Foot Wear
Personal Protective Equipment - Footwear (Part 2) Safety Footwear
Strategic Recommendations for Safety Footwear (IS 15298 Part 2:2016)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS license and conduct testing for IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 in BIS-recognized laboratories before market distribution. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with the ERA Compliance Team as BIS/QCO experts for certification guidance, test planning, ISI marking, and packaging compliance. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Dedicated support for license filing, documentation, and QCO readiness. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Regularly monitor BIS and DPIIT notifications under the QCO framework (S.O. 3857(E), 4377(E), 2647(E)) and subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for real-time compliance updates. - Do a Gap Assessment
Review product designs, materials, and supply chains against IS 15298 (Part 2):2016; phase out non-compliant stock and affix ISI mark only post-certification.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Personal Protective Equipment – Safety Footwear |
| IS No | IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 |
| Title of Indian Standard | – Personal Protective Equipment – Part 2: Safety Footwear |
| Quality Control Order | Personal Protective Equipment – Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020 |
| Notification & Amendments | - Original: S.O. 3857(E), dated 27 October 2020 - Amendment 1: S.O. 4377(E), dated 4 December 2020 - Amendment 2: S.O. 2647(E), dated 30 June 2021 |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 January 2022 (originally 28 October 2020, deferred via amendments) |
| Stock Clearance Provision | No specific clearance provision notified; non-compliant products not permitted post 1 January 2022 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure safety and protection of users in hazardous work environments by enforcing quality standards and BIS certification for safety footwear |
| Products Covered | Closed-toe safety footwear with protective features such as toe caps, anti-slip soles, puncture resistance etc., used in industrial and occupational environments |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively meant for export |
| Industries Impacted | - Construction and infrastructure - Manufacturing and heavy engineering - Mining and metallurgy - Oil & gas - Logistics & utilities |
| Mandatory Compliance | - BIS certification under Scheme-I - Conformance to IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 - ISI marking - BIS lab testing - Labeling and documentation |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS license - Conduct testing as per IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 - Implement ISI marking - Align production & packaging - Maintain records |
| Legal Framework & Penalties | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016; non-compliance can lead to: - Product seizure - Cancellation of BIS license - Fine and/or imprisonment (up to 2 years) |
| Supersession & Amendment Clause | No supersession; amendments only revised enforcement dates via S.O. 4377(E) and S.O. 2647(E) |
| Conclusion | IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 ensures standardization of safety footwear. As of 1 January 2022, only BIS-certified and ISI-marked safety footwear is permitted in India |
| References / Annexures | - S.O. 3857(E), dated 27 October 2020 - S.O. 4377(E), dated 4 December 2020 - S.O. 2647(E), dated 30 June 2021 - IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 |
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Notification
The product “Safety Footwear” is regulated under the Personal Protective Equipment – Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020, notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry via S.O. 3857(E) dated 27 October 2020, under the BIS Act, 2016.
The enforcement date was deferred through two amendments:
- S.O. 4377(E) dated 4 December 2020 (deferred to 1 July 2021)
- S.O. 2647(E) dated 30 June 2021 (final enforcement from 1 January 2022)
Overview
This QCO mandates that all safety footwear manufactured, imported, or sold in India must be certified by BIS and bear the ISI mark. The standard ensures the products meet essential safety features like impact resistance, anti-slip soles, penetration resistance, and other protective characteristics.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 is to standardize the performance and design requirements of safety footwear to prevent injuries in workplaces. It applies to shoes used in industrial environments where risks such as falling objects, chemical spills, sharp materials, or electrical hazards are present.
Product Covered
This standard specifically covers Safety Footwear used in occupational environments. It includes closed-toe footwear with toe protection (usually steel or composite caps), designed to protect users from various mechanical risks and environmental hazards.
Exemptions Provided
- Products exclusively meant for export are exempt
- No additional exemptions for MSEs or legacy stock under this QCO
Industries Impacted
Key industries affected include:
- Construction & infrastructure
- Manufacturing & fabrication
- Mining & metallurgy
- Oil & gas
- Logistics & warehousing
- Utilities, public works, and municipal services
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers and importers must:
- Obtain a BIS license under Scheme-I
- Manufacture products in accordance with IS 15298 (Part 2):2016
- Affix the ISI mark post-certification
- Conduct testing in BIS-recognized laboratories
- Comply with BIS norms on labelling, packaging, and traceability
Compliance Timeline
- Original enforcement: 28 October 2020
- Deferred to: 1 July 2021 (via S.O. 4377(E))
- Final effective date: 1 January 2022 (via S.O. 2647(E))
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification before manufacturing or importing
- Align product design and testing with IS 15298 (Part 2):2016
- Ensure proper marking, declarations, and audit readiness
- Discontinue uncertified stock from the market post-enforcement
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, Section 29:
- Non-compliant products may be seized
- BIS licenses may be cancelled
- Offenders may face fines or imprisonment up to 2 years
Supersession & Amendment Clause
This Order was amended twice to provide implementation flexibility:
- First Amendment – S.O. 4377(E), dated 4 December 2020,
- Deferred the effective date from 28 October 2020 to 1 July 2021.
- Second Amendment – S.O. 2647(E), dated 30 June 2021
- Further extended the enforcement date to 1 January 2022.
Conclusion
IS 15298 (Part 2):2016 ensures that safety footwear used in India meets stringent protective and quality standards. As of 1 January 2022, only BIS-certified, ISI-marked safety footwear can be sold or distributed in India. Manufacturers and importers must comply strictly to avoid penalties and ensure worker safety across sectors.
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.