DPIIT revises footwear quality control rules to boost industry growth
The move is expected to reduce compliance costs, minimise disruptions to trade, and ensure that only BIS-certified footwear is available in the market after the transition period.
One of the key changes is the extension of the deadline for clearing legacy footwear stock from 31 July 2026 to 31 July 2027.
New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has amended two Quality Control Orders (QCOs) governing the footwear sector, introducing measures aimed at reducing compliance burden, encouraging innovation, and strengthening India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
The amendments, notified on 12 June 2026, relate to the Footwear made from Leather and other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024, and the Footwear made from All Rubber and all Polymeric Material and its Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
Legacy Stock Clearance Extended by One Year
One of the key changes is the extension of the deadline for clearing legacy footwear stock from 31 July 2026 to 31 July 2027.
According to DPIIT, footwear inventories are highly seasonal, with products often remaining in distribution channels beyond a single sales cycle. The additional one-year transition period will allow manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to liquidate existing inventories in an orderly manner before mandatory compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirements.
The move is expected to reduce compliance costs, minimise disruptions to trade, and ensure that only BIS-certified footwear is available in the market after the transition period.
R&D Imports Get Major Relief
In another significant policy change, DPIIT has introduced an exemption allowing footwear manufacturers to import up to 4,500 pairs of footwear samples annually exclusively for research and development (R&D) and other non-commercial purposes.
The imported samples:
- Cannot be sold commercially.
- Must be clearly marked and embossed with “NOT FOR SALE”.
- Must be disposed of as scrap after use.
- Require manufacturers to maintain annual records for government verification.
The exemption is intended to help manufacturers evaluate international product designs, assess technical specifications, conduct product benchmarking, and develop locally manufactured alternatives without facing regulatory hurdles.
Supporting Innovation and Make in India
DPIIT said the new provisions will support product innovation and technology adoption while maintaining India’s quality standards.
The department noted that imported samples under this provision are meant solely for vendor presentations, product evaluation, design replication, and indigenous manufacturing. Commercial sale of such samples remains strictly prohibited.
The amendments align with the Government’s broader objective of promoting ease of doing business while strengthening India’s manufacturing competitiveness.
According to DPIIT, the measures also support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” manufacturing and further the objectives of the Make in India initiative by promoting high-quality domestic production.
