- Makes Sure Worker Safety and Hygiene BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear stipulates protective requirements to provide protection to municipal scavenging workers against the following—sewage, chemicals, sharp objects, biological hazards, and slippery surfaces
- Compulsory BIS Certification in India Footwear used for urban scavenging work is one area where BIS certification is mandatory, and manufacturers and suppliers are obligated to meet the standards in the country, i.e. in India.
- Strict Quality and Performance Testing The products undergo tests on sole adhesion ability, tensile strength, resistance to abrasion, water penetration resistance, slip resistance, and durability.
- Enhances Product Authenticity and Tender Ability The sourcing of footwear products certified by the BIS enhances the trust between the footwear manufacturer and the local bodies, thereby facilitating participation in the government, PSU, and municipal sanitation
- Reduces Legal Liability and Workplace Injuries Following IS 16994:2018 can help eliminate foot injuries and guarantee compliance with occupational safety standards. This can, in turn, limit the risk of employers, as well as manufacturers,
Introduction | BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear
Municipal scavenging work is one of the most perilous occupations in India. Workers are continuously exposed to sewage, sludge, chemicals, pointed garbage fragments, biological agents, and slippery surfaces. Without appropriate protective gear, foot trauma, infection, and chronic disease are prevalent. Acknowledging this fact, the Bureau of Indian Standards has brought out a special Indian Standard, IS 16994:2018, which has laid down minimum safety, quality, and performance requirements for footwear for men and women workers in municipal scavenging work.
The BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear under IS 16994:2018 is not a regulatory formality but a lifesaving compliance feature in itself. It ensures that footwear supplied to sanitation workers is tested, durable, hygienic, and fit for very extreme working conditions. This certification opens the doors for manufacturers and suppliers to municipal tenders, builds up credibility, and ensures legal compliance. This blog provides the complete practical and detailed guide to BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear certification for municipal scavenging footwear, including features, reasons, benefits, challenges, and why choosing Diligence Certificate Consultancy is the smartest path forward.
What Is BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear (IS 16994:2018)?
The purpose of the BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear is to ascertain that such protection footwear is designed as per requirements stated in IS 16994:2018. This requirement is applicable to footwear that is specifically designed and used as a function of sanitation activities, scavenging work that is conducted by municipal staff, such as cleaning of sewages, maintenance of drains, handling of wastes, and sanitation.
Key Features of IS 16994:2018-Compliant Footwear
Footwear that meets the requirements stated in BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear has special safety aspects designed specifically for scavenger tasks. Here are the key technical/functional specifications:
- Chemical & Sewage Resistance The materials must resist decay in the face of sewage, chemicals, oils, and liquid waste.
- Slip-Resistant The outsole is also evaluated for slip-resistance properties on wet and contaminated floor surfaces to prevent falls and resultant injuries.
- Waterproof & Impermeable Construction The footwear should protect against penetration of water and sludge, hence preventing the feet from becoming saturated with water, an important factor in preventing infections.
- High Durability and Abrasion Resistance Shoes have to be able to stand up to rough use, sharp objects, and harsh environments.
- Comfort & Ergonomic Design Designed for working for long hours, approved footwear should also provide sufficient cushioning, comfort, and flexibility for workers whether male or female.
Why BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear Is Required
Accreditation by BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear of municipal scavenging footwear is necessary for many legal, safety, and commercial purposes.
- Worker Safety & Occupational Health Certified footwear decreases serious injuries, infections, and long-term diseases significantly.
- Legal & Regulatory Compliance Municipal bodies are supposed to procure BIS-certified safety equipment for compliance with labor and safety.
- Nationally Uniform Standards of Quality IS 16994:2018 maintains the reproducibility of the same quality from different suppliers and prevents inferior-quality footwear from being exchanged in the market.
- Tender & Procurement Eligibility It is compulsory to obtain the certification provided by BIS to participate in government and municipal sanitation tenders.
- Corporate & Social Responsibility Supplying certified safety footwear is a reflection of ethical business practices and concern for worker welfare.
Importance & Benefits BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear
| Importance | Benefits |
| Protects sanitation workers from hazardous conditions | Reduces workplace accidents and medical costs |
| Ensures compliance with Indian safety laws | Avoids penalties, rejections, and legal disputes |
| Standardizes footwear quality | Builds trust with municipal authorities |
| Supports Swachh Bharat & sanitation initiatives | Enhances brand reputation and visibility |
| Promotes long-term worker health | Increases product acceptance and repeat orders |
BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear Process
Step1:Documentation
- Collect required technical documents
- Prepare product specifications
- Gather company registration details
- Ensure documents follow BIS format
Step2:Product Testing
- Send samples to a BIS-approved lab
- Conduct safety and quality tests
- Receive test reports
- Confirm compliance with BIS standards
Step3:Application Submission
- Fill out the BIS application form
- Upload all required documents
- Attach valid test reports
- Pay the necessary BIS fees
Step4:Scrutiny and Inspection
- BIS reviews submitted documents
- Authority verifies test results
- Factory/product inspection may occur
- Clarifications requested if needed
Step5:Grant of License
- BIS approves the application
- License number is issued
- Product can carry BIS mark
- Renewal required before expiry
Documents Required for BIS Certification
| Category | Documents Required |
| Business Documents | Business license/registration, ISO certificate, organizational details |
| Manufacturer Details | Factory layout, process flow chart, machinery list, production details |
| Product Documents | Product specifications, component list, user manual, model details |
| Testing Documents | Test report from BIS-recognized lab, sample details, test request form |
| Legal & Compliance | Authorization letter, brand ownership proof, trademark certificate (if any) |
| Import/Foreign Manufacturer (If applicable) | AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) details, contract agreement, overseas manufacturer documents |
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timelines: Usually from 20 to 30 days, with only 7-15 days for the testing.
- Costs: The cost of the government and the test varies depending on the product. There can be some additional charges though.
- Validity: The validity period is 2 years in most situations.
- Renewal: The renewal is done before the expiration; there should be updated documents/tests the renewal
Challenges of BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear Without a Consultant
Although it is mandatory to have BIS certification, it becomes quite complicated and time-consuming if done on their own.
- Complex Documentation Incomplete and incorrect documentation may result in a rejected application and may also lead to delays.
- Technical Testing Contusion Test parameters and sample errors can lead to test failure.
- Factory Audit Difficulties Failure of the inspected company regarding the BIS manufacturing norms may obstruct the certification process.
- Extending Timelines The lack of clarity in the certification process could cause the time involved to be extended.
- Re-testing, re-application, and inspections add substantially to cost escalation.
Why Choose Diligence Certificate Consultancy?
Diligence Certificate Consultancy offers BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear certification services for safety footwear and industrial products. Our approach to compliance issues is compliance-focused, transparent, and results-oriented.
What Makes Us Different
- End-to-End Support – FROM PRODUCT EVALUATION TO LICENSE GRANT
- Expert Handling- of Documentation: Zero-error applications
- Lab Coordination – Faster testing and reporting
- Preparing for a Factory Audit – How to ensure first-time compliance
- Time & Cost Efficiency – No delays and no unnecessary costs.
With Diligence Certificate Consultancy, you don’t get a consultant but rather get a compliance partner who knows inside out about BIS regulations.
Conclusion
BIS for Scavenging Work Footwear as per IS 16994:2018 has immense importance for ensuring the survival of the personnel involved in sanitation work, and simultaneously, manufacturers and suppliers also have to comply with certain regulations. The certified footwear helps in ensuring ‘protection, ‘durability, ‘hygiene, and ‘trust,’ which are inescapable in such environments where municipalities work.
BIS Certification in businesses unlocks access to government contracts, business integrity, and ultimately, success. In fact, pursuing BIS Certification without proper guidance might prove to be difficult and expensive. Nonetheless, with Diligence Certificate Consultancy, you will get nothing but a hassle-free, legal, and efficient certification process, and you will be helping to ensure safer working conditions for the persons behind the cleanliness of our cities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does BIS certification for Municipal Scavenging Footwears mean?
It is mandatory certification to make sure that the footwear meets standards regarding IS 16994:2018.
Is BIS certification mandatory for scavenging footwear in India?
It is obligatory nonetheless when it comes to shoes distributed to municipal scavengers.
Who requires BIS certification under IS 16994:2018?
Producers and distributors of footwear intended for scavenging in urban areas.
IS 16994:2018 footwear protects against which hazards?
Sewage, Chemicals, Sharp Objects, Water Intrusion, Slipping Environment
Can uncertified footwear be used in municipal tendering?
"Yes," it is mandatory for government and municipality tenders.
What tests are performed in BIS certification?
Slip resistance, water penetration, abrasion resistance, sole adhesion, and durability.
Is IS 16994:2018 applicable to men and women footwear?
Yes, the standard applies to protective footwear for both men and women.
What does the total cost for certification in BIS for scavenging footwear comprise?
Usually 4-6 weeks, depending on the results of any required testing.
How valid is the BIS certification?
The BIS license is typically for 1-2 years and is renewable.
Need for BIS Consultant for IS 16994:2018 Certification?
A consultant improves accuracy, saves time, enhances audit readiness, and increases the approval rate.
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