The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has introduced key amendments to two Quality Control Orders (QCOs) governing the footwear sector, providing greater flexibility to manufacturers while reinforcing India’s commitment to high-quality production standards. The revised rules are aimed at reducing compliance burdens, encouraging innovation, and supporting the growth of the domestic footwear industry without compromising product quality.
The amendments, notified on June 12, 2026, under S.O. 3038(E) and S.O. 3037(E), relate to the Footwear made from Leather and other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024 and the Footwear made from All Rubber and all Polymeric Material and its Components (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
One-Year Extension for Legacy Stock Clearance
One of the most significant changes introduced by the DPIIT is the extension of the deadline for clearing legacy stock. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers will now have until July 31, 2027, instead of the earlier deadline of July 31, 2026, to liquidate existing inventories that were produced before the mandatory implementation of the Quality Control Orders.
The decision takes into account the unique nature of the footwear business, where products are often seasonal and may remain in the supply chain beyond a single sales cycle. The additional year is expected to help businesses manage inventories more efficiently while avoiding unnecessary financial losses.
The government believes the extension will ensure a smoother transition to the new regulatory framework by minimizing disruptions in trade and reducing compliance challenges for industry stakeholders.
Focus on BIS-Certified Products
While offering temporary relief through the extended deadline, the amendments reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that only footwear meeting Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification requirements will be available in the market after the transition period ends.
The move supports the broader objective of enhancing product quality, improving consumer confidence, and promoting internationally competitive manufacturing practices within India’s footwear sector.
R&D Sample Imports Get Special Exemption
Another important feature of the amendments is the introduction of a dedicated exemption for the import of footwear samples meant exclusively for research and development (R&D).
Manufacturers of leather and footwear products will now be permitted to import up to 4,500 pairs of footwear annually for non-commercial purposes such as product evaluation, design development, vendor presentations and research activities.
The government has clarified that these imported samples cannot be sold in the domestic market under any circumstances.
To prevent misuse, every imported sample must carry a clearly visible and permanently embossed marking stating “NOT FOR SALE.” After serving their intended purpose, the samples must be disposed of as scrap.
Strict Compliance Measures Remain in Place
Although the exemption offers greater operational flexibility, manufacturers will still be required to maintain detailed year-wise records of all imported R&D samples. These records must be produced before the government whenever requested.
The documentation requirement is intended to ensure transparency while allowing authorities to monitor the use of imported samples and prevent their diversion into commercial markets.
According to the revised framework, the imported samples are meant solely for evaluating product designs, assessing manufacturing techniques, testing documentation requirements and enabling domestic replication before large-scale production begins in India.
Boost for Innovation and Product Development
Industry stakeholders are expected to benefit significantly from the R&D exemption, as it will allow companies to study global footwear trends, examine advanced manufacturing techniques and develop products suited to both domestic and export markets.
The provision is particularly important for manufacturers seeking to improve product quality, experiment with new materials and respond quickly to changing consumer preferences without facing unnecessary regulatory hurdles.
By facilitating easier access to international samples, the government aims to strengthen innovation capabilities across the footwear manufacturing ecosystem.
Supporting Ease of Doing Business
The latest amendments reflect the government’s broader efforts to balance quality regulation with industry-friendly policies. By extending the transition period for existing inventories and creating a practical mechanism for importing research samples, DPIIT seeks to simplify compliance while maintaining strict quality benchmarks.
The measures are also expected to improve operational efficiency across the footwear supply chain, reduce unnecessary business disruptions and create a more predictable regulatory environment for manufacturers and retailers.
Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” manufacturing, the revised Quality Control Orders are designed to strengthen India’s quality infrastructure, support the Make in India initiative and enhance the country’s reputation as a reliable global manufacturing hub. As the footwear industry adapts to the new standards, the amendments are expected to encourage innovation, improve product competitiveness and promote sustainable long-term growth.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
