Furniture Products Under BIS QCO: Standards, Certification & Exemptions
Furniture products sold in India are subject to mandatory BIS requirements when they fall within the categories notified under the Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO). The QCO requires manufacturers of specified furniture products to comply with the applicable Indian Standards and obtain a BIS licence to use the ISI Mark. Understanding which products are covered is therefore essential for manufacturers, importers, and other businesses involved in the furniture industry.
The Furniture QCO covers six major categories of furniture, each governed by a specific Indian Standard covering requirements related to safety, performance, construction, and quality. These categories include General Purpose Chairs and Stools, General Purpose Tables and Desks, Storage Units, Beds, Bunk Beds, and Work Chairs. Businesses dealing in these products should identify the applicable standard and complete the required BIS certification process before placing covered products on the Indian market.
Scope of the Furniture Quality Control Order
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 (Furniture QCO) was notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 13 February 2025 under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The Order makes compliance with specified Indian Standards mandatory for the furniture products covered under its scope.
The QCO specifically covers six categories of BIS furniture product list, each linked to a corresponding Indian Standard:
For these notified products, the applicable standard must be followed and the products must bear the BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence through Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. BIS is the designated certification and enforcement authority for the products covered by the Order.
What Does the Furniture QCO Cover?
The scope is limited to the furniture categories specifically listed in the QCO. Therefore, not every type of furniture is automatically covered merely because it is a furniture product. Businesses need to determine whether their particular product falls within one of the six notified categories and meets the applicable standard.
The QCO also provides certain exemptions and transitional provisions. For example, the original Order exempted furniture manufactured domestically for export and provided specific exemptions for eligible micro and small enterprises. Subsequent amendments in 2026 introduced additional provisions, including certain exemptions relating to research and development imports and goods already shipped before implementation.
The original QCO came into force 12 months after its publication, making 13 February 2026 the general implementation date. The compliance framework has subsequently been modified through amendments and transition-related orders, so manufacturers and importers should check the latest applicable notification before determining their compliance obligations.
In practical terms, a business dealing with any of the six notified furniture categories should identify the applicable IS standard, complete the required conformity assessment and testing process, obtain the appropriate BIS licence, and comply with the marking and other requirements applicable to its product.
Furniture QCO Products and Applicable IS Standards
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order (QCO), 2025 specifies six furniture categories that are subject to mandatory conformity with the applicable Indian Standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) lists these products under its compulsory certification framework.
The original Furniture QCO requires the notified furniture products covered under BIS certification to conform to their corresponding Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence. It also specifies that the latest version of the relevant Indian Standard, including amendments notified by BIS, applies.
IS 17631:2022 – Work Chairs
IS 17631:2022 is the Indian Standard applicable to work chairs used in office, workstation, and other professional work environments. The standard lays down requirements related to the safety, strength, stability, durability, and performance of covered work chairs.
IS 17631:2022 covers work chairs intended for use in work environments, including chairs designed for desk- and workstation-based activities.
Products may include -
- Office work chairs
- Task chairs
- Workstation chairs
- Computer work chairs
- Ergonomic work chairs
- Other chairs specifically designed for professional or desk-based work applications
The exact applicability depends on the design, construction, intended use, and scope of the standard. Therefore, manufacturers should verify their specific product against the requirements of IS 17631:2022.
Where work chairs fall within the scope of the applicable Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO), compliance with IS 17631:2022 is mandatory.
Manufacturers of covered work chairs are required to -
- Ensure the product complies with the requirements of IS 17631:2022.
- Complete the required product testing through the applicable BIS-recognised process.
- Obtain the required BIS licence under the applicable conformity assessment scheme.
- Manufacture the certified product in accordance with the approved specifications and quality-control requirements.
- Use the ISI Mark only as permitted under the BIS licence.
For imported work chairs, the applicable BIS requirements must also be fulfilled before the products are placed on the Indian market.
IS 17632:2022 – General Purpose Chairs & Stools
IS 17632:2022 specifies requirements and test methods for general-purpose chairs and stools intended for everyday use. The standard focuses on the strength, stability, durability, and safety of these furniture products to ensure they can withstand normal usage conditions.
The standard covers general-purpose chairs and stools designed for seating applications, including -
- General-purpose chairs
- General-purpose stools
- Fixed or movable seating products intended for regular use
- Chairs and stools used in residential, commercial, institutional, and similar environments
The specific scope and applicability should be assessed against the product's design, construction, intended use, and the requirements of the applicable standard.
Where IS 17632:2022 is covered under the applicable Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO), manufacturers are required to obtain the relevant BIS licence for the covered product and demonstrate conformity with the applicable Indian Standard.
For products falling within the mandatory scope, compliance generally involves -
- Identifying the correct product category and applicable standard.
- Testing the product through the required BIS-recognised testing process.
- Ensuring the manufacturing facility meets the prescribed quality-control requirements.
- Applying for and obtaining the applicable BIS licence.
- Complying with the applicable marking and labelling requirements, including the ISI Mark, where prescribed.
Manufacturers should verify the latest Furniture QCO and its amendments to determine whether their particular chair or stool model falls within the mandatory BIS certification scope and the applicable compliance scheme.
IS 17633:2022 – Tables & Desks
IS 17633:2022 covers tables and desks intended for various indoor applications. The standard addresses requirements related to the construction, performance, safety, durability, and stability of tables and desks. It can cover products such as -
- Office tables and work desks
- Writing and study tables
- Computer tables and workstation desks
- Institutional and commercial tables
- Other tables and desks falling within the scope of the applicable standard
Where the product falls under the mandatory scope of the applicable Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO), compliance with IS 17633:2022 is required. Manufacturers must obtain the applicable BIS certification/licence and ensure that the tables and desks comply with the prescribed requirements of the Indian Standard.
IS 17634:2022 – Storage Units
IS 17634:2022 specifies requirements for storage units used in residential, office, institutional, and other general-purpose environments. The standard covers the construction, performance, safety, and durability requirements that storage furniture should meet to ensure reliable and safe use.
The standard covers storage furniture designed for keeping, organizing, and storing items, including commonly used units such as -
- Cupboards and cabinets
- Shelving and storage units
- Storage racks and similar furniture
- Freestanding storage units
- Other general-purpose storage furniture falling within the scope of the standard
The applicable requirements depend on the type, construction, and intended use of the storage unit.
Storage units covered under IS 17634:2022 are subject to the applicable BIS certification requirements under the Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO). Manufacturers whose products fall within the notified scope are required to obtain the relevant BIS licence and comply with the requirements of the applicable Indian Standard before manufacturing or selling such products in India.
The certification process generally involves product testing, factory assessment, verification of manufacturing and quality-control arrangements, and grant of a BIS licence. After certification, the manufacturer must ensure continued compliance with the applicable standard and BIS requirements.
IS 17635:2022 – Beds
IS 17635:2022 specifies requirements for beds to ensure that they meet prescribed standards for safety, strength, stability, durability, and performance.
The standard covers beds intended for residential and similar indoor use, including commonly used bed designs and configurations. It applies to beds manufactured using materials such as wood, metal, or combinations of different materials, depending on the product construction and scope of the standard.
Where the product falls within the scope of the applicable Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO), compliance with IS 17635:2022 becomes mandatory. Manufacturers are required to obtain the applicable BIS certification/licence and ensure that beds conform to the requirements of the relevant Indian Standard.
Once certification is obtained, the manufacturer can use the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) on compliant products, subject to the conditions of the BIS licence.
Manufacturers should therefore verify the latest QCO notification, product scope, and applicable BIS certification scheme before manufacturing, importing, or selling beds covered by the mandatory requirements.
IS 17636:2022 – Bunk Beds
IS 17636:2022 specifies requirements for bunk beds designed with one sleeping surface positioned above another. The standard covers bunk beds intended for use in residential, institutional, hostel, dormitory, and similar environments.
The standard addresses key aspects such as construction, dimensions, stability, strength, safety, and performance to help ensure that bunk beds are suitable for their intended use.
Bunk beds covered under IS 17636:2022 are subject to the applicable BIS Quality Control Order (QCO) requirements. Manufacturers and importers dealing with products covered by the notified scope must ensure that the bunk beds conform to the prescribed Indian Standard and obtain the required BIS certification/ISI Mark licence before placing them on the Indian market, wherever the QCO mandates such certification.
Which Furniture Products Require BIS Certification?
Not every furniture product sold in India is automatically required to have BIS certification. The requirement depends on whether the product is specifically covered under the applicable Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO) and falls within the scope of a notified Indian Standard (IS). Manufacturers, importers, and sellers should therefore identify the exact product category and applicable standard before placing the product on the Indian market.
The Furniture QCO makes BIS certification mandatory for the furniture categories specifically notified under the Order. The notified categories include -
- Work Chairs
- General Purpose Chairs and Stools
- Tables and Desks
- Storage Units
- Beds
- Bunk Beds
Furniture Outside the Notified Categories
Furniture products that do not fall within the categories notified under the Furniture QCO are not automatically subject to mandatory BIS certification under these six furniture standards.
For example, a furniture product may be outside the scope of the Furniture QCO if its design, intended use, construction, or product characteristics do not correspond to any of the notified categories. However, this does not mean that every non-notified furniture product is permanently exempt from all BIS requirements. Other products or materials used in furniture may be governed by separate QCOs or Indian Standards.
Therefore, businesses should assess the complete product and its materials/components, rather than assuming that a product is exempt simply because it is described as furniture.
How to Determine Whether Your Product Falls Within an Applicable IS Standard
The correct classification of a furniture product should be based on the scope and requirements of the applicable Indian Standard, not merely on the commercial name of the product.
A manufacturer or importer should review -
- Product category – Determine whether the product is a work chair, general-purpose chair/stool, table/desk, storage unit, bed, bunk bed, or another type of furniture.
- Intended use – Check whether the furniture is designed for office, residential, commercial, institutional, or another specific application.
- Design and construction – Examine features such as structure, dimensions, adjustable mechanisms, storage arrangements, sleeping surfaces, or other characteristics relevant to the standard.
- Scope of the applicable IS standard – Read the standard's scope and product definitions to confirm whether the particular model is covered.
- QCO applicability – Check whether the identified IS standard and product category are included in the applicable Furniture QCO and whether any exclusions or amendments apply.
- Product documentation and specifications – Compare technical drawings, product datasheets, material details, intended-use statements, and model specifications with the requirements of the standard.
Furniture Products Requiring BIS Certification: Product vs. Material
The requirement for BIS certification for furniture is determined primarily by the product category and the applicable Indian Standard, rather than simply by the material used to manufacture the furniture. Therefore, manufacturers and importers should identify the exact furniture product and check whether it falls within the scope of a notified Quality Control Order (QCO).
- Wooden Furniture: Wooden furniture includes products such as beds, tables, chairs, desks, and storage units made wholly or partly from wood or wood-based materials. However, the use of wood does not automatically determine whether BIS certification is mandatory. The specific furniture product must be assessed against the applicable Indian Standard and QCO requirements.
- Metal Furniture: Metal furniture may include steel or other metal chairs, tables, desks, beds, storage units, and similar products. Again, the material alone is not sufficient to determine BIS applicability. If the finished product falls under a furniture category covered by a mandatory QCO and an applicable IS standard, BIS certification requirements may apply.
- Plastic/Engineered-Material Furniture: Furniture manufactured using plastic, engineered wood, composites, or other engineered materials can also fall within a notified furniture category. Products such as chairs, stools, tables, and storage units should therefore be evaluated based on their intended use, design, construction, and applicable product standard rather than being classified solely according to their material.
Why Product Category and Standard Scope Matter More Than Material Alone
A common misconception is that BIS certification depends primarily on whether furniture is made from wood, metal, or plastic. In practice, the product classification and the scope of the relevant Indian Standard are more important.
For example, two furniture products made from the same material may have different BIS requirements if they belong to different product categories covered by different standards. Similarly, a product made from a particular material may not require certification under the furniture QCO if it does not fall within the scope of any notified furniture category.
Therefore, before determining BIS applicability, manufacturers and importers should consider -
- The exact type and intended use of the furniture.
- The product category specified under the applicable QCO.
- The scope of the relevant Indian Standard.
- The construction and design of the product.
- Whether the product is covered by a mandatory BIS certification requirement.
Furniture QCO 2026: Latest Compliance Updates
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 has become an important mandatory compliance requirement for specified furniture products in India. The QCO covers six categories under IS 17631:2022 to IS 17636:2022 and requires conformity with the applicable Indian Standard and use of the BIS Standard Mark under the prescribed certification scheme. The principal order was notified in February 2025, with mandatory implementation beginning in February 2026.
During 2026, the Government issued further amendments and a Transition Facilitation Order to address specific import, stock-clearance and compliance-transition situations. Manufacturers and importers should therefore consider the principal QCO together with these subsequent orders rather than relying only on the original 2025 notification.
The Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, issued through S.O. 774(E) on 12 February 2026, introduced specific exemptions and transition provisions into the Furniture QCO.
The key provisions include -
- R&D imports: BIS-certified furniture manufacturers, as well as manufacturers who have applied for BIS certification, may import up to 200 units of specified furniture products per financial year for research and development purposes. Such products cannot be commercially sold and must be disposed of as scrap after the permitted use. Appropriate records must also be maintained.
- Existing stock: Specified furniture manufactured domestically or imported before implementation by a BIS-certified manufacturer or an applicant for certification may be sold, displayed or offered for sale for up to 12 months from the implementation date, subject to the prescribed self-declaration requirement.
- Export production: Non-BIS-marked furniture, components or sub-assemblies imported by an Indian furniture manufacturer specifically for manufacturing furniture meant for export are covered by an exemption, subject to self-declaration, record-keeping and the condition that such materials are not diverted to the domestic market.
These provisions are intended to facilitate legitimate R&D, manage pre-existing inventory and support export-oriented manufacturing without weakening the mandatory requirements applicable to furniture supplied in the Indian domestic market.
Furniture QCO Second Amendment Order 2026
The Furniture (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2026, issued through S.O. 1125(E) on 2 March 2026, introduced additional relief for certain furniture imports connected with shipments or purchase orders made before the QCO's implementation.
The amendment provides exemptions in specified circumstances where -
- The Bill of Lading was issued before the implementation date, and the corresponding Bill of Entry is dated within 180 days after the implementation date; or
- The purchase order was placed before implementation, and both the Bill of Lading and Bill of Entry are dated within 180 days from the date the amendment came into force.
For the purchase-order-based provision, the importer must submit copies of the purchase order, Bill of Lading, Bill of Entry and other supporting documents to BIS on the importer's letterhead, duly signed by the authorised signatory, within seven days of clearance of the consignment. Importers should maintain complete documentary evidence before claiming these provisions because the exemption is linked to specific dates and documentation requirements.
Transition Facilitation Order 2026
A further development came with the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, notified through S.O. 3417(E) dated 25 June 2026. The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 is specifically included in the Schedule to this framework order.
The Transition Facilitation Order establishes a separate compliance-facilitation framework for specified QCOs. It provides for permissions to eligible companies through an Implementation Committee, subject to the conditions prescribed under the order. The framework requires covered goods to conform to the applicable Indian Standards and provides for the use of the Standard Mark under BIS Scheme-II, subject to the order's conditions.
For furniture businesses, this should not be interpreted as a general exemption from the Furniture QCO. Rather, it creates a specific facilitation mechanism for eligible manufacturers and supply arrangements under the conditions of the Transition Facilitation Order. Businesses seeking to use this route should verify their eligibility and obtain the required permission before relying on it.
Conclusion
The Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO) has made BIS compliance mandatory for specified furniture products in India, including Work Chairs, General Purpose Chairs and Stools, Tables and Desks, Storage Units, Beds, and Bunk Beds. These products must comply with the applicable Indian Standards, from IS 17631:2022 to IS 17636:2022, wherever the QCO applies.
BIS applicability depends on the product category, intended use, design, construction, and scope of the relevant Indian Standard rather than the material used alone. Manufacturers and importers must also consider the latest QCO amendments, exemptions, and transition provisions introduced during 2026 before manufacturing, importing, or selling covered products in India.
Ensuring proper product classification, testing, factory compliance, BIS licensing, and use of the Standard Mark is essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and avoiding market-entry issues.
EVTL India assists manufacturers and importers with the complete BIS certification process for furniture products, including QCO applicability assessment, IS standard identification, testing coordination, documentation, factory assessment, BIS licence application, and guidance on the latest regulatory updates. With expert support from EVTL India, businesses can streamline their certification process and confidently meet applicable BIS requirements.