Published: 10 Jul 2026
DPIIT Extends Timeline for Legacy Footwear Stock and Introduces R&D Import Exemption Under Footwear QCOs
In a significant relief for India’s footwear industry, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has amended two Footwear Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to provide manufacturers, distributors, and retailers with additional time to clear legacy stock while introducing a new exemption for importing footwear samples for research and development (R&D).
The amendments, notified through S.O. 3037(E) and S.O. 3038(E) dated 12 June 2026, are already in force. The changes were subsequently highlighted in a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release dated 9 July 2026.
Extension for Clearance of Legacy Footwear Stock
The amendments apply to:
- Footwear made from Leather and other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024
- Footwear made from All Rubber and all Polymeric Material and its Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024
Under the revised provisions, the deadline for clearing legacy (pre-BIS certification) footwear stock has been extended from 31 July 2026 to 31 July 2027.
According to DPIIT, footwear is a highly seasonal product, and inventory often remains within the supply chain for longer than a single sales cycle. Extending the timeline will allow businesses to sell existing non-BIS-certified inventory in an orderly manner without disrupting trade or creating unnecessary financial losses.
New R&D Import Exemption for Footwear Manufacturers
The amendments also introduce a new exemption permitting manufacturers to import up to 4,500 pairs of footwear per year exclusively for research, development, testing, and other non-commercial purposes.
To prevent misuse, the exemption is subject to several conditions:
- Imported footwear cannot be sold commercially.
- Every pair must be permanently marked “NOT FOR SALE.”
- The footwear must be disposed of as scrap after testing or evaluation.
- Manufacturers must maintain year-wise import records and produce them before the Government whenever requested.
The exemption is intended to help Indian manufacturers evaluate international product designs, assess quality parameters, undertake product development, and encourage innovation without requiring full BIS certification for products that are not entering the commercial market.
Business Impact
The amendments provide meaningful compliance relief for businesses across the footwear sector.
Extended Compliance Window
Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers now have an additional year to dispose of legacy footwear stock manufactured before the mandatory BIS certification requirements came into effect.
Support for Product Innovation
The new R&D import exemption enables footwear manufacturers to access global product samples for benchmarking, design evaluation, and product development without triggering the standard BIS certification requirements applicable to commercial imports.
Continued Focus on Quality Compliance
While these relaxations provide operational flexibility, the Footwear Quality Control Orders, 2024 remain fully applicable to products intended for commercial manufacture, sale, or import. Businesses should continue preparing for long-term compliance with applicable BIS certification requirements.
Conclusion
The latest DPIIT amendments strike a balance between regulatory compliance and industry needs. By extending the deadline for clearing legacy footwear stock and allowing controlled imports for research and development, the Government has provided the footwear sector with greater flexibility while continuing to strengthen India’s quality infrastructure.
Businesses engaged in footwear manufacturing, importing, or distribution should take advantage of the additional compliance window while ensuring they remain prepared for full implementation of the applicable BIS Quality Control Orders.
How Omega QMS Can Help
At Omega QMS, we help businesses navigate India’s evolving BIS Quality Control Orders (QCOs), product certification requirements, import regulations, and regulatory compliance obligations.
Whether you require assistance with BIS certification for footwear, QCO applicability, import compliance, or regulatory advisory, our experts can help you achieve timely and seamless compliance.
Sources
Primary Sources
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, S.O. 3037(E) and S.O. 3038(E), dated 12 June 2026.
- Press Information Bureau (PIB), Release ID: 2283010, dated 09 July 2026.
Source
Press Information Bureau (PIB):
https://www.pib.gov.in/allRel.aspx?reg=48&lang=1