Footwear Manufacturers Seek Exemption from BIS Norms for Micro-Units, Cite Practical Challenges
Introduction: Footwear manufacturers from Kerala have recently appealed to the Indian government, requesting additional time to comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms for their products. They have also urged the authorities to exempt micro-units entirely from the implementation of these norms. The industry contends that the immediate implementation of BIS standards for a large number of products is impractical and may cause significant disruptions.
Background: The BIS order mandates that 24 footwear items must adhere to the specified norms by July 1, 2023. However, manufacturers argue that complying with these quality standards within the given timeframe poses significant challenges, particularly for small-scale and medium-scale units.
Concerns Raised by Footwear Manufacturers: V.K.C. Razak, representing the Footwear Manufacturers’ Association, expressed the industry’s willingness to adhere to quality standards but emphasized that the July 1 deadline was not feasible for a substantial number of products. He also highlighted the critical role of the footwear sector as a significant source of employment in the country, particularly for unorganized small-scale units that lack financial resources.
The president of the Kerala State Small Industries Association, A. Nizaruddin, warned that the immediate implementation of BIS norms without any exemptions would likely lead to a major crisis in the sector, potentially bringing it to a standstill.
Challenges Faced by the Industry: In a letter to the authorities concerned, footwear manufacturers highlighted several practical challenges associated with the implementation of BIS norms. They pointed out that the products had already occupied retail shelves for a significant period, making it difficult to recall them on short notice. Moreover, the industry argued that the BIS standards lacked sufficient flexibility to account for the diverse range of products, which use multiple raw materials and have varying price points. They raised concerns about covering the entire product range under a single standard.
The manufacturers also noted that implementing a recall from the market might not be a practical solution, given the distribution channels involved and the presence of unsold products with manufacturers.
Appeal for Exemptions and Postponements: Footwear manufacturers have proposed that the implementation of BIS norms be postponed for a minimum of two years, starting from January 1, 2026, for small-scale units, and for at least one year for medium-scale units. They hope that this additional time will enable them to comply with the quality standards while minimizing disruptions to their operations and the industry at large.
Conclusion: The footwear industry in Kerala has appealed to the government for more time to implement the BIS norms and has requested complete exemption for micro-units. They argue that the immediate implementation poses practical challenges, such as recalling products from the market, accommodating a wide range of raw materials, and addressing varying price points. The industry hopes that the authorities will consider their concerns and provide the necessary exemptions and postponements to ensure a smooth transition towards compliance with BIS norms.
