The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 15, 2026, to revolutionize the quality and skilling landscape of India’s leather and footwear industry. This strategic partnership focuses on enhancing testing infrastructure, accreditation, and capacity building across major manufacturing hubs. By aligning local production with international benchmarks, the collaboration aims to propel India toward becoming a global leader in high-quality footwear manufacturing.
Advancing Quality Standards in India’s Footwear Industry
The primary goal of the collaboration is to establish a robust quality framework that addresses the evolving needs of the global market. India is currently the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of footwear, yet it faces challenges in meeting the stringent quality and safety standards required by major international importers like the USA and the European Union. Under the new agreement, QCI will provide technical expertise to FDDI to upgrade its International Testing Centres (ITC) and help them achieve global accreditation.
This initiative is particularly crucial as India seeks to diversify its footwear exports from traditional leather to non-leather footwear, which is gaining significant traction globally. By integrating advanced Quality Management Systems (QMS), the partnership will ensure that Indian-made shoes are not only durable but also compliant with international environmental and health safety norms. This shift is expected to enhance the “Made in India” brand’s reputation for reliability and precision.
Four Pillars of the QCI-FDDI Partnership
The MoU is built upon four foundational pillars designed to create a holistic manufacturing ecosystem. These include:
- Testing Infrastructure: Mapping existing facilities in key clusters like Agra, Kanpur, and Chennai to identify gaps and establish new sample collection centers.
- Accreditation and Certification: Assisting laboratories in obtaining formal accreditation and developing a multi-level worker assessment and personal certification framework.
- Skilling and Capacity Building: Jointly designing outcome-oriented training programs for workers, supervisors, and owners of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- Cluster Development: Targeted interventions in major footwear hubs, including Bahadurgarh in Haryana and Calicut in Kerala, to improve access to affordable testing.
A significant highlight of this partnership is the focus on MSMEs, which form the backbone of the Indian footwear industry. By providing these smaller units with technical expertise and access to accredited testing, the QCI and FDDI hope to bridge the gap between local artisans and global quality requirements. This approach is expected to democratize high-quality manufacturing across the country.
Strategic Context: Strengthening the Leather and Footwear Sector
The leather and footwear sector is one of India’s most labor-intensive industries, currently providing employment to approximately 4.42 million people. It is a major foreign exchange earner, with exports reaching $4.75 billion in FY 2025-26. The industry has set an ambitious target of reaching $14 billion in exports by 2030, a goal that requires a massive leap in quality and production efficiency.
This collaboration aligns with the Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP), a central sector scheme with an outlay of ₹1,700 crore for the period 2021-26. One of the core sub-schemes of IFLDP is the Establishment of Institutional Facilities (EIF), which directly supports the modernization of FDDI campuses. By strengthening the Make in India initiative, the QCI-FDDI pact will help the sector tap into the growing global demand for high-value footwear and leather goods.
| Key Industry Metrics | Data (FY 2025-26) |
|---|---|
| Total Export Value | $4.75 billion |
| Largest Export Market | USA (21.56% share) |
| Direct Employment | 4.42 million |
| Female Workforce Share | Approximately 40% |
| Global Production Rank | 2nd (Production & Consumption) |
Institutional Overview: QCI and FDDI
The Quality Council of India (QCI) was established in 1997 as an autonomous body under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It operates on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, jointly promoted by the Government of India and the three major industry associations: ASSOCHAM, CII, and FICCI. The Chairperson of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister of India. QCI serves as the apex body for accreditation and quality promotion in the country, managing national boards for testing, healthcare, and education.
The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It was granted the status of an Institution of National Importance (INI) under the Footwear Design and Development Institute Act, 2017. FDDI plays a critical role in providing skilled manpower and technical support to the footwear and fashion industry through its 12 campuses located across India. The President of India serves as the Visitor of the Institute, highlighting its significance in the national educational and industrial landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The Quality Council of India (QCI) and FDDI signed an MoU on June 15, 2026, to boost quality, testing, and skilling in the Indian footwear sector.
- The collaboration focuses on mapping and upgrading testing infrastructure in key clusters including Agra, Ranipet, and Kanpur.
- QCI will assist FDDI’s International Testing Centres (ITC) in achieving global accreditation to help MSMEs meet international standards.
- India is the world’s second-largest producer of footwear and aims to reach $14 billion in exports by 2030.
- The Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) is an Institution of National Importance established in 1986 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- QCI, established in 1997, is an autonomous body whose Chairperson is appointed by the Prime Minister of India.
