Unlined moulded rubber boots are commonly used in places of work where exposure to water, mud, and contamination on the surface is unavoidable. Such boots are often used in agriculture, sanitation services, construction works, fishing industries and several industrial operations where ground conditions tend to remain wet, slippery, or unhygienic over prolonged periods of time. With their structure being made up of a single piece of moulded rubber, these boots provide a waterproof seal combined with sufficient flexibility to move around difficult terrains.
As per the regulatory standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards in IS 13995:1995, a series of tests and evaluations are conducted on these boots. The tests are conducted to determine their effectiveness in terms of water-resistance, dimensional stability, tensile strength, flexing endurance, etc. It is ensured that each product is tested in order to ascertain its performance capabilities in terms of its ability to sustain prolonged use in wet conditions.
Safety Norms for IS 13995:1995 Standard
This is the Indian Standard for unlined moulded rubber boots designed to protect against water, mud, and general outdoor working conditions. It ensures reliable performance, durability, and resistance to wear during use. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), these moulded boots are:
- Checked for moulding quality
- Assessed for flexibility
- Evaluated for tear resistance
- Tested for water resistance
Who Requires BIS Certification
BIS authorisation under IS 13995:1995 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying unlined rubber boots moulded in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Required to obtain a BIS license before the sale of the boots.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the moulded unlined rubber footwear to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified industrial rubber boots.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure dependable performance of unlined moulded rubber boots, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 13995:1995. This certification ensures that the boots are manufactured with proper durability, water resistance, flexibility, and workmanship suitable for industrial and outdoor applications.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the Unlined Moulded Rubber Boots are listed below:
BIS Registration Process for Unlined Moulded Rubber Boots in India
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Rubber Boots 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 load capacity, dimensional precision, material strength, surface finish, durability and corrosion resistance.
- 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: BIS officials visit the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Manufacturers are permitted to use ISI marking along with a valid CM/L number.
Mandatory Documents for IS 13995:1995 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 must designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manages all compliance and regulatory requirements in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
After the manufacturer obtains a BIS license, the ISI Mark for waterproof rubber boots must be written clearly and permanently either on its packaging or on the product. Further details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 13995:1995 |
| 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 Unlined Rubber Moulded Boots Validity
| 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 |
BIS Compliance Fee for Unlined Moulded Rubber Safety Boots
The cost of BIS Approval for a moulded rubber footwear 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
In working environments that are continuously exposed to wet surfaces, sludge and polluted ground conditions, unlined moulded rubber boots as per IS 13995:1995 are still reliable foot protection equipment. This is due to its unique one-piece moulded construction which provides a closed system that restricts the ingress of moisture and also provides a stable footing for walking on slippery terrain. With the assistance of EVTL India, the entire process of certification could be made much simpler in terms of documentation, sample testing, and submission processes. Such coordination will help to eliminate confusion concerning procedural requirements and make it easier for companies to deal with all technicalities associated with certification under BIS norms.
