The Central Government has extended by one year the implementation deadline of the Quality Control Order (QCO) for footwear made from leather and other materials and introduced a special exemption for limited imports for research and development purposes.
The extension is expected to provide relief to the footwear industry, which will be able to import for research and non-commercial purposes.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued the Footwear made from Leather and other Materials (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, which says the deadline specified in the earlier Quality Control Order has been revised from July 31, 2026 to July 31, 2027. The amendment will come into force immediately from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
In another significant decision, the government has exempted imports of up to 4,500 pairs of footwear or related goods annually by manufacturers of leather and footwear products for research and development and other non-commercial purposes.
These imports will not be allowed for sale in India and must comply with strict conditions. The products will have to be clearly marked “NOT FOR SALE.” The goods will also have to be disposed of as scrap after use. In addition, manufacturers will be required to maintain year-wise records of such imports and furnish them to the government whenever sought.
The amendment has been issued under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, following consultations with the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Industry observers said the move would give manufacturers additional time to meet compliance requirements while also facilitating innovation, product testing and research activities without affecting the commercial market.
The original Quality Control Order was issued in March 2024 and later amended in August 2024.
