BIS Certification is Mandatory for Sports Footwear

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a governmental organization functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. BIS is tasked with creating and enforcing quality and safety standards for various products and services, aimed at safeguarding consumer interests, health, and well-being.

In the world of sports, footwear has become an essential component, with athletes and enthusiasts constantly on the lookout for the most cutting-edge and inventive designs.

Why Sports Footwear is mandatory for certification ?

Sports footwear is designed to provide comfort, support, and protection to athletes during physical activity. The right pair of sports shoes can prevent injuries, improve performance, and enhance overall comfort.

To tackle this concern, the Ministry of Commerce’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has taken a crucial step by making certification mandatory for sports footwear. This initiative aims to ensure that all sports footwear manufactured in India or imported into the country adhere to the necessary quality standards.

The Bureau of Indian Standards will oversee the certification process for sports footwear and conduct the requisite tests and inspections to verify compliance with the specified quality criteria. The certification procedure will involve assessing parameters such as tear strength, adhesion strength, flexing, abrasion, and others.

BIS CERTIFICATION PROCESS

For certification, the sports footwear must meet the relevant Indian Standard Specification (IS 15844). BIS licensing is granted only to the factory responsible for manufacturing the finished product and not to distributors or retailers. In case a manufacturer has multiple factories situated at different geographical locations, a separate application must be submitted for each product and factory.

The laboratory must be fully equipped with appropriate product testing equipment and staffed with qualified quality control personnel to test the product according to IS 15844 standards. All production machinery and testing facilities must be located on the factory premises and meet the ISS norms and Scheme of Inspection and testing (SIT) requirements.

All production processes should take place within the same factory, from the receipt of raw materials to the final packaging stage. Any outsourcing required must receive clearance from the Bureau.

BIS CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR INDIAN MANUFACTURERS

Registration: Manufacturer needs to register online on BIS portal and provide inputs as solicited and complete the profile.
Application: The manufacturer submits an online application to BIS for certification, along with the relevant documents such as company profile, raw material and product details, test reports, and fees. The application must be complete and accurate, and the manufacturer must demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria for certification.
Document Review: BIS reviews the application and the accompanying documents including test reports to ensure that the manufacturer meets the eligibility criteria for certification. The documents are checked for accuracy and completeness, and BIS may ask for additional information or clarification if needed.
Inspection: BIS certification officer conducts an Inspection at the manufacturer’s facilities and verifies the production processes, testing facilities etc to ascertain the manufacturing and testing infrastructure of the applicant in compliance with IS 15844. Thereafter the samples are drawn for testing in independent laboratory.
Testing of Sample: The samples drawn during inspection are submitted to laboratory to confirm the conformance to IS 15844
Grant of Licence: Based on documents submitted by the manufacturer and based on the satisfactory Inspection by BIS and test results obtained from independent laboratory, the licence is granted to the manufacturer and the manufacturer is allowed to affix the Standard Mark on their products.
Ongoing Surveillance: BIS may conduct regular surveillance audits to ensure that the manufacturer continues to comply with the relevant Indian Standards and maintain the quality of their products.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BIS LICENCE FOR FOREIGN MANUFACTURER

Representative in India: The manufacturer must have a representative in India who can act as the liaison between the manufacturer and BIS. This representative is responsible for communication and coordination with BIS and must be authorized to make decisions on behalf of the manufacturer.
Application: The manufacturer submits an offline application to BIS for certification, along with the relevant documents such as raw material and product details, manufacturing machinery, qualified testing personnel and other applicable documents, and fees. The application must be complete and accurate, and the manufacturer must demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria for certification.
Document Review: BIS reviews the application and the accompanying documents to ensure that the manufacturer meets the eligibility criteria for certification. The documents are checked for accuracy and completeness, and BIS may ask for additional information or clarification if needed.
Certification Audit / Inspection: BIS conducts a certification audit/inspection of the manufacturer’s facilities to verify the production processes, testing infrastructure etc to ascertain that they are in compliance with IS 15844. Samples are drawn/sealed for testing in independent laboratory (Indian Laboratory duly recognized by BIS) and samples drawn for ensuring the compliance of the product to IS 15844.
Testing of Products: The manufacturer arranges for their products to be shipped to the relevant Indian laboratory tested for testing to confirm that they meet the requirements of the IS 15844. The test results must demonstrate that the products meet the required specifications and standards.
Grant of Licence / Certification: Based on documents submitted by the manufacturer , satisfactory certification audit and conformity of the sample drawn during certification audit to requirement of IS 15844, BIS grants certification to the manufacturer and the manufacturer is allowed to affix the Standard Mark on their products.
Ongoing Surveillance: BIS may conduct regular surveillance audits to ensure that the manufacturer continues to comply with the relevant Indian Standards and maintain the quality of their products. Market samples are also darwan on regaular basis to ensure the compliance to IS 15844.

Sports footwear has come a long way since its inception. Today, it is an integral part of the sports industry and an important factor in both comfort and safety. With a wide range of designs and styles available, it is important to choose the right pair of sports shoes for each individual’s specific needs. By doing so, athletes and sports enthusiasts can achieve their best performance while minimizing the risk of injury.

In conclusion, sports footwear is made mandatory for certification in India to ensure the safety and performance of athletes and participants in various sports and fitness activities. It is important for athletes and participants to wear the right type of footwear for their specific activity to prevent injury and optimize performance. The mandatory certification of sports footwear by the Bureau of Indian Standards is a significant step taken by the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce towards improving the quality of sports foot wear and enhancing its competitiveness in the global market.

BIS Certification is Mandatory for Sports Footwear