BIS Certification for Storage Units IS 17634:2022 | Expert BIS Consultant for Manufacturers & Importers
Storage units such as wardrobes, cupboards, cabinets, filing cabinets, lockers, shelving units, drawer units, and modular storage furniture are essential products used across homes, offices, educational institutions, hotels, hospitals, and commercial establishments. To ensure product quality, performance, and consumer safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has specified requirements for storage units under IS 17634:2022.
The Government of India has made BIS certification mandatory for covered storage units under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2026, effective from 14 February 2026. As a result, manufacturers, importers, furniture brands, OEM manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and foreign manufacturers must obtain the required BIS licence before supplying covered storage furniture products in the Indian market. Whether you manufacture storage furniture in India or plan to export storage units to India, understanding the certification requirements is essential for regulatory compliance and uninterrupted market access. This guide explains the scope of IS 17634:2022, products covered, certification requirements, testing, documentation, cost, timeline, and the complete BIS certification process for storage units.
What is IS 17634:2022 and Why is it Important?
IS 17634:2022 is an Indian Standard published by BIS for storage units used in residential, office, institutional, and commercial environments. The standard establishes requirements related to construction, durability, stability, performance, and intended use to ensure that storage furniture products are suitable for regular use.
It covers products such as wardrobes, cupboards, cabinets, filing cabinets, lockers, shelving units, drawer units, office storage units, modular storage systems, and Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) storage furniture. Product testing and evaluation help verify compliance with the prescribed requirements before certification is granted. Compliance with the standard helps manufacturers improve product consistency, strengthen customer confidence, meet regulatory obligations, and gain legal access to the Indian market. For businesses supplying storage furniture in India, certification demonstrates compliance with recognized national standards.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Storage Units in India?
Yes. Under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2026, BIS certification is mandatory for storage units covered under the applicable standard. Such products must comply with the prescribed requirements before they can be manufactured, imported, sold, distributed, or stored for sale in India. The QCO came into force on 14 February 2026 for medium and large manufacturers as well as importers. Eligible Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) have been provided an extended implementation timeline as notified by the Government.
Failure to comply with the mandatory certification requirements may result in restrictions on manufacturing, imports, sales, distribution, product recalls, penalties, or other regulatory actions under the applicable provisions of the BIS Act. Obtaining a valid BIS License for Storage Units not only ensures regulatory compliance but also improves market acceptance and demonstrates conformity with the requirements specified under IS 17634:2022.
Products Covered Under IS 17634:2022
IS 17634:2022 applies to various storage furniture products used in residential, office, institutional, and commercial environments. Some of the commonly covered products are listed below:
Manufacturers, importers, furniture brands, OEM manufacturers, and foreign manufacturers should evaluate whether their products fall within the scope of IS 17634:2022 before applying for BIS certification.
Who Needs BIS Certification for Storage Units?
BIS certification is applicable to businesses involved in the manufacturing, branding, importing, or supply of storage furniture products covered under the applicable standard. The following entities should evaluate their compliance obligations:
- Indian Manufacturers producing storage units for the domestic market.
- Furniture Brands marketing storage furniture under their own brand name.
- OEM Manufacturers manufacturing products for private labels or third-party brands.
- Contract Manufacturers producing storage furniture on behalf of other companies.
- Importers bringing covered storage furniture products into India for sale or distribution.
- Foreign Manufacturers exporting storage units to the Indian market.
- Distributors and Suppliers dealing in covered products should also ensure that the products they sell comply with applicable requirements.
Businesses involved in the storage furniture sector should verify whether their products fall within the scope of the applicable regulations and obtain the necessary approvals before introducing them into the Indian market.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Storage Units
Obtaining BIS certification offers several advantages for businesses involved in the storage furniture industry.
- Regulatory Compliance – Helps meet the requirements of the Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO).
- Legal Market Access – Allows covered products to be manufactured, imported, sold, and distributed in India.
- Customer Confidence – Demonstrates compliance with recognized Indian standards.
- Improved Brand Reputation – Enhances credibility and trust among customers and buyers.
- Government & Institutional Opportunities – Many organizations prefer certified products for procurement.
- Reduced Compliance Risks – Helps avoid penalties, product recalls, and market restrictions.
- Competitive Advantage – Differentiates products in a competitive furniture market.
- Better Quality Management – Encourages consistent manufacturing and quality control practices.
In addition to regulatory compliance, certification supports business growth by improving product acceptance and strengthening market credibility.
BIS Certification Requirements for Storage Units
To obtain BIS certification, manufacturers must ensure that their products comply with the applicable requirements and complete the prescribed certification process. The process generally involves -
- Product testing through a BIS-recognized laboratory
- Preparation of technical and compliance documentation
- Submission of the BIS application
- Verification of manufacturing and quality control arrangements
- Factory inspection (where applicable)
- Grant of the BIS license
During the evaluation process, BIS may assess product performance, manufacturing controls, testing facilities, product marking requirements, and overall compliance arrangements. Proper preparation of documents, testing records, and quality control procedures can help reduce delays and support a smoother certification process.
Documents Required for BIS Certification of Storage Units
The documents required for BIS ISI Mark Certification for Storage Units under IS 17634:2022 may vary depending on the applicant and manufacturing setup. However, the following documents are commonly required during the certification process -
Manufacturers should ensure that all documents are accurate, complete, and consistent with the information provided in the BIS application. Proper documentation helps reduce delays and supports a smoother certification process.
Product Testing Requirements Under IS 17634:2022
As part of the BIS Registration for Storage Units, product samples must be tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory to verify compliance with the requirements specified under IS 17634:2022. The testing process helps ensure that storage furniture products are safe, durable, stable, and suitable for regular use.
Key testing parameters may include:
The exact testing requirements may vary depending on the product design, construction, materials used, and the applicable provisions of IS 17634:2022. Successful completion of product testing is an essential requirement for getting a BIS License for Storage Units.
BIS Certification Process for Storage Units
Manufacturers seeking BIS Certification for Storage Units under IS 17634:2022 must follow a structured certification process to demonstrate compliance with the applicable quality, safety, strength, stability, and performance requirements.
- Step 1 – Product Identification: Determine whether the storage furniture product falls within the scope of IS 17634:2022 and the applicable Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO).
- Step 2 – Documentation Preparation: Prepare the required company documents, technical specifications, manufacturing details, quality control records, and other supporting documents required for the BIS application.
- Step 3 – Application Submission: Submit the BIS application along with the required information and supporting documents through the applicable BIS portal.
- Step 4 – Product Testing: Product samples are tested at a BIS-recognized laboratory to verify compliance with the requirements specified under IS 17634:2022.
- Step 5 – Factory Inspection: BIS officials may conduct a factory inspection to assess manufacturing capabilities, quality control arrangements, testing facilities, and production processes.
- Step 6 – Grant of BIS License: Upon successful completion of testing, documentation review, and inspection requirements, BIS grants the license, allowing the manufacturer to use the applicable BIS Standard Mark on certified products.
Common Challenges Faced by Storage Furniture Manufacturers
Obtaining BIS certification can be challenging, especially for businesses applying for certification for the first time. Some of the common challenges include -
- Documentation Errors: Incomplete or incorrect documents can delay the application process.
- Product Testing Issues: Products may require modifications if they do not meet the prescribed testing requirements.
- Factory Audit Observations: Manufacturers may need to address observations related to production processes, testing facilities, or quality control arrangements.
- Compliance Understanding: Interpreting certification requirements and regulatory obligations can be difficult for first-time applicants.
- Approval Delays: Delays in testing, document review, inspections, or corrective actions can impact the overall timeline.
Proper planning, complete documentation, and timely compliance activities can help reduce certification challenges and improve approval timelines.
BIS Certification for Importers
Importers planning to bring storage furniture products into India must ensure that the products comply with the applicable BIS requirements before import and sale. Covered products cannot be legally imported or distributed in India without the required certification.
Responsibilities of Importers
- Verify that the manufacturer holds a valid BIS license.
- Ensure products are marked as per applicable requirements.
- Confirm compliance before shipment dispatch.
- Maintain certification and import-related records.
- Supply only compliant products in the Indian market.
Furniture Import Compliance in India
Indian Customs authorities may verify BIS compliance during the import process. Non-compliant products may face shipment delays, customs clearance issues, penalties, or restrictions on entry into the Indian market. Importers should therefore verify certification status before placing orders or importing products.
BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers exporting storage furniture products to India must comply with the applicable certification requirements before entering the Indian market.
- FMCS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers
Overseas manufacturers generally obtain certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). The process may include application submission, product testing, factory inspection, compliance verification, and appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- India Market Access Certification
BIS certification plays an important role in gaining access to the Indian market. It helps foreign manufacturers meet regulatory requirements, facilitate imports, and supply products legally in India.
- Export Furniture to India
Manufacturers from countries such as China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Germany, Italy, UAE, South Korea, and the USA should assess certification requirements before exporting storage furniture products to India. Early compliance planning can help avoid delays and support faster market entry.
EVTL India assists importers and foreign manufacturers with FMCS certification, documentation preparation, testing coordination, factory inspection support, AIR assistance, and overall compliance management.
BIS Certification Cost for Storage Units
The cost of obtaining BIS ISI Mark Certification for Storage Units depends on several factors, including product type, number of models, testing requirements, manufacturing location, and the applicable certification scheme.
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable through SWIFT transfer (SAARC countries may pay in INR along with applicable GST).
- Factory inspection charges for foreign manufacturers vary depending on the country, location of the manufacturing facility, and audit duration.
- Marking fee is charged as per applicable BIS guidelines.
- Product testing charges are payable directly to BIS-recognized laboratories and vary depending on the product type and testing requirements.
- Foreign manufacturers are generally required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for certification under the applicable BIS scheme.
- Consultancy fees depend on the scope of services, number of models, documentation requirements, and factory location.
BIS Certification Validity and Renewal for Storage Units
BIS licences granted for Storage Units are generally valid for up to 5 years, subject to compliance with applicable BIS requirements and payment of the prescribed fees. Manufacturers must ensure continued compliance with the applicable standard and maintain the required quality control arrangements throughout the licence period.
Renewal of BIS Licence
- Renewal applications should be submitted before the licence expiry date.
- Manufacturers must maintain compliance records and production details as required by BIS.
- BIS may review compliance performance before granting renewal.
- Renewal is subject to payment of applicable fees and fulfilment of BIS requirements.
- Failure to renew the licence on time may affect the validity of the certification.
BIS Certification Timeline for Storage Units
The certification timeline may vary depending on documentation readiness, testing schedules, factory inspection requirements, and BIS review timelines.
Note: Actual timelines may vary depending on product complexity, testing requirements, factory readiness, corrective actions, and BIS processing timelines.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for Storage Units is an important compliance requirement for businesses manufacturing, importing, branding, or supplying storage furniture products in India. Compliance with the applicable BIS requirements helps ensure legal market access, regulatory compliance, improved customer confidence, and wider business opportunities.
Whether you deal in wardrobes, cupboards, cabinets, filing cabinets, lockers, shelving units, drawer units, office storage units, or modular storage furniture, obtaining the required certification is essential before introducing covered products into the Indian market.
As a trusted BIS ISI Mark Certification Consultant for Storage Units, EVTL India provides end-to-end support throughout the certification journey, including product classification, documentation preparation, testing coordination, BIS application filing, factory inspection assistance, FMCS certification support, importer compliance assistance, license grant support, and ongoing compliance management. We support clients across India, including Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, as well as manufacturers from China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Germany, Italy, UAE, South Korea, the USA, and other global markets.
With extensive experience in BIS compliance and certification consulting, EVTL India helps businesses simplify the certification process, reduce approval delays, and achieve compliance with confidence.