General-purpose shoes are designed with durable soles, secure fitting, and durable materials, making such footwear suitable for regular use. People prefer such footwear because it is highly durable, easy to maintain, and comfortable. These shoes are worn in offices, schools, in public places, and in light work areas, and thus should provide adequate comfort as well as adequate support.
To confirm product reliability, manufacturers are required to follow the standard quality and performance requirements during production. BIS certification for shoes for general purpose is granted after evaluating the product according to IS 17043 (Part 2): 2024. This test includes various tests like the sole adhesion test, material, stitching and dimensional compliance. The manufacturers are required to meet the minimum standards before selling the shoes to consumers.
What is IS 17043 (Part 2): 2024
This is the Indian Standard for general-purpose shoes. It mentions the quality and performance criteria to ensure the shoes are suitable for daily use. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), footwear is:
- Checked for material quality
- Verified for slip resistance
- Assessed for flexibility
- Tested for durability
Who is eligible for General Purpose Shoes BIS Approval
BIS authorisation under IS 17043 (Part 2): 2024 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying general-use footwear in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the shoes are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified shoes.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure reliable performance of shoes used for general-purpose activities such as walking, daily wear, or light training, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 17043 (Part 2): 2024. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet durability standards for footwear.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the shoes are listed below:
Steps for General Purpose Shoes BIS Approval

The BIS Authorisation process ensures that general-use footwear meets 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 physical properties, moisture content, chemical characteristics, dimensional stability, and overall material performance.
- 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 Checklist for IS 17043(Part 2): 2019 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
Once a manufacturer obtains BIS approval, the ISI Mark for general footwear must be clearly
and permanently written on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, essential
details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be marked.
This ensures the product complies with all safety and performance standards. Additional details
are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 17043 (Part 2): 2024 |
| 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.
Validity details for general purpose shose bis license
| 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 |
fee structure for daily wear footware bis approval
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
General-purpose shoes are widely used because they offer comfort and durability. The IS 17043 (Part 2): 2024, guarantees that general purpose shoes satisfy all the required quality and safety parameters. It will help to avoid problems like sole bonding, lack of strength in materials, and early wear and tear of the products. It also ensures uniform quality across different manufacturers in the footwear industry.
BIS certification is required for manufacturers to sell shoes for general purposes in India. This also increases the product reliability, consumer confidence and market acceptance. Manufacturers can take expert help to ease the certification process. EVTL India provides complete assistance, including documentation, application filing and testing coordination. This makes the BIS approval process for the manufacturers smooth and hassle-free.