Comfort and safety are two qualities that go hand in hand when it comes to the type of footwear.
Sandals and slippers are very popular items which are used in households, clinics, offices and
other places where people need to stand or walk for long periods of time without taking any
breaks. Some of the features of these footwear items include their lightweight build, cushioned
footbeds, and slip-resistant sole design.
In order to ensure consistency and quality in the production of this type of footwear, a set of
standards has been established by the Bureau of Indian Standards, namely IS 6721:2023.
Some of the key aspects included in this standard are material properties, quality of sole
bonding, dimensions, slip resistance, and durability. The manufacturers are required to obtain
the BIS certification to sell this footwear to Indian customers.
Understanding IS 6721:2023
Standard
This is the Indian Standard that specifies the quality requirements and performance standards
for sandals and slippers intended for regular domestic and commercial use. It ensures comfort,
durability, and proper construction of footwear products. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian
Standards), these sandals are:
- Checked for material quality
- Evaluated for sole adhesion
- Tested for wear resistance
- Assessed for fitting
- Verified for consumer safety
Who needs BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 6721:2023 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying sandals and slippers in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must obtain BIS certification if the product falls under
mandatory compliance requirements.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Should get BIS clearance for export of footwear to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Should ensure that products are BIS certified.
- Sellers/Distributors - Can trade in certified footwear products only.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To regulate the quality and durability of everyday footwear products, the Bureau of Indian
Standards has outlined the minimum requirements in IS 6721:2023. This certification ensures
that sandals and slippers meet the required standards for material quality, workmanship, and
overall performance for consumer use.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the sandals and slippers are listed below:
Complete Guide to BIS Certification for Footwear Sandals
and Slippers

The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the sandals and slippers meet the required
standards for proper and efficient operation. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for chemical composition, silica content, moisture content, fineness, compressive strength, and other physical performance parameters.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: The Bureau of Indian Standards officials inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon successful verification of all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents for sandals and sliooers BIS Approval
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
The Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the manufacturer obtains a BIS license, the ISI Mark for casual footwear must be written
clearly and permanently either on its packaging or on the product. Additional details are
provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 6721: 2023 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
BIS License Validity for 6721
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Non-Compliance Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
pvc slipper BIS Approval charges in india
The cost of BIS Approval for micro silica includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Sandals and slippers manufactured as per IS 6721:2023 standard have shown better uniformity
in stability and comfort. Being made in accordance with set standards, these products show
greater resistance to deformation, have a lower risk of strap breakage, and exhibit increased
durability in ordinary wearing situations. All this leads to a higher level of comfort when walking
and using such sandals and slippers.
Help from EVTL India can make the certification process easier for manufacturers and importers
of sandals. The cooperation from the company will help to simplify the certification process and
improve the quality of interaction with certification organizations.