The footwear industry has recently expressed its concerns to the Centre regarding the implementation of BIS standards for all types of footwear manufacturing. While the industry welcomes the government’s initiative to ensure quality, it believes that the current standards and implementation guidelines lack scientific basis.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has introduced Quality Control Orders, mandating BIS standards for all types of footwear. However, there are exceptions for Hawai Chappals, Sandals and Slippers, and Sports Shoes until December 31, 2023.
Although the footwear industry supports the implementation of quality standards, it argues that the current standards and implementation guidelines lack scientific foundation. Here’s the reason:
BIS has issued a single standard for Sports Footwear – General Purpose. However, this standard is the same for an injection mould PVS shoe worth Rs 300 in the market and for sports shoes manufactured by multinational companies worth Rs 10,000.
Similarly, Hawai Chappal has the same standard for both non-branded products worth Rs 100 and branded products worth Rs 1000. A kids’ footwear made of soft EVA sheet and a direct moulded PU footwear also adhere to the same standard.
The industry highlights numerous other issues in testing procedures and processes. Furthermore, it is important to note that 75 percent of the Indian footwear industry comprises the unorganized sector, employing approximately 44.2 lakhs people according to a government study.
Most of the unorganized sector belongs to the MSME sector, and they will struggle to comply with BIS standards if they are not scientifically determined and simplified. This could result in the closure of the entire MSME sector, leaving only a few organized players and multinational companies in existence.
The industry suggests the following actions to save the MSMEs from potential losses:
MSME FOOTWEAR SECTOR ACTION COUNCIL highlights key concerns
- The Footwear Industry supports Quality Standards.
- The current standards and implementation procedures lack scientific and practical considerations and require immediate correction.
- Micro and Small companies were previously exempted from BIS by the Government. The industry requests the continuation of this exemption for micro and small units under the Quality Control Orders.
- A period of 2-3 years should be provided to all industries until BIS develops appropriate standards that encompass product categories, product prices, manufacturing processes, and raw materials used. It is crucial to understand that time is needed to establish sufficient infrastructure for testing and implementation, as well as ensuring the availability of suitable raw materials that comply with BIS standards.
- Enforcement of BIS standards should not be retroactive. It should only apply to products manufactured after the final implementation date of BIS, avoiding unnecessary waste of products and losses in the industry.
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Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
