BIS Certification for Furniture

For furniture, quality is the name of the game. Whether it's a solid table or fluffy couch, durability, stability and reliability are inevitable for your pets. This is where the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification comes in crucial. Thereby, BIS Certification is a guarantee to the consumer that the product or article supplied by the manufacturer confirms to national standards

Govt Of India, Ministry Of Commerce & Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) (DPIIT), has notified a “Quality Control Order for Furniture” under which BIS registration is compulsory under certain types of Furniture. So, let’s go ahead read about importance of BIS Certification for furniture now. 

INTRODUCTION TO BIS CERTIFICATION FOR FURNITURE

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification This is a Govt. stamp of safety and quality provided only by the Government of India. There are many items for which this stamp is compulsory to check their conformity as per Indian Standards (IS).

BIS Certification for Furniture In the furniture industry, BIS Certificate means all products manufactured comply with specified health, quality and safety requirements which in return build trust among consumers as well as help keep unsafe goods out of the market.

Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO) 2025

A Quality Control Order (QCO) is a statutory guidance issued by the Government of India to maintain quality and safety standards for products that are manufactured, imported or sold in India. 

As per the Furniture (Quality Control) Order 2025 issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), certain types of furniture are required to conform with the BIS standards and bear a BIS Standard Mark license, both before use and sale in India. 

Objectives of QCO for Furniture:

●  To guarantee uniform furniture product quality and safety.

●  To prevent inferior and hazardous goods from being sold.

●  To encourage consumer confidence and safety.

●To guarantee globally acknowledged quality standards for Indian furniture producers.

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: 

Furniture Type	Indian Standard (IS Code)	Description
Work Chairs	IS 17631:2022	Office and workstation chairs
General-Purpose Chairs & Stools	IS 17632:2022	Common household and commercial chairs & stools
Tables & Desks	IS 17633:2022	Study tables, office desks, dining tables
Storage Units	IS 17634:2022	Wardrobes, cabinets, and shelves
Beds	IS 17635:2022	Household and commercial beds
Bunk Beds	IS 17636:2022	Bunk beds for homes, hostels, etc.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Furniture

1. Consumer Confidence & Safety: BIS Certified furniture is free from defects and is safe for use. Prevents damage from accidents that may be inflicted by cheap furniture.

2. Legal Requirements Considerations: The BIS Act, 2016 requires some furniture items to be in compliance with these standards under a legal framework. Penalties and limitations are meted out to manufacturers who aren't compliant.

3. Market Expansion: A company's reputation is improved and it may compete in international markets with BIS Certification. When it comes to government and institutional procurement, certified products are given preference.

4. Elimination of Subpar Products: Guarantees that the market is filled with only superior products. shields customers from subpar and deceptive furnishings.

5. Promotes Indian Manufacturing: Assists Indian producers in fulfilling global quality standards. promotes both export and domestic prospects.

Process for Obtaining BIS Certification for Furniture

Obtaining a BIS Certification for furniture involves several steps. The process ensures that the product meets the prescribed Indian Standards and is tested for quality, safety, and durability.

Step-by-Step Process for BIS Certification:

1. Identification of Relevant Standards: Identify the Indian Standard (IS Code) applicable to the furniture product.
2. Preparation of Documents: Essential documents such as factory details, test reports, product specifications, and business registration.
3. Submission of Application: Apply online through the BIS portal with all required documents.
4. Scrutiny of Documents: BIS officials verify the documents and eligibility of the application.
5. Sample Testing: The furniture product is tested in a BIS-approved laboratory for compliance with standards.
6. Manufacturing Site Audit: A BIS officer inspects the manufacturing facility to ensure proper quality control.
7. Grant of BIS License: If the product meets all requirements, BIS issues the certification license.

Mandatory Use of ISI Mark on Furniture

Once a BIS license is granted, manufacturers must affix the ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark on their certified products. This standard mark serves as a symbol of quality assurance and compliance with Indian Standards.

After the implementation of the QCO, manufacturing and selling furniture without BIS Certification will be illegal. Any manufacturer or importer who violates this order will face penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Manufacturers or importers failing to comply with the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 may face legal actions, including:

●  Heavy fines

●  Product recall orders

●  Business restrictions

●  Seizure of non-compliant furniture

Thus, obtaining BIS Certification is crucial for all manufacturers and importers dealing with furniture in India.

Conclusion

BIS Certification for furniture is a crucial step in ensuring product reliability, safety, and compliance with Indian standards. By adhering to BIS guidelines, manufacturers can enhance their market reputation, expand globally, and gain customer trust.

For hassle-free certification, manufacturers can consult professional BIS certification experts like EVTL India to streamline the process.

Ensuring that your furniture is BIS-certified not only guarantees superior quality but also builds consumer confidence, making it a win-win situation for both manufacturers and buyers.

FAQs About BIS Certification for Furniture

1. Is BIS Certification mandatory for all furniture?

Yes, for specific furniture categories listed in the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, BIS Certification is mandatory.

2. How long does it take to get BIS Certification for furniture?

The process typically takes 4-6 weeks, depending on testing, inspection, and document verification.

3. Can imported furniture be sold in India without BIS Certification?

No, imported furniture falling under the QCO category must obtain BIS Certification before sale in India.

4. What is the validity period of a BIS license for furniture?

A BIS license is typically valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

5. What happens if a manufacturer does not comply with the QCO?

Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, and a ban on manufacturing or selling non-certified furniture.

6. Where can manufacturers apply for BIS Certification?

Manufacturers can apply through the official BIS portal or seek assistance from BIS certification consultants like EVTL India.