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. 

Objectives of QCO for Furniture:        

• To ensure uniform quality and safety of furniture products.
• To prevent the sale of substandard and hazardous furniture items.
• To enhance consumer safety and confidence.
• To align Indian furniture products with globally recognized quality benchmarks.

Important key points DPIIT Issues Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade – DPIIT) has issued the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 on 12 February 2026. This amendment modifies certain provisions of the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 to clarify exemptions and conditions related to research, stock clearance, and export manufacturing.

Below are the key highlights of the notification.

1. Title and Enforcement

• The order is called the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026.
• It comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Exemption for Research and Development (R&D)*

Manufacturers are allowed to import goods or articles specified in the Furniture QCO for research and development purposes under the following conditions:

• Import quantity must not exceed 200 units per year.
• The manufacturer must apply to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for certification of the product.
• Imported items cannot be sold in the market.
• Such products must be used only for research purposes and disposed of as scrap.
• Manufacturers must maintain yearly records of these imports and submit them to the Central Government.

3. Sale of Existing Stock (Manufactured or Imported Before Implementation)

The amendment allows temporary sale of products manufactured or imported before the order’s enforcement:

• Goods manufactured or imported before the implementation date can be sold if certified by BIS.
• Manufacturers must apply to BIS for certification within 90 days from the order’s publication.
• If certification is applied for within the given period, sale of such stock is allowed for up to 12 months from the implementation date.

4. Export-Oriented Manufacturing Exemption

The order provides an exemption for furniture imported for export manufacturing:

• Furniture items can be imported without BIS marking if they are used only for manufacturing finished furniture for export.
• The manufacturing must be done under the Advance Authorization Scheme.
• Products made from these imported materials must be exported only.
• Such imported goods cannot be sold or transferred in the domestic market.
• Manufacturers must maintain records for verification or audit by government authorities.

5. Objective of the Amendment

The amendment aims to:

• Facilitate research and product development in the furniture sector.
• Provide a transition period for existing stock.
• Support export-oriented furniture manufacturing.
• Ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining industry 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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:

Basic Details

• GST Certificate
• Email ID & Contact Number
• Factory & Office Address
• Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable)

Legal Documents

• Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)

Manufacturing Details

• List of Machinery
• Process Flow Chart
• Layout Plan of Factory

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

Production Details

• Annual Installed Capacity
• Last Year Production Value

Product & Packaging Details

• Quantity per Package
• Nature of Packing
• Nature of Printing / Marking on Product

Management Details

• Top Management Details
• Concerned Person for BIS Communication

Brand & Certification Documents

• Trademark / Brand Certificate
• Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory

Additional Documents

• Weekly Off Details
• Hygiene Document (if applicable)
• Relaxation Letter (if applicable)
• Any Other Relevant Document

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.

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 we sell foreign furniture in India without a BIS Certification?

No, Imported Furniture which come under QCO is compulsory to have BIS Certification if the products are imported and sold in Indian market.

4. How long does a furniture BIS License lasts?

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

5. What happens a manufacturer breaches the QCO?

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

6. Where should the application of BIS Certification be submitted by the manufacturer?

Manufacturers can apply through the official BIS portal or get in touch with EVTL India or any other BIS consultant for Furniture for assistance.

7. Should every piece of furniture be certified?

Yes, BIS Certification is mandatory for some categories of the furniture listed under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025. 

8. Should every piece of furniture be certified?

Yes, BIS Certification is mandatory for some categories of the furniture listed under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025.