The Indian government has announced significant amendments to its quality control regulations for footwear products, providing a boost to domestic manufacturers involved in research and development. Under a new notification from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), companies can now import a limited quantity of footwear specifically for R&D and non-commercial purposes.
Manufacturers of leather and other footwear products will be permitted to import up to 4,500 pairs of footwear annually. These imported items are strictly for research, development, testing, design studies, and benchmarking against global product samples. Crucially, these products cannot be sold commercially and must be clearly marked as “NOT FOR SALE.” Companies are also mandated to maintain detailed records of such imports for government review.
Compliance Relief Extended
In addition to easing import norms, the government has extended an existing exemption under the Quality Control Order (QCO) framework. The deadline for compliance, previously set for July 31, 2026, has been revised to July 31, 2027. This provides an additional year of relief for the industry to adapt to the new standards.
The amendments are incorporated into the Footwear made from All Rubber and All Polymeric Material and its Components (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026. Industry stakeholders have long argued that access to international product samples is vital for fostering innovation and developing competitive products, especially as India aims to strengthen its position as a global manufacturing and export hub for footwear.
Balancing Quality and Innovation
Quality Control Orders, which mandate adherence to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms, have been implemented across various sectors to elevate product quality and prevent the influx of substandard goods. However, industry bodies had previously sought exemptions for R&D activities, expressing concerns that stringent import restrictions could hinder innovation.
This latest amendment strikes a balance by creating a controlled framework for non-commercial imports, ensuring that while quality standards are upheld, manufacturers still have the flexibility needed for product development. The new regulations came into effect on June 12, 2026, the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.