The furniture industry in India is subject to quality and safety regulations introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). To ensure that furniture products meet the prescribed Indian Standards, the Government of India has introduced the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, making BIS certification mandatory for specified categories of furniture.
Under this order, manufacturers and brand owners dealing with work chairs, general-purpose chairs and stools, tables and desks, storage units, beds, and bunk beds must comply with the applicable Indian Standards and obtain a BIS licence to use the ISI Mark, unless an exemption applies.
For manufacturers, importers, and brand owners, understanding the BIS certification requirements is essential to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid disruptions to their business operations.
SS Global Compliance assists manufacturers and brand owners in understanding and obtaining the necessary BIS certifications for their products.
BIS ISI Mark Certification for Furniture
BIS ISI Mark Certification is a product certification scheme administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It establishes that a product conforms to the applicable Indian Standard and meets the prescribed quality and safety requirements.
For furniture products covered under the Furniture Quality Control Order, manufacturers must obtain a BIS licence under Scheme I of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, to use the ISI Mark.
The certification process involves assessing the manufacturing facility, evaluating quality control procedures, and testing products against the relevant Indian Standards.
The ISI Mark indicates that the certified product complies with the applicable Indian Standard and is manufactured under the conditions of the BIS licence.
Furniture Products Covered Under the BIS Certification
The Furniture Quality Control Order, 2025, covers six categories of furniture products. Each category has a corresponding Indian Standard that manufacturers must follow.
| S. No. | Furniture Category | Applicable Indian Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Work Chairs | IS 17631:2022 |
| 2 | General Purpose Chairs and Stools | IS 17632:2022 |
| 3 | Tables and Desks | IS 17633:2022 |
| 4 | Storage Units | IS 17634:2022 |
| 5 | Beds | IS 17635:2022 |
| 6 | Bunk Beds | IS 17636:2022 |
Manufacturers must ensure that their products comply with the applicable Indian Standard, including any amendments or updated versions notified by BIS.
Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO), 2025
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, on 13 February 2025.
The order requires the specified furniture products to conform to their respective Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence.
The implementation dates are as follows:
- General enterprises: 13 February 2026
- Micro and small enterprises: 13 August 2026
As of September 2026, the implementation dates for both categories have passed.
The order also provides specific exemptions, including for furniture manufactured domestically for export and certain qualifying Udyam-registered enterprises. Manufacturers should verify whether they meet the applicable exemption conditions before relying on them.
Why Is BIS Certification Important for Furniture Manufacturers?
BIS certification plays an important role in ensuring that furniture products comply with prescribed quality and safety requirements.
Some of the key benefits include:
1. Regulatory Compliance
Obtaining the required BIS licence helps manufacturers comply with the Furniture Quality Control Order and applicable Indian Standards.
2. Product Quality Assurance
The certification process involves product testing and assessment of manufacturing quality controls, helping ensure that products meet the relevant requirements.
3. Consumer Confidence
The ISI Mark provides consumers with an indication that the furniture has been certified against the applicable Indian Standard.
4. Market Access
For products covered by the mandatory QCO, obtaining the required certification is essential for lawful manufacturing and sale in India, subject to applicable exemptions.
5. Improved Quality Management
The certification process encourages manufacturers to establish appropriate quality control procedures and maintain consistency in their production processes.
BIS Certification Process for Furniture
Manufacturers seeking BIS ISI Mark Certification for furniture must complete the applicable certification process. The general steps include:
Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard
The first step is to identify the relevant Indian Standard for the furniture product. Manufacturers must determine the appropriate standard based on the product category.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Manufacturers must prepare the documents required for the BIS application. These may include company registration documents, manufacturing details, product specifications, machinery details, and quality control records.
Step 3: Submit the BIS Application
The manufacturer must submit an application to BIS under the applicable product certification scheme, along with the required documentation and fees.
Step 4: Product Testing
Furniture products must undergo testing to establish conformity with the applicable Indian Standard. The specific tests depend on the product category and relevant standard.
Step 5: Factory Inspection
BIS may conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to assess production infrastructure, quality control procedures, testing arrangements, and the manufacturer’s ability to maintain product conformity.
Step 6: Grant of BIS Licence
After successful completion of the applicable assessment and testing requirements, BIS may grant a licence to use the ISI Mark.
Once the licence is granted, the manufacturer must comply with its conditions and maintain conformity with the relevant Indian Standard.
Who Needs BIS Certification for Furniture?
The Furniture Quality Control Order applies to the specified furniture products manufactured or supplied in India, subject to the exemptions and conditions mentioned in the order.
The following businesses should assess their certification requirements:
- Furniture manufacturers producing products covered under the QCO.
- Brand owners selling furniture manufactured by third-party manufacturers.
- Businesses manufacturing furniture under their own brand.
- Manufacturers supplying furniture to the Indian market.
- Businesses importing furniture covered under the applicable regulatory requirements.
Foreign manufacturers supplying regulated furniture products to India should also assess the applicable BIS certification requirements.
How SS Global Compliance Can Help You Obtain BIS Certification
Obtaining BIS certification involves several regulatory and technical requirements. Manufacturers and brand owners may need assistance with identifying applicable standards, preparing documentation, coordinating product testing, and understanding the certification process.
SS Global Compliance provides regulatory compliance consultancy services to manufacturers and brand owners seeking BIS certification for their products.
Our services include:
- Identification of applicable Indian Standards
- Guidance on BIS certification requirements
- Assistance with BIS application documentation
- Guidance on product testing requirements
- Support with factory inspection preparation
- Assistance throughout the BIS certification process
- Regulatory compliance guidance for manufacturers and brand owners
Our objective is to simplify the certification process and help businesses understand and fulfil their applicable regulatory obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is BIS certification mandatory for furniture in India?
Yes. BIS certification is mandatory for the furniture categories covered under the Furniture Quality Control Order, 2025, subject to applicable exemptions.
2. Which Indian Standards are applicable to furniture certification?
The six applicable standards are IS 17631:2022 for work chairs, IS 17632:2022 for general-purpose chairs and stools, IS 17633:2022 for tables and desks, IS 17634:2022 for storage units, IS 17635:2022 for beds, and IS 17636:2022 for bunk beds.
3. What is the implementation date of the Furniture QCO?
The Furniture Quality Control Order came into effect on 13 February 2026 for general enterprises and 13 August 2026 for micro and small enterprises.
4. Can a brand owner apply for BIS certification?
Brand owners should assess their role in the manufacturing and supply chain and the applicable BIS requirements. The certification application and licence are associated with the relevant manufacturing facility and must comply with BIS procedures.
5. Is product testing required for BIS certification?
Yes. Product testing is an important part of the certification process. The applicable furniture products must meet the requirements of their respective Indian Standards.
6. Are furniture products manufactured for export exempt from the QCO?
Furniture manufactured domestically for export is exempt under the Furniture Quality Control Order, 2025. Businesses should review the applicable conditions to determine whether the exemption applies to their products.
7. How can SS Global Compliance help with BIS certification?
SS Global Compliance assists manufacturers and brand owners with identifying applicable standards, preparing documentation, understanding testing requirements, and navigating the BIS certification process.
Get Assistance with BIS ISI Mark Certification for Furniture
Are you a furniture manufacturer or brand owner looking to obtain BIS ISI Mark Certification?
SS Global Compliance provides consultancy and regulatory compliance assistance to help businesses navigate the BIS certification process.
Contact SS Global Compliance
Phone: +91-9289557852
Email: info@ssglobalcompliance.in
Contact SS Global Compliance today for assistance with BIS certification for furniture.
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