General Purpose Chairs and Stools are commonly used furniture products designed for
everyday seating in homes, offices, restaurants, cafés, hotels, educational institutions, waiting
areas, banquet halls, and other commercial establishments. These products include Dining
Chairs, Café Chairs, Restaurant Chairs, Banquet Chairs, Plastic Chairs, Metal Chairs, Wooden
Chairs, Folding Chairs, Lounge Chairs, Visitor Chairs, Waiting Area Chairs, Side Chairs, Stools,
Bar Stools, and Stackable Chairs. Since these furniture items are used regularly by people of all
age groups, they must provide adequate comfort, stability, strength, durability, and safety during
normal use.
To ensure the quality, safety, and performance of these products, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides certification as per IS 17632:2022. This standard specifies the requirements for strength, stability, durability, structural performance, workmanship, and safety of General Purpose Chairs and Stools. Products are tested against prescribed quality parameters to verify their reliability and long-term performance. Obtaining BIS Certification for General Purpose Chairs and Stools demonstrates compliance with Indian quality standards, enhances customer confidence, and helps manufacturers, importers, and brand owners supply safe and dependable furniture products in the Indian market.
Overview of IS 17632:2022
This is the Indian Standard for General Purpose Chairs and Stools used in homes, offices, restaurants, cafés, hotels, educational institutions, waiting areas, and other commercial spaces. The standard is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure that chairs and stools are safe, durable, stable, and suitable for regular use. It covers various types of seating furniture, including Dining Chairs, Café Chairs, Restaurant Chairs, Banquet Chairs, Plastic Chairs, Metal Chairs, Wooden Chairs, Folding Chairs, Lounge Chairs, Visitor Chairs, Waiting Area Chairs, Side Chairs, Stools, Bar Stools, and Stackable Chairs.
This standard ensures that the product is:
- Strong enough to withstand regular use and load conditions.
- Safe and stable during normal seating applications.
- Made from durable and quality materials for long-term performance.
- Properly designed to provide comfort and functionality.
- Resistant to wear, damage, and everyday usage conditions.
- Tested for strength, stability, durability, and safety requirements.
- Manufactured according to consistent quality and performance standards.
- Reliable for use in residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional environments.
BIS Testing Requirement for General Purpose Chairs and Stools
To ensure safety, strength, stability, durability, and overall performance, BIS has specified various testing requirements for General Purpose Chairs and Stools under IS 17632:2022. The key tests are outlined below:
| Test Group | What is Tested |
| Design and Workmanship Test | Verification of overall construction quality, finish, assembly, workmanship, and product design requirements. |
| Dimensional Verification Test | Measurement of chair and stool dimensions as specified in the standard. |
| Surface Performance Test (Rigid Surfaces) | Resistance to mechanical damage, wet heat, dry heat, cold liquids, oils and fats, and adhesive performance. |
| Fabric Performance Test | Breaking load, elongation at break, tear strength, colour fastness, pilling resistance, seam slippage, abrasion resistance, bursting strength, and resistance to cold. |
| Synthetic Leather Performance Test | Breaking load, elongation, tear strength, coating adhesion, colour fastness, flexing resistance, abrasion resistance, and durability performance. |
| Natural Leather Performance Test | Tear strength, flexing endurance, finish adhesion, water vapour permeability, colour fastness, and water resistance. |
| Forward Overbalancing Test | Stability of chairs against tipping forward during normal use. |
| Rearward Overbalancing Test | Resistance to backward tipping under specified loading conditions. |
| Sideways Overbalancing Test (Without Arms) | Stability of chairs without armrests against side tipping. |
| Sideways Overbalancing Test (With Arms) | Stability of chairs with armrests against side tipping. |
| Stool Stability Test | Stability of stools and poufs in all directions. |
| Seat Static Load Test | Strength of the seat under static loading conditions. |
| Back Static Load Test | Ability of the backrest to withstand applied loads. |
| Armrest Sideways Static Load Test | Resistance of armrests or wings to lateral forces. |
| Armrest Downward Static Load Test | Strength of armrests against vertical loading. |
| Leg Forward Static Load Test | Load-bearing strength of chair legs in the forward direction. |
| Leg Sideways Static Load Test | Resistance of chair legs to side loading. |
| Diagonal Base Load Test | Structural strength of the chair base under diagonal loading. |
| Footrest Static Load Test | Load-bearing capacity of footrests. |
| Seat Impact Test | Resistance of the seat to sudden impact forces. |
| Back Impact Test | Ability of the backrest to withstand impact loading. |
| Arm Impact Test | Resistance of armrests to impact forces. |
| Drop Test | Structural integrity of the chair or stool after drop impact. |
| Seat Fatigue Test | Durability of the seat under repeated loading cycles. |
| Back Fatigue Test | Long-term durability of the backrest during repeated use. |
| Armrest Durability Test | Durability of armrests under continuous operational loading. |
| Marking and Compliance Verification | Verification of mandatory markings, model identification, manufacturer details, and BIS compliance requirements. |
Note: All stability, strength, impact, and durability tests specified under Clause 7 of IS
17632:2022 are conducted to verify the performance, structural integrity, load-bearing capacity,
and durability requirements of General Purpose Chairs and Stools as prescribed in the Indian
Standard.
BIS REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR General-Purpose Chairs and
Stools (IS 17632: 2022)

The BIS Registration process ensures that General-Purpose Chairs and Stools comply with the required quality, safety, strength, stability, durability, and performance requirements specified under IS 17632:2022. This certification is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme) and involves the following steps:
- Online Registration :- Manufacturers must register on the BIS Manak Portal by providing details of the company, manufacturing unit, product specifications, and quality control infrastructure related to general-purpose chairs and stools. Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory :- Product samples are tested at BIS-recognized laboratories to evaluate parameters such as strength, stability, durability, safety, structural performance, load-bearing capacity, and overall product quality as specified in IS 17632:2022.
- Application Submission :- The manufacturer submits the BIS application along with laboratory test reports, product specifications, manufacturing process details, raw material information, and quality control documents. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection :- BIS officials conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to verify production capability, manufacturing processes, testing equipment, quality control systems, and compliance with the requirements of IS 17632:2022.
- Grant of BIS License :- After satisfactory review of the application, successful product testing, and factory inspection, BIS grants the Certification Marks License (CML) under Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme).
- Use of ISI Mark :- Once the license is granted, manufacturers are authorized to affix the ISI Mark on General-Purpose Chairs and Stools along with the CM/L number, indicating compliance with IS 17632:2022 and assuring customers of the product's quality, safety, durability, and performance.
Required BIS Documents Checklist for General-Purpose Chairs and
Stools
Manufacturers applying for BIS Certification for General-Purpose Chairs and Stools as per IS 17632:2022 must submit various documents related to the company, manufacturing process, quality control system, and product details. The following checklist helps ensure smooth processing of the BIS application:
| Document Category | Documents Required |
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement/Lease Deed (if applicable), Partnership Deed (for partnership firms). |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan. |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates. |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter, Qualification Certificates. |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value. |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing/Marking Details. |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person Details. |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark/Brand Registration Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory. |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Documents (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Documents. |
| Foreign Manufacturer (FMCS) Specific Documents | Agreement with AIR (Authorized Indian Representative), [Aadhaar Redacted], AIR Nomination Form, Required Undertakings, Scope of License/Application Scope Details. |
Note: BIS may request additional documents during application review or factory inspection
depending on the manufacturing setup and certification requirements.
Marking Requirements for General Purpose Chairs and Stools as per IS
17632:2022
After obtaining BIS certification, the ISI Mark must be displayed clearly and permanently on the General Purpose Chairs and Stools or on their packaging. The marking requirements help identify the certified product, ensure traceability, and confirm compliance with BIS quality standards.
| Requirement | Details |
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and complies with the applicable Indian Standard. |
| Standard Number | IS 17632:2022 (General Purpose Chairs and Stools). |
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (CML) number issued by BIS. |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of the manufacturer or registered trademark. |
| Batch / Lot Identification | Batch number, lot number, or manufacturing date for product traceability. |
| Product Identification | Model number, product code, or other identification details, if applicable. |
Note: The marking should be durable, legible, and clearly visible throughout the product's
intended use. Markings may be applied through labeling, engraving, stamping, printing, or any
other permanent method approved under BIS requirements.
Validity of BIS License for General Purpose Chairs and Stools
The BIS License for General Purpose Chairs and Stools certified under IS 17632:2022 is generally granted under the ISI Mark Scheme (Scheme-I) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). After the successful completion of product testing, document verification, and factory inspection, BIS issues the license to the manufacturer.
| Particulars | Details |
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, subject to BIS approval conditions. |
| Renewal | Renewable before expiry upon submission of the prescribed application and fees. |
| Surveillance | Periodic factory inspections and market sample testing by BIS. |
| Compliance Requirement | Continuous conformity to IS 17632:2022 and applicable BIS requirements. |
| Risk of Non-Compliance | License may be suspended or cancelled in case of non-compliance or product test failure. |
Note: Manufacturers should apply for renewal well before the expiry date to ensure
uninterrupted use of the ISI Mark on General Purpose Chairs and Stools.
BIS Approval Cost for IS 17632:2022 General Purpose Chairs and Stools
The cost of BIS certification for General Purpose Chairs and Stools as per IS 17632:2022 includes charges for application, factory inspection, license, product testing, and marking fees. These charges are payable to BIS under Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme).
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fees for foreign manufacturers are payable through SWIFT transfer. Manufacturers from SAARC countries may pay in INR along with applicable GST.
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary depending on the country and location of the manufacturing facility.
- Marking fees are determined based on the product category and production volume. Eligible MSMEs may receive applicable concessions.
- Testing charges are payable directly to BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Consultancy fees depend on the product type, certification scope, and factory location.
Why Businesses Need a BIS Consultant for Chairs and Stools Compliance
Obtaining BIS certification for Chairs and Stools under IS 17632:2022 requires proper documentation, product testing, factory inspection, and compliance with BIS regulations. A BIS consultant helps manufacturers and importers complete the certification process smoothly, avoid delays, and ensure compliance with all applicable requirements.
Key Benefits of Hiring a BIS Consultant:
- Expert Compliance Guidance – Helps understand BIS requirements and certification procedures.
- Documentation Support – Assists in preparing and submitting accurate documents.
- Testing Coordination – Facilitates product testing at BIS-recognized laboratories.
- Inspection Assistance – Prepares manufacturers for BIS factory inspections.
- Faster Certification Process – Reduces errors, delays, and compliance risks.
With the support of an experienced consultant like EVTL India, businesses can obtain BIS certification efficiently and ensure their Chairs and Stools comply with Indian quality and safety standards.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for General Purpose Chairs and Stools as per IS 17632:2022 is essential for ensuring that furniture products meet the required standards of quality, safety, strength, stability, and durability. The certification process involves product testing, documentation review, factory inspection, and compliance verification to ensure that the products consistently conform to the requirements prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Obtaining the ISI Mark for General Purpose Chairs and Stools demonstrates compliance with Indian Standards and helps manufacturers, importers, and brand owners strengthen customer trust, improve product credibility, and expand their market presence. Since the certification process involves multiple technical and regulatory requirements, the support of an experienced BIS consultant becomes valuable. EVTL India, a leading BIS Consultant for General Purpose Chairs and Stools, provides end-to-end assistance with documentation, product testing coordination, application filing, factory inspection support, FMCS certification for foreign manufacturers, and post-certification compliance. With expert guidance, businesses can obtain BIS certification efficiently while ensuring full compliance with IS 17632:2022 requirements.