Foot Wear
Sports Footwear – (Part 1) General Purpose
Strategic Recommendations for Leather Safety and Protective Footwear with Direct Moulded Polymeric Sole (IS 14544:2022)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS certification and complete testing as per IS 14544:2022 before 1 August 2024 to ensure timely compliance. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Use the ERA Compliance Team as your BIS/QCO expert for license filing, testing coordination, and legacy stock declaration. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – For certification support, QCO clarifications, and document readiness. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Follow official updates under the Footwear QCO (S.O. 1421(E), 15 March 2024 & S.O. 3700(E), 30 August 2024). Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for alerts and amendments. - Do a Gap Assessment
Identify SKUs under IS 14544:2022, declare uncertified stock manufactured/imported before 1 August 2024, and ensure clearance before 31 July 2026.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sports Footwear – General Purpose |
| IS No | IS 15844 (Part 1):2023 |
| Title of Indian Standard | – Sports Footwear – Part 1: General Purpose |
| Quality Control Order | Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments | - Original: S.O. 1421(E), dated 15 March 2024 , Amendment: S.O. 3700(E), dated 30 August 2024. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 August 2024. |
| Stock Clearance Provision | Declared uncertified stock (manufactured/imported before 1 August 2024) may be sold until 31 July 2026 (as per S.O. 3700(E)). |
| Objective & Scope | To standardize the quality, safety, and performance of general-purpose sports footwear including walking and casual athletic shoes. |
| Products Covered | General-purpose sports shoes used for walking, light exercise, casual sports and recreational wear, conforming to IS 15844 (Part 1):2023. |
| Exemptions | - Footwear meant for export- Micro & Small Enterprises (as per MSMED Act, 2006). |
| Industries Impacted | - Sports footwear manufacturers, Retail and lifestyle brands- Institutional and public procurement sectors. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - BIS Certification under Scheme-I, Conformance to IS 15844 (Part 1):2023, ISI marking- BIS-approved lab testing- BIS-compliant packaging & labeling. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS license, Certify all applicable product models, Declare old uncertified stock, Stop selling uncertified products after 31 July 2026, |
| Legal Framework & Penalties | - Enforced under BIS Act, 2016, Penalties include fines, license cancellation, seizure of goods, and imprisonment up to 2 years under Section 29. |
| Supersession & Amendment Clause | Supersedes QCOs of 2020 & 2022; amendment via S.O. 3700(E) allows sale of declared uncertified stock until 31 July 2026. |
| Conclusion | IS 15844 (Part 1):2023 establishes quality and durability norms for everyday sports footwear. Timely compliance ensures safety and market access post-August 2024. |
| References / Annexures | - S.O. 1421(E), dated 15 March 2024, S.O. 3700(E), dated 30 August 2024, IS 15844 (Part 1):2023 – Sports Footwear – General Purpose. |
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Notification
The product “Sports Footwear – General Purpose” is regulated under the Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024, notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry via S.O. 1421(E) dated 15 March 2024, in exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 16, 17, and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. An amendment to this Order was introduced via S.O. 3700(E) on 30 August 2024, which extended the clearance period for declared uncertified stock.
Overview
The QCO enforces BIS certification and ISI marking for various types of leather and composite footwear to ensure product standardization, quality, and consumer safety. General-purpose sports footwear, as defined under IS 15844 (Part 1):2023, is included due to its widespread use in casual, institutional, and lifestyle markets.
Objective & Scope
The purpose of this provision is to regulate the quality of general-purpose sports footwear, including walking shoes, light training shoes, and casual athletic wear. IS 15844 (Part 1):2023 defines requirements related to material quality, comfort, sole performance, slip resistance, and durability for non-specialized sports use.
Product Covered
This regulation applies to sports footwear intended for general-purpose use, such as walking, jogging, light exercise, and casual wear, conforming to IS 15844 (Part 1):2023.
Exemptions Provided
- Products exclusively meant for export
- Units registered as Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) under the MSMED Act, 2006
Industries Impacted
This Order impacts:
- Sports footwear and lifestyle brands
- Retailers and institutional suppliers
- Public procurement and bulk buyers of casual athletic shoes
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers and importers must:
- Obtain a BIS license under Scheme-I
- Ensure conformity with IS 15844 (Part 1):2023
- Affix the ISI Mark only after BIS certification
- Test products through BIS-approved laboratories
- Follow BIS guidelines on labeling, packaging, and product traceability
Compliance Timeline
The QCO is enforceable from 1 August 2024. As per the amendment via S.O. 3700(E), stock manufactured or imported before this date can be sold, displayed, or offered for sale until 31 July 2026, provided it is declared to BIS under Section 18(4) of the BIS Act, 2016.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Submit applications for BIS certification well before the deadline
- Certify all product variants under IS 15844 (Part 1):2023
- Declare old uncertified stock in line with BIS compliance rules
- Cease sale of uncertified items after 31 July 2026
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Order is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, and non-compliance may result in:
- Seizure of products
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
- Fines and imprisonment up to 2 years under Section 29
Supersession & Amendment Clause
This 2024 QCO replaces earlier Orders of 2020 and 2022. The amendment via S.O. 3700(E) introduces a two-year grace period (until 31 July 2026) for sale of declared uncertified stock, ensuring smooth market transition.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Sports Footwear (General Purpose) under IS 15844 (Part 1):2023 ensures minimum quality standards for one of the most commonly used footwear categories in India. With enforcement starting 1 August 2024 and stock clearance allowed until 31 July 2026, stakeholders must align swiftly to maintain market access while ensuring product safety and compliance.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.