Government Extends Compliance Relief Under Footwear QCO Amendment 2026
Compliance Relief is extended by the government and a new Footwear QCO Amendment 2026 is introduced to allow R&D import exemption. The Government of India has enforced a new set of regulations with the "Footwear made from All Rubber and all Polymeric Material and its Components (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026. The amendment is based on the existing Quality Control Order (QCO) issued in 2024 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The proposed amendment is likely to offer more flexibility to the manufacturers, encourage innovation and help with the research and development activities, all the while keeping the standards of quality and security for footwear products in India.
Some of the highlights in the Amendment Order
There are two significant changes in the current Footwear QCO framework in the amendment:
- Today, the exemption period is being extended from 31 July 2026 to 31 July 2027.
- A new exemption for imports for research and development (R&D) and non-commercial purposes.
The changes have been effected under the powers of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016 with the consultations of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Extension of the Existing Compliance Relaxation Scheme
The main point of the amendment is the extension of a current exemption which was due to expire on 31 July 2026. The Government has now extended this deadline by a year to apply to the exemption until 31 July 2027.
This extension will give stakeholders who have been affected enough time to harmonize their activities with the relevant BIS certification and compliance to quality standards. The extra transition period may provide a benefit to industry, including manufacturers and importers of rubber and polymeric footwear products.
The government's decision comes after the industry raised concerns about timelines for implementation and the need for a smoother transition to full compliance with regulations.
A new R&D Import Exemption was introduced
The establishment of a specific exemption for research and development imports is another significant change as per the amendment.
Under the new, the manufacturers will be permitted to import leather and footwear products articles/goods of up to 4,500 pairs annually and not be subject to the provisions of the Quality Control Order, if the imports are for the purpose of R&D for non-commercial applications.
This exemption is aimed at fostering innovation, product development, testing and technological innovation in the Indian footwear sector.
International product samples, prototype materials and innovative design for testing and benchmarking are often required by the footwear industry. The new exemption should help to ease the regulatory burden on these types of activities and encourage new product development.
Conditions Applicable to the R&D Exemption
The exemption is subject to several strict conditions to ensure that imported products are not diverted into the commercial market.
According to the notification, imported goods covered under the exemption:
1. Cannot Be Sold Commercially
The imported footwear products or components must be used exclusively for research, testing, development, evaluation, or similar non-commercial purposes. Commercial sale of these products is strictly prohibited.
2. Must Be Marked “NOT FOR SALE”
All exempted imported products must be clearly marked and embossed with the words “NOT FOR SALE.”
This requirement aims to ensure clear identification of R&D imports and prevent unauthorized commercial distribution.
3. Must Be Disposed of as Scrap
After completion of research or testing activities, the imported products must be disposed of as scrap rather than entering the commercial supply chain.
This condition further strengthens regulatory control and safeguards the integrity of the quality control framework.
4. Record-Keeping Requirements
Manufacturers availing themselves of the exemption are required to maintain year-wise records of imported quantities and usage details.
These records must be furnished to the Government whenever requested, ensuring transparency and regulatory oversight.
Impact on the Footwear Industry
The amendment is expected to have a positive impact on both domestic manufacturers and international brands operating in India.
For domestic manufacturers, the R&D exemption provides an opportunity to study emerging global footwear trends, evaluate new materials, and develop innovative products without facing immediate certification requirements for small-scale research imports.
International companies collaborating with Indian manufacturers may also find it easier to supply samples and prototypes for testing and product development activities.
Industry experts believe that the measure strikes a practical balance between maintaining product quality standards and encouraging innovation-driven growth.
Alignment with Government’s Quality Vision
India has been progressively expanding its Quality Control Order framework across various sectors to enhance product quality, consumer safety, and manufacturing competitiveness.
The footwear sector has been one of the key industries covered under mandatory quality regulations. By extending implementation relief and introducing a controlled R&D exemption, the government has demonstrated a balanced approach that supports both regulatory compliance and industrial innovation.
The amendment also aligns with broader initiatives aimed at strengthening India's manufacturing ecosystem under programs such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Conclusion
The Footwear made from All Rubber and all Polymeric Material and its Components (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 represents an important regulatory update for the footwear industry. The extension of the existing exemption until 31 July 2027 offers additional compliance flexibility, while the introduction of the R&D import exemption creates new opportunities for innovation and product development.
Manufacturers, importers, testing organizations, and industry stakeholders should carefully review the revised provisions and ensure adherence to the conditions associated with the newly introduced exemption. As India continues to strengthen its quality infrastructure, such policy measures are expected to promote both regulatory certainty and technological advancement within the footwear sector.