Why Louis Vuitton Couldn't Sell Shoes in India: The BIS Certification Barrier
Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior and Christian Louboutin face a hurdle in entering the Indian
footwear market due to stringent regulatory requirements, such as BIS certification for footwear.
Despite this challenge, there are opportunities for brands to adapt and thrive by prioritizing compliance
and innovation. Let's explore how brands can navigate regulatory barriers and seize opportunities for
growth in India.
Set back of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton encountered difficulties in entering the Indian footwear market as it was unable to obtain
a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certificate within the stipulated timeframe of the quality control
orders. Louis Vuitton's failure to secure the necessary certification within the designated period
hindered its ability to comply with regulatory requirements, leading to challenges in selling its goods and
establishing a foothold in the Indian market.
Government Stance and Industry Response
While luxury brands like Louis Vuitton have urged the Indian government for relief from stringent BIS
certification requirements, their requests have been rejected. The government's stance emphasizes the
importance of adhering to Indian standards, regardless of a brand's global reputation or manufacturing
processes.
Quality Control Orders (QCOs) Released
- 1. Footwear made from all-Rubber and all Polymeric material and its components (Quality Control) Order, 2022
- 2. Footwear made from Leather and other materials (Quality Control) Order, 2022
- 3.Personal Protective Equipment – Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020
Footwear made from all-Rubber and all Polymeric material and its components (Quality Control) Order, 2022
Effective from July 1, 2023
| Sr. No. | Goods or Articles | Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
|
01. |
Industrial and protective rubber
knee and ankle boots
|
IS 5557: 2004 |
Industrial and protective rubber
knee and ankle boots -
Specification |
|
02. |
All rubber gum boots and ankle
boots
|
IS 5557 (Part 2):
2018
|
All rubber gum boots and ankle
boots: Part 2 occupational
purposes |
|
03. |
Moulded solid rubber soles and
heels
|
IS 5676: 1995 |
Moulded solid rubber soles and
heels Specification |
|
04. |
Rubber microcellular sheets for
soles and heels
|
IS 6664: 1992 |
Rubber microcellular sheets for
soles and heels- Specification |
|
05. |
Solid PVC soles and heels |
IS 6719: 1972 |
Specification for solid PVC soles
and heels |
|
06. |
PVC sandal |
IS 6721: 1972 |
Specification for PVC sandal |
|
07. |
Rubber Hawai Chappal |
IS 10702: 1992 |
Rubber Hawai Chappal-
Specification |
|
08. |
Slipper, rubber |
IS 11544: 1986 |
Specification for slipper, rubber |
|
09. |
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
industrial boots
|
IS 12254: 1993 |
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
industrial boots - Specification |
|
10. |
Polyurethane sole, semirigid |
IS 13893: 1994 |
Polyurethane sole, semirigid
Specification |
|
11. |
Unlined moulded rubber boots |
IS 13995: 1995 |
Unlined moulded rubber boots
– Specification |
|
12. |
Moulded plastics footwear |
IS 16645: 2018 |
Moulded plastics footwear-
Lined or Unlined polyurethane
boots for general industrial use-
Specification |
|
13. |
Footwear for men and women
for municipal scavenging work
|
IS 16994: 2018 |
Footwear for men and women
for municipal scavenging work |
Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2022
Effective from July 1, 2023
| Sr. No. | Goods or Articles | Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
|
01. |
Leather safety boots and shoes |
IS 1989 (Part 1):
1986
IS 1989 (Part 2):
|
Specification for leather safety
boots and shoes Part 1 for
miners. |
|
|
|
IS 1989 (Part 2):
1986
|
Specification for leather safety
boots and shoes Part 2 for
heavy metal industries |
|
02. |
Canvas Shoes Rubber Sole |
IS 3735: 1996 |
Canvas Shoes, Rubber Sole-
Specification |
|
03. |
Canvas Boots Rubber Sole |
IS 3736: 1995 |
Canvas Boots, Rubber Sole-
Specification |
|
04. |
Safety Rubber Canvas Boots for
Miners
|
IS 3976: 2018 |
Safety Rubber Canvas Boots for
Miners Specification |
|
05. |
Leather safety footwear |
IS 11226: 1993 |
Leather safety footwear having
direct moulded rubber sole-
Specification |
|
06. |
Leather safety footwear with
direct moulded polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) sole
|
IS 14544: 1998 |
Leather safety footwear with
direct moulded polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) sole –
Specification |
|
07. |
Sports footwear |
IS 15844: 2010 |
Sports Footwear- Specification |
|
08. |
High ankle tactical boots with PU
- Rubber sole
|
IS 17012: 2018 |
High ankle tactical boots with
PU - Rubber Sole – Specification |
|
09. |
Anti riot shoes |
IS 17037: 2018 |
Anti riot shoes – Specification |
|
10. |
Derby shoes |
IS 17043: 2018 |
Derby shoes – Specification |
Personal Protective Equipment-Footwear (Quality Control) Order, 2020
Effective from January 1, 2022
| Indian Standard | Title of Indian Standard |
|---|---|
|
IS 15298 (Part 2): 2016 |
Personal protective equipment - Part 2 Safety Footwear
|
|
IS 15298 (Part 3): 2019 |
Personal protective equipment - Part 3 Protective Footwear
|
|
IS 15298 (Part 4): 2017 |
Personal protective equipment - Part 4 Occupational Footwear |
Policy Objectives
The BIS certification regulations align with the government's broader objectives of promoting domestic
manufacturing i.e., Make in India, and ensuring consumer safety. Union Minister for Commerce and
Consumer Affairs, Piyush Goyal, has underscored the significance of adhering to BIS standards to
enhance product quality and promoting domestic manufacturing.
Opportunity for Indian manufacturers
The implementation of quality control standards for footwear in India presents Indian manufacturers
with a significant opportunity. By meeting these standards, they can compete effectively with luxury
brands and promote domestic production. With the right support, achieving BIS certification is not
difficult. With proper assistance and guidance, manufacturers can streamline their processes and ensure
compliance, ultimately enhancing product quality and market competitiveness. With the right support,
Indian manufacturers can successfully achieve BIS certification and elevate their standing in the
footwear industry.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialistadvice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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