Foot Wear
Personal Protective Equipment - (Part 4) Occupational Footwear
Strategic Recommendations for Occupational Footwear (IS 15298 Part 4:2017)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS license and get footwear tested under IS 15298 (Part 4):2017 in BIS-recognized labs well before market release. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with the ERA Compliance Team as BIS/QCO experts to manage certification, testing, and ISI marking requirements. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Assistance for application filing, lab setup, and compliance alignment. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Monitor official updates for QCO 2020 (S.O. 3857(E)), amendments S.O. 4377(E) & S.O. 2647(E). Subscribe to ERA Newsletter for timely alerts. - Do a Gap Assessment
Review existing product lines, ensure no uncertified footwear remains in stock, and start ISI marking post-license grant.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Personal Protective Equipment – Occupational Footwear |
| IS No | IS 15298 (Part 4):2017 |
| Title of Indian Standard | – Personal Protective Equipment – Part 4: Occupational 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 stock clearance window provided; sale of uncertified stock not permitted post 1 January 2022 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure occupational footwear meets minimum quality and comfort benchmarks for users in general work environments with no specific safety requirements |
| Products Covered | Footwear used in non-hazardous work environments, providing comfort, anti-slip soles, and resistance to wear without toe protection or other safety reinforcements |
| Exemptions | - Products manufactured exclusively for export |
| Industries Impacted | - Service and utility workers - Hospitality and retail - Warehousing and transport - General industrial and support staff |
| Mandatory Compliance | - BIS Certification under Scheme-I - Conformance to IS 15298 (Part 4):2017 - ISI marking - BIS-approved lab testing - Packaging and documentation |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS license - Conduct testing and certification - Mark products with ISI symbol - Ensure production and packaging compliance |
| Legal Framework & Penalties | Governed by BIS Act, 2016; violations can lead to: - Seizure of products - Suspension/cancellation of license - Fines or imprisonment up to 2 years |
| Supersession & Amendment Clause | The original QCO remains active; amendments revised only enforcement dates |
| Conclusion | IS 15298 (Part 4):2017 ensures basic quality standards for occupational footwear. Certification and ISI marking became mandatory from 1 January 2022 |
| 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 4):2017 |
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Notification
The product “Occupational Footwear” is regulated under the Personal Protective Equipment – Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through S.O. 3857(E) dated 27 October 2020, under Sections 16 and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. To give industry stakeholders time to comply, the Order was amended twice: once via S.O. 4377(E) on 4 December 2020 (enforcement deferred to 1 July 2021), and later via S.O. 2647(E) on 30 June 2021, which finalized the enforcement date as 1 January 2022.
Overview
This QCO makes it mandatory for all occupational footwear covered under IS 15298 (Part 4):2017 to be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and marked with the ISI symbol. These shoes are intended for general work environments where no specific safety toe protection is needed but durability, comfort, and basic protection are still essential.
Objective & Scope
The goal of IS 15298 (Part 4):2017 is to lay down minimum quality and performance requirements for occupational footwear. Unlike safety or protective footwear, this category does not include reinforced toe caps or high-resistance features but focuses on essential attributes such as comfort, slip resistance, abrasion resistance, water repellency, and sole adhesion for everyday use in non-hazardous work settings.
Product Covered
The standard applies to occupational footwear designed for light-duty, non-specialized applications. These include shoes used by workers in service, hospitality, transport, and support roles who require reliable and comfortable footwear but not high-grade safety protection.
Exemptions Provided
This QCO does not apply to products manufactured exclusively for export. Export-only units are exempt from the mandatory certification and ISI marking provisions.
Industries Impacted
The industries most affected include retail and hospitality, transport and logistics, warehouse staff, public utility workers, and general administrative or operational teams who rely on consistent quality footwear without advanced safety features.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers and importers must:
- Obtain a BIS license under Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018
- Ensure their products conform to IS 15298 (Part 4):2017
- Use BIS-recognized laboratories for product testing
- Affix the ISI mark only after successful certification
- Maintain full compliance with labelling, packaging, and documentation requirements
Compliance Timeline
- Original enforcement: 28 October 2020
- Deferred to: 1 July 2021 via the 2020 amendment (S.O. 4377(E))
- Final effective date: 1 January 2022 via the 2021 amendment (S.O. 2647(E))
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS certification well in advance of manufacturing or import
- Align designs, materials, and testing protocols with IS 15298 (Part 4):2017
- Certify through BIS-approved labs and obtain ISI marking authorization
- Ensure compliance with packaging and audit requirements from BIS
- Withdraw all non-certified stock from circulation after 1 January 2022
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Order is enforceable under the BIS Act, 2016. Any manufacturer, importer, or distributor who fails to comply may face:
- Product seizure
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS certification
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years under Section 29 of the Act
Supersession & Amendment Clause
The original 2020 QCO remains in effect, and the two subsequent amendments—issued in December 2020 and June 2021—revised only the enforcement timeline. There is no change to product scope or compliance rules.
Conclusion
From 1 January 2022, only occupational footwear that is BIS-certified and ISI-marked in compliance with IS 15298 (Part 4):2017 is permitted for sale, import, or distribution in India. This ensures that even light-duty work environments are supported with reliable, durable, and quality footwear. Export-only products remain exempt, but all domestic production must strictly adhere to the BIS framework.
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.