Footwear manufacturers have expressed their support for the government’s decision to implement mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms for footwear products. They acknowledge that these norms aim to ensure superior quality and protect against substandard products, particularly those flooding the market from China. The move is seen as a way to strengthen the domestic industry and promote consumer confidence in Indian footwear brands.
However, manufacturers have raised concerns about the rushed implementation of the BIS norms, suggesting that sudden enforcement without sufficient preparation could have negative consequences. They worry that it could lead to significant job losses, especially in small and micro units. Additionally, the sudden order could result in financial losses, including raw materials and already manufactured products.
One major concern is the limited scope of the BIS norms and the need for flexibility in terms of the range of footwear products and the various raw materials used in production. Manufacturers emphasize that the specifications must account for the diverse nature of footwear offerings, including variations in quality requirements for footwear of different price ranges and materials. They believe that the current standards need to address these critical aspects adequately.
Another challenge faced by footwear makers is the practicality of recalling products that are already on retail shelves. Due to the lengthy shelf life of footwear, retrieving them at short notice becomes impractical. This issue calls for a more practical approach to the implementation process.
Footwear manufacturers suggest revising the specifications to accommodate different factors such as price range and raw materials. They also propose exempting micro and small-scale industries from the order, considering their limited resources and potential difficulties in compliance.
While the government’s intention to enforce mandatory BIS norms for footwear products is appreciated, it is important to strike a balance between quality standards and the concerns raised by the industry. Flexibility in implementation and revisiting the specifications to accommodate diverse product ranges and materials could ensure a smoother transition while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
By addressing these issues, footwear manufacturers believe that the government can create a conducive environment for the growth of the Indian footwear industry, enhance quality standards, and protect domestic manufacturers from unfair competition.