Extended Deadlines and New Exemptions: 2026 Amendments to India’s Footwear Quality Control Orders

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Dated: 16.06.2026

Extended Deadlines and New Exemptions: 2026 Amendments to India’s Footwear Quality Control Orders

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, has issued significant amendments to the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) governing footwear made from rubber, polymers, leather, and other materials. These changes, published in June 2026, impact compliance timelines and introduce new exemptions for research and development activities. Below is a detailed overview for manufacturers, importers, and industry stakeholders.

Key Amendments at a Glance

1. Extension of Compliance Deadlines

Footwear made from All Rubber and All Polymeric Material and its Components:
- The deadline for compliance with the QCO has been extended from 31 July 2026 to 31 July 2027.
Footwear made from Leather and Other Materials:
- Similarly, the compliance deadline is now 31 July 2027 instead of the earlier 31 July 2026.

This extension provides manufacturers and importers with additional time to align their products and processes with the prescribed quality standards under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

2. Exemption for R&D and Non-Commercial Imports

A new proviso has been inserted in both QCOs, offering a targeted exemption for manufacturers engaged in research and development (R&D):

Scope of Exemption:
Manufacturers of leather and footwear products can import up to 4,500 pairs per year for R&D and non-commercial use.

Conditions for Exemption:

The imported goods must not be sold commercially.
Each pair must be marked and embossed with the words ‘NOT FOR SALE’.
After use, the goods must be disposed of as scrap.
Manufacturers are required to maintain year-wise records of such imports and furnish them to the government upon request.

This exemption is designed to foster innovation and product development without compromising the integrity of the domestic quality control regime.

Implications for the Footwear Industry

Opportunities

Extended Preparation Time:
- The one-year extension allows manufacturers to upgrade facilities, train staff, and ensure all products meet BIS standards.
Boost to R&D:
- The exemption encourages manufacturers to experiment with new materials and designs, supporting the development of globally competitive products.

Compliance Responsibilities

Strict Record-Keeping:
- Manufacturers must maintain detailed, year-wise records of all R&D imports and be prepared to present them to authorities.
Proper Disposal:
- All R&D imports must be scrapped after use, ensuring they do not enter the commercial market.

Summary Table: Key Changes

Aspect	Previous Requirement	Amended Requirement (2026)
Compliance Deadline (Rubber/Polymeric)	31 July 2026	31 July 2027
Compliance Deadline (Leather/Other)	31 July 2026	31 July 2027
R&D Import Exemption	Not specified	Up to 4,500 pairs/year, with conditions
Marking for R&D Imports	Not specified	‘NOT FOR SALE’ embossed
Disposal of R&D Imports	Not specified	Must be scrapped
Record-Keeping for R&D Imports	Not specified	Year-wise records required

Conclusion

The 2026 amendments to the Quality Control Orders for footwear provide much-needed flexibility for manufacturers, especially those investing in R&D. However, strict adherence to the new conditions is essential to benefit from these exemptions and avoid regulatory issues. Stakeholders should update their compliance strategies and internal processes to align with these changes.

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Source: DPIIT

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