BIS & ISI Mark Consultant for Furniture | Licensing, Testing & Approval
With the rapid growth of India’s real estate, hospitality, education, healthcare, and corporate sectors, the demand for durable and safe furniture has increased significantly. Furniture products such as work chairs, General-Purpose Chairs & Stools, tables and desks, beds, bunk beds, storage units, and office workstations are used daily in homes, institutions, and commercial establishments. Since these products directly impact user safety, strength, and long-term usability, regulatory compliance has become essential for manufacturers and importers.
To ensure furniture products meet prescribed safety and performance standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made certification mandatory for notified furniture items under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025. This regulation requires manufacturers and importers to obtain BIS certification and affix the ISI Mark before selling or manufacturing applicable furniture products in the Indian market.
This certification ensures that only quality-compliant furniture is manufactured, imported, and sold across India.
BIS Certification for Furniture
BIS Certification for Furniture is granted under the ISI Mark Scheme (Scheme-I), which verifies that a product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard (IS). Each category of furniture has specific standards that define requirements related to strength, durability, structural stability, safety, and workmanship.
These standards are designed to ensure that furniture can withstand regular use, load conditions, and environmental stress without compromising safety. By complying with the applicable IS standard, manufacturers maintain consistent product quality and protect consumers from unsafe or substandard furniture.
BIS Registration for furniture Quality Control Order (QCO) 2025
A Quality Control Order (QCO) is a statutory order issued by the Government of India to ensure that products manufactured, imported, or sold in India meet prescribed quality and safety standards. The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 has been notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Government of India. As per this order, specific categories of furniture must comply with standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) before being manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
Key Highlights – Furniture (QCO) Amendment Order, 2026
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 on 12 February 2026.
1. Title and Enforcement
- Effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette
2. Exemption for Research and Development (R&D)*
- Import up to 200 units/year for research
- Products cannot be sold
- Must apply for BIS certification with the Bureau of Indian Standards
- Items to be used only for R&D and scrapped after use
- Maintain records for submission
3. Sale of Existing Stock (Manufactured or Imported Before Implementation)
- Pre-manufactured/imported stock allowed for sale
- BIS application required within 90 days
- Sale permitted up to 12 months (if applied on time)
4. Export-Oriented Manufacturing Exemption
- Import allowed without BIS marking for export use
- Applicable under Advance Authorization Scheme
- Finished goods must be exported only
- No domestic sale allowed
- Proper records must be maintained
5. Objective of the Amendment
- Support R&D activities
- Provide transition period for existing stock
- Promote export-oriented manufacturing
- Ensure compliance with flexibility
Products For Furniture Covered Under QCO
Numerous furniture items that need to be BIS certified are covered by the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025. A list of goods covered by the QCO is provided below:
BIS Certification process for Furniture
The BIS certification process involves multiple regulatory and technical steps:
- Online Registration (Manak Portal): Manufacturers must register on the BIS Manak Portal and submit the application online. For foreign companies, a hard copy of the application along with required documents must also be submitted to BIS.
- Testing at BIS-Recognized Laboratory: Product samples are tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory as per the relevant Indian Standard to verify compliance with strength, stability, and safety requirements. For foreign companies, pre-testing according to Indian Standards is conducted to ensure the product meets the required quality parameters.
- Application Submission: The manufacturer submits the application along with the test reports, technical documents, and KYC details to BIS. For foreign companies, a nomination process is completed, and an official email is sent to the manufacturer regarding the inspection process.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to verify the list of raw materials, manufacturing process, layout plan, and in-house testing capabilities.
- Grant of BIS License: After successful verification, BIS grants the license for furniture products. For foreign companies, the confidential test report is first submitted by the laboratory to FMCD (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Department). After verification by FMCD, the BIS license is granted.
- Use of CML Number: Once the license is granted, a unique CML (Certification Marks License) number is issued to the manufacturing unit. This number must be embossed or marked on the product along with the ISI mark.
Document Required for BIS Certification
The following documents are typically required for obtaining BIS Certification:
Foreign manufacturers must additionally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manage compliance requirements in India.
Role of Consultants in BIS Certification
The BIS certification process involves detailed technical evaluation, documentation, coordination with laboratories, and regulatory compliance. This is where a professional BIS and ISI Consultant for Furniture becomes highly valuable.
A qualified BIS Agent for Furniture assists manufacturers by:
- Identifying the correct applicable standard
- Coordinating product testing
- Preparing accurate documentation
- Filing the application correctly
- Managing communication with BIS authorities
- Supporting during factory inspection
- Ensuring timely approval
Consultants help minimize delays, reduce rejection risks, and ensure full compliance with the BIS QCO for Furniture.
Marking Requirements and Validity
- Standard Mark on Product: Every certified furniture product must carry the ISI Standard Mark along with the relevant Indian Standard number to confirm that the product complies with quality and safety requirements specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- License Number on Marking: The ISI mark must be displayed with the BIS license number (CM/L number) issued to the manufacturer. This number helps in identifying the certified manufacturing unit and ensures traceability.
- Marking as per BIS Guidelines: The marking should be clearly visible, durable, and applied either directly on the product or on the packaging/label, following the official marking guidelines prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Validity of Certification: The BIS certification license for furniture is generally granted for a period of up to two years and can be renewed upon application, subject to continued compliance with BIS standards and surveillance requirements.
Conclusion
Obtaining BIS Certification for Furniture under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is an important step to ensure that furniture products sold in India meet required safety, strength, and quality standards. As furniture is widely used in homes, offices, educational institutions, and commercial spaces, compliance with these regulations helps protect consumers and ensures long-term product durability.
Certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards confirms that the furniture complies with the relevant Indian Standards and has undergone proper testing and quality verification. The mandatory ISI Mark along with the CM/L number serves as proof of compliance.
By obtaining BIS certification, manufacturers and importers not only meet legal requirements but also strengthen brand credibility, enhance consumer trust, and ensure smooth market access for furniture products across India.