footwear in India on July 1, 2023 following a number of postponements. The standards will apply to 24 footwear products and will govern both domestic manufacturers and importers. 

“No further extension will be provided,” said the director general of the Bureau of Indian Standards Pramod Kumar Tiwari, the Press Trust of India reported. “This QCO will ensure domestic production of quality footwear and check sub-standard imports.”
 
The introduction of the quality standards was announced in October 2020 and the deadline for implementing it has been extended twice. From July 1, large and medium sized businesses will have to follow the regulations and small businesses will have until January 1, 2024. 

For micro businesses, the quality standards will be mandatory from July 1, 2024. This will give micro businesses the time to plan how to bring their current production practices in line with the new standards.
 
The quality standards govern the kinds of raw materials which are permitted to be used in footwear manufacturing as well as standards for crafting the sole and heel of shoes to ensure safety for the wearer. The 24 products which will be covered by the new standards include slippers, PVC sandals, sports footwear, rubber gum boots, and footwear used for municipal scavenging work among others.