The footwear industry requests an exemption from BIS regulations for items under Rs 500
The footwear industry has requested an exemption from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations for products priced below ₹500. Manufacturers, particularly in regions like Indore, have expressed concerns that adhering to these standards would significantly increase operational costs, potentially by over 50%, especially for products made from recycled materials. This price hike could adversely affect economically disadvantaged consumers who rely on affordable footwear options.
The BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) mandates compulsory certification for factories producing the final product and certain key components. This requirement aims to ensure product quality and safety but has raised concerns among manufacturers about its impact on small and medium-sized enterprises.
In response to these challenges, the footwear industry is advocating for a grace period to implement the BIS norms and seeking exemptions for low-priced products to maintain affordability for economically weaker sections of society.
The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in balancing the objectives of quality control with the need to support affordable footwear options for all consumers.
