Sports footwear for general-purpose use is designed for comfort and support during physical activities, such as running or walking. The shoes are normally produced using flexible uppers, shock absorber soles and durable grip patterns. This improves movement and reduces foot fatigue. These kinds of sports shoes are very common among students, fitness trainers, athletes, and many others for regular indoor and outdoor activities.
BIS certification for sports footwear verifies that the product meets the technical requirements specified under IS 15844 (Part 1): 2023. The process of certification involves testing samples of the footwear for a variety of performance parameters such as the adhesiveness of the sole, material strength, flexibility and dimensional accuracy. Manufacturers who meet the necessary standards are allowed to sell the shoes to customers in India.
What is IS 15844 (Part 1): 2023
This is the Indian Standard that outlines the requirements for sports footwear designed for general-purpose use. It mentions the material and performance criteria to ensure the footwear is suitable for regular use. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), sports footwear is:
- Evaluated for flexibility
- Checked for sole bonding strength
- Verified for proper fitting
- Assessed for material quality
Athletic Footwear BIS Approval Eligibility
BIS authorisation under IS 15844 (Part 1): 2023 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying general-use sports footwear in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the sports shoes are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the footwear to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified general-purpose sports shoes.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure reliable performance of sports footwear used for general-purpose activities such as walking or training, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 15844 (Part 1): 2023. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet quality standards for the shoes. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the sports footwear are listed below:
BIS Approval Process for Sports Shoes
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that general-use sports 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 list for IS 15844(Part 1): 2023 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-purpose use sports shoes
must be clearly and permanently written on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI
Mark, key 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 15844 (Part 1): 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.
athletic footware bis license Validity details
| 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 |
fees for sports shose 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
Sports footwear designed for general use is supposed to provide comfort, durability, and
performance during any athletic activities. Certification makes such products more desirable
since they undergo tests for various quality parameters before being launched in the market.
BIS certification under IS 15844 (Part 1): 2023 also helps reduce issues related to weak sole
bonding, poor material quality, or early product damage. As a result, consumers can make more
informed choices when buying such products.
EVTL India provides professional assistance to manufacturers seeking BIS certification for
sports footwear. The company supports businesses with application preparation, coordination
for product testing, and compliance-related documentation.
