Foot Wear
Polyurethane Outsoles
Strategic Recommendations for PU Outsoles (IS 13893:1994) – ERA Global
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Start BIS certification now. Test outsole hardness, abrasion resistance, slip resistance, and flexing properties at BIS-recognized labs. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Collaborate with ERA Global’s compliance team for end-to-end certification – documentation, product testing, and ISI marking. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Get expert help with BIS licensing, lab coordination, and exemption documentation (for export-only soles). - Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA’s regulatory newsletter for footwear QCO updates, BIS amendments, and circulars. - Do a Compliance Gap Assessment
Review current outsole designs against IS 13893:1994 requirements. Identify gaps in durability, slip resistance, and flexibility to ensure BIS readiness before enforcement.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Polyurethane Outsoles. |
| IS No | IS 13893:1994. |
| Title of Indian Standard | Polyurethane Unit Outsoles — Specification. |
| Quality Control Order | Footwear made from All Rubber and All Polymeric Material and its Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024. |
| Notification & Amendments | - S.O. 1422(E), dated 15 March 2024 (principal notification), - S.O. 3701(E), dated 30 August 2024 (amendment extending stock clearance till 31 July 2026), - Supersedes the Footwear (All Rubber & Polymeric) QCO, 2022. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 1 August 2024 (QCO effective date) Stock manufactured/imported before commencement can be sold until 31 July 2026. |
| Objective & Scope | To regulate quality, performance, and durability of polyurethane unit outsoles used in footwear, ensuring consumer safety and compliance with BIS standards. |
| Products Covered | Polyurethane (PU) unit outsoles used in manufacturing of footwear (industrial, safety, occupational, and casual categories). |
| Exemptions | - Goods meant exclusively for export- Micro & Small Enterprises (as per MSME Act, 2006)- Imports used only for footwear manufacturing meant for exports, subject to self-declaration certified by Council for Leather Exports (CLE) |
| Industries Impacted | - Footwear manufacturers- Industrial safety footwear suppliers- Leather & synthetic footwear producers- Importers of PU outsoles- Retail footwear brands. |
| Mandatory Compliance | - PU outsoles must conform to IS 13893:1994, - BIS Certification under Scheme-I (ISI Mark license) is compulsory- Outsoles must bear ISI Mark before sale in domestic market. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS certification under IS 13893:1994,- Conduct PU outsole testing at BIS-approved labs- Ensure ISI mark is affixed before sale- For imports, submit CLE-certified self-declaration to Customs |
| Legal Enforcement & Penalties | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016 and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. BIS is the certification and enforcement authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | - Seizure of stock- Cancellation of BIS license, - Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years under BIS Act, 2016. |
| Conclusion | From 1 August 2024, PU outsoles in India must conform to IS 13893:1994 and carry BIS ISI Mark. Old non-marked stock manufactured/imported before enforcement can be cleared until 31 July 2026. |
| References / Annexures | - QCO 2024: S.O. 1422(E), dated 15 March 2024- Amendment: S.O. 3701(E), dated 30 August 2024- Superseded QCO: Footwear (All Rubber & Polymeric) Order, 2022 |
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Notification
Polyurethane Outsoles have been notified under the Footwear made from All Rubber and All Polymeric Material and its Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024, issued via S.O. 1422(E) dated 15 March 2024 by DPIIT under the BIS Act, 2016. This superseded the earlier 2022 Footwear QCO. An amendment (S.O. 3701(E), dated 30 August 2024) extended the clearance period for non-marked stock up to 31 July 2026.
Overview
Polyurethane (PU) outsoles are widely used in industrial, protective, and casual footwear due to their lightweight, flexible, and durable nature. The standard IS 13893:1994 prescribes the requirements for material quality, hardness, wear resistance, and slip resistance to ensure performance and consumer safety.
Objective & Scope
The objective of this regulation is to enforce quality consistency in PU outsoles and eliminate substandard components from the domestic market. It ensures that footwear made using these soles meets minimum durability and safety benchmarks.
Product Covered
This standard applies to Polyurethane Unit Outsoles used across categories of footwear, including industrial boots, occupational footwear, sandals, slippers, and casual shoes.
Exemptions Provided
- Products meant exclusively for export
- Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) under the MSME Act, 2006
- Imports of PU outsoles used only for manufacturing export footwear, subject to Council for Leather Exports (CLE) certification
Industries Impacted
- Footwear manufacturers (industrial & commercial)
- Leather & synthetic footwear companies
- Importers of PU outsole components
- Retail footwear brands & distributors
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
- All PU outsoles sold in India must conform to IS 13893:1994.
- BIS certification under Scheme-I is mandatory.
- Products must bear the ISI mark before being sold in the domestic market.
Enforcement Timeline
- 1 August 2024 – QCO enforcement date
- 31 July 2026 – Last date for clearance of old non-marked stock manufactured/imported before enforcement
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification under IS 13893:1994
- Submit samples to BIS-approved labs for outsole performance testing
- Ensure ISI marking on all packaging before sale
- For imports, file CLE-certified self-declaration with Customs for export-use soles
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The order is enforced under the BIS Act, 2016 and the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. BIS is the nodal enforcement authority. Non-compliance may lead to:
- Seizure of stock
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
- Penalties including imprisonment up to 2 years
Conclusion
From 1 August 2024, polyurethane outsoles must comply with IS 13893:1994 and bear the ISI mark to be sold in India. While non-marked stock made/imported before enforcement can be cleared till 31 July 2026, stakeholders must align with BIS requirements to avoid penalties and supply chain disruptions.
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.