DPIIT relaxes Footwear Quality Control Order norms

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 improving ease of doing business while reinforcing India's quality standards and domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The amendments, notified on June 12, 2026, under S.O. 3037(E) and S.O. 3038(E), apply 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.

A key change is the extension of the deadline for clearing legacy stock by one year, from July 31, 2026, to July 31, 2027. DPIIT said the move recognizes the seasonal nature of the footwear industry, where products often remain in distribution channels beyond a single sales cycle. The additional transition period is expected to help manufacturers, distributors and retailers liquidate existing inventories in an orderly manner while reducing compliance challenges and avoiding disruption to trade.

After the revised deadline, only footwear products compliant with the applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirements will be permitted for sale in the domestic market.

The amendments also introduce a significant exemption for research and development activities. Footwear manufacturers will now be allowed to import up to 4,500 pairs of footwear samples annually for research, product development and other non-commercial purposes.

To prevent misuse, the imported samples must be clearly marked and embossed with the words "NOT FOR SALE", cannot be sold commercially, and must be disposed of as scrap after their intended use. Companies will also be required to maintain annual records of such imports and furnish them to the government whenever requested.

According to DPIIT, the exemption has been designed to support innovation by enabling manufacturers to evaluate new product designs, assess technical specifications and conduct vendor presentations before commencing domestic production. The provision is also intended to help companies determine the number of samples genuinely required for research and development while ensuring that imported samples remain outside commercial distribution.

The department said the latest amendments reaffirm its commitment to creating a robust quality ecosystem without imposing unnecessary compliance burdens on industry. By extending the transition period for legacy stock and facilitating limited imports for R&D, the government aims to encourage product innovation, strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and support smoother implementation of quality standards.

The reforms are aligned with the Government's "Zero Defect, Zero Effect" manufacturing vision and the broader Make in India initiative, further positioning India as a competitive global hub for high-quality footwear manufacturing.