the Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials Quality Control Order 2022

## Report on the Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials Quality Control Order, 2022 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the "Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials Quality Control Order, 2022" based on the provided government notification. This is a *new* policy that mandates compulsory use of the Standard Mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for specific footwear types manufactured in India, ensuring they conform to corresponding Indian Standards. The policy aims to improve the quality and safety of footwear available to consumers. It comes into effect on July 1, 2023. Key findings include the specific types of footwear covered, the responsible authority (BIS), and the implications for footwear manufacturers. **2. Introduction:** This report provides a detailed overview of the "Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials Quality Control Order, 2022," as published in the Gazette of India. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification to inform affected industry about the requirement. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new* policy, not an amendment. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to ensure the quality and standardization of footwear manufactured and sold in India through mandatory certification and adherence to Indian Standards. The notification states it is necessary or expedient to make the order "in the public interest." **4. Background and Rationale:** As a *new* policy, the text suggests the likely problem it addresses is inconsistent quality and safety standards in the domestic footwear market. By mandating adherence to Indian Standards and certification by BIS, the policy aims to improve product quality, enhance consumer protection, and potentially boost the competitiveness of the Indian footwear industry. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As a *new* policy, the key provisions are as follows: * **Mandatory Certification:** All footwear types listed in the Table within the notification *must* conform to the corresponding Indian Standards specified in the Table. * **Standard Mark:** The footwear must bear the Standard Mark issued by BIS under a license, following Scheme I of Schedule II of the Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. * **Scope:** The policy applies to the specific "Goods or articles" (footwear types) listed in the table and their corresponding "Indian Standards" specified in that table. * **Exemption:** The policy does *not* apply to goods or articles meant for export. * **Enforcement:** The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority. * **Effective Date:** The order comes into effect on July 1, 2023. * **Indian Standards:** The latest version of Indian Standards, as amended from time to time, as notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, shall apply. The table specifies the following footwear types and their corresponding Indian Standards: 1. Leather safety boots and shoes 2. Canvas Shoes Rubber Sole 3. Canvas Boots Rubber Sole 4. Safety Rubber Canvas Boots for Miners 5. Leather safety footwear having direct moulded rubber sole 6. Leather safety footwear with direct moulded polyvinyl chloride PVC sole 7. Sports footwear 8. High ankle tactical boots with PU Rubber sole 9. Anti riot shoes 10. Derby shoes **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Footwear Manufacturers:** Manufacturers of the specific footwear types listed in the Table who intend to sell their products in the Indian domestic market. They are required to obtain BIS certification and adhere to the specified Indian Standards. * **Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):** As the certifying and enforcing authority, BIS is responsible for implementing and overseeing the policy. * **Consumers:** Consumers in India are indirectly affected as the policy aims to improve the quality and safety of footwear products available to them. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the primary responsible body for certification and enforcement. * **Timelines:** The policy comes into effect on July 1, 2023, providing manufacturers a lead time to comply with the requirements. * **Procedures:** Footwear manufacturers need to apply for a license from BIS to use the Standard Mark, following the procedures outlined in Scheme I of Schedule II of the Bureau of Indian Standards Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes and impact of this policy are: * **Improved Footwear Quality:** Ensuring adherence to Indian Standards should lead to improved quality and durability of footwear products. * **Enhanced Consumer Safety:** Mandatory certification should minimize the risk of using substandard or unsafe footwear. * **Standardization:** The policy will standardize the manufacturing processes and quality benchmarks for footwear products in India. * **Increased Compliance Costs:** Manufacturers will incur costs associated with obtaining BIS certification and modifying their production processes to meet the required standards. * **Level Playing Field:** The policy will create a level playing field for manufacturers by ensuring that all players adhere to the same quality standards. * **Market Access:** Footwear that doesn't bear the Standard Mark will be disallowed from being sold in the Indian domestic market. **9. Conclusion:** The "Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials Quality Control Order, 2022" is a significant policy intervention aimed at improving the quality and safety standards of footwear manufactured and sold in India. By mandating BIS certification and adherence to Indian Standards, the policy aims to protect consumers, create a level playing field for manufacturers, and potentially boost the competitiveness of the Indian footwear industry. Footwear manufacturers need to understand the requirements of this policy and take necessary steps to comply with the new regulations before July 1, 2023.

Key Entities Referenced