AGRA, Feb. 1 -- The footwear and leather industry in Agra has welcomed the Union Budget 2026-27 for expanding the IGCR (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate) scheme to enable duty-free import of inputs for shoe upper exports, a move expected to enhance the cost competitiveness of Indian manufacturers.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget 2026 speech on Sunday, announced an expansion of the duty-free import facility for the leather and footwear sector. The benefit, previously available for exports of leather or synthetic footwear, will now be extended to exports of shoe uppers, allowing manufacturers greater flexibility in sourcing inputs.

Puran Dawar, chairman of the Development Council for Footwear & Leather Industr...