Foot Wear
Personal Protective Equipment - (Part 3) Protective Footwear
Strategic Recommendations for Protective Footwear (IS 15298 Part 3:2019)
- Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Apply for BIS license and get footwear tested for IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 in BIS-recognized labs well in advance of market supply. - Partner with Compliance Experts
Work with the ERA Compliance Team as BIS/QCO experts for guidance on certification, lab testing, documentation, and ISI marking. - Contact ERA Support Team
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp – Support available for license application, test coordination, and compliance advisory. - Track Notifications & Circulars
Monitor updates under QCO 2020 (S.O. 3857(E)), along with amendments S.O. 4377(E) & S.O. 2647(E). Subscribe to the ERA Newsletter for regular compliance alerts. - Do a Gap Assessment
Review current product designs, identify gaps against IS 15298 (Part 3):2019, withdraw uncertified stock, and affix ISI mark only after certification.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Personal Protective Equipment – Protective Footwear |
| IS No | IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 |
| Title of Indian Standard | – Personal Protective Equipment – Part 3: Protective 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; sale of uncertified protective footwear prohibited post 1 January 2022 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure that protective footwear meets minimum safety and performance standards for occupational environments with moderate hazards |
| Products Covered | Footwear offering protection (without toe caps) such as water resistance, anti-static features, energy absorption, and resistance to fuel, oil, or mild chemicals |
| Exemptions | - Products exclusively manufactured for export |
| Industries Impacted | - Public utilities and logistics - General manufacturing - Chemical handling - Municipal services and sanitation - Light industry and warehousing |
| Mandatory Compliance | - BIS certification under Scheme-I - Conformance to IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 - ISI mark required - Testing in BIS-approved labs - Packaging compliance |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | - Apply for BIS license - Align production to IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 - Complete testing and certification - Use ISI mark - Maintain compliance records |
| Legal Framework & Penalties | Enforced under BIS Act, 2016; non-compliance may result in: - Product seizure - License cancellation - Fines or imprisonment (up to 2 years) |
| Supersession & Amendment Clause | Order remains valid; enforcement timeline modified via S.O. 4377(E) and S.O. 2647(E) |
| Conclusion | IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 standardizes protective footwear features for light to medium risk workplaces. Certification and ISI marking are 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 3):2019 |
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Notification
The product “Protective Footwear” is governed 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, in exercise of powers under Sections 16 and 25(3) of the BIS Act, 2016. The original enforcement date was revised twice through amendments: S.O. 4377(E) dated 4 December 2020, which deferred it to 1 July 2021, and S.O. 2647(E) dated 30 June 2021, which set the final enforcement date as 1 January 2022.
Overview
This Quality Control Order (QCO) mandates that all protective footwear falling under IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 must be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and bear the ISI mark before being manufactured, imported, or sold in the Indian market. The aim is to ensure standardized product quality and safety across workplaces.
Objective & Scope
The standard IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 defines performance and safety requirements for protective footwear used in environments with moderate occupational hazards. Unlike safety footwear (which includes toe protection), protective footwear is designed to offer other forms of protection—such as resistance to fuel, oils, water penetration, antistatic properties, and shock absorption—without necessarily having reinforced toe caps.
Product Covered
This standard applies specifically to protective footwear used in industrial and service environments where full safety footwear is not required but certain protective features are essential. It includes footwear with anti-static soles, slip resistance, and materials resistant to oil, water, or mild chemicals.
Exemptions Provided
This Order does not apply to products meant exclusively for export. Such goods are outside the scope of domestic BIS certification requirements.
Industries Impacted
The QCO affects sectors such as light manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, chemical handling, public utilities, sanitation services, and municipal operations, where protective (but not necessarily safety-toe) footwear is commonly used.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
To comply, manufacturers and importers must:
- Obtain a BIS license under Scheme-I of the Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018
- Manufacture footwear in accordance with IS 15298 (Part 3):2019
- Conduct testing in BIS-recognized laboratories
- Affix the ISI mark only after successful certification
- Adhere to labelling, packaging, and traceability norms laid down by BIS
Compliance Timeline
- Initially applicable from the date of publication (28 October 2020)
- Deferred to 1 July 2021 via the 2020 amendment (S.O. 4377(E))
- Final enforcement from 1 January 2022 via the 2021 amendment (S.O. 2647(E))
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Manufacturers and importers must:
- Apply for BIS certification before manufacturing or marketing
- Ensure full alignment with IS 15298 (Part 3):2019
- Use certified raw materials and approved testing methods
- Mark certified products with the ISI symbol
- Maintain detailed records for BIS audits and enforcement checks
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The Order is enforceable under the BIS Act, 2016. Violations such as manufacturing or selling non-certified protective footwear can lead to:
- Product seizure
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to 2 years under Section 29 of the Act
Supersession & Amendment Clause
Its enforcement timeline was modified by the amendments in December 2020 and June 2021. No changes were made to the scope, applicability, or compliance requirements.
Conclusion
With effect from 1 January 2022, all Protective Footwear under IS 15298 (Part 3):2019 must be BIS-certified and ISI-marked to be legally sold or distributed in India. The Order ensures that occupational footwear meets essential quality and safety benchmarks, especially in environments requiring moderate protection. Export-only products are exempt, but all domestic stakeholders must fully comply to avoid penalties.
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.