RAI was invited for a meeting chaired by Mr Rajeev Thakur, AS, DPIIT and Mr Pramod Kumar Tiwari - DG, BIS and Mr HJS Pasricha - Deputy DG, BIS on 2 March 2023 at BIS headquarters to discuss QCOs for footwear.

The following were the points discussed:-

1. Initially testing should be based on self-certification and we should agree on a road map to create labs as well as spread awareness in the Industry. 

2. The existing inventory/ goods produced before 30th June 2023 should not be under the BIS purview as in our industry every shoe has a hand tag which states clearly month and year of Manufacture and that should be good enough to differentiate. Officials mentioned that they will get back quickly.

3. So far no standards have been published on both Children and clogs categories. These will be discussed subsequently.

4. As a lot of FDIs are expected to flow into the country and there is a panic in the International brands community with fears on  on market access. We suggested that international brands especially sports footwear brands who follow either EU or American standards which are much higher than the current draft BIS standards proposed,  should be allowed to import based on self-declaration.

5. Consider marking on Shoe box: To this the authorities expressed apprehension. We need to find a solution and go back to them.

Concluding remarks by DG - BIS:

1. For first year, there will be hand holding. There will be NO Inspector Raj.

2. For domestic manufacturers having units in India, license will be given quickly the moment factory visit happens i.e. within 15 days. Process will be very close to self-certification. Renewal is automatic Subject to timely payment of renewal fee.

Foreign visit by BIS officials is only once at the beginning.  BIS is open to suggestions and the meeting ended on a positive note.

Meeting was attended by representatives from Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd; Puma; Adidas; Skechers; Trent; Reliance; Bata; Nike; H&M; Decathlon along with RAI Team.