Understanding BIS Certification for Furniture in India

The Indian government has taken a major step to improve product quality and consumer safety in the furniture industry by making Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mandatory for several categories of furniture products. This move aims to ensure that furniture sold in the Indian market meets defined benchmarks for strength, durability, stability, and overall safety.

📌 What Is BIS Certification for Furniture?

BIS certification is a quality assurance mark provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards, India’s national standards body. When furniture products are BIS-certified, they carry the ISI mark, which is a symbol of product conformity with Indian Standards. The certification involves testing products against defined specifications and ensuring manufacturing processes follow quality control norms.

🪑 Furniture Products Covered

Under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the following furniture categories must be BIS certified before they can be manufactured, sold, imported, or distributed in India:

Work chairs — IS 17631:2022

General-purpose chairs and stools — IS 17632:2022

Tables and desks — IS 17633:2022

Storage units (like cabinets) — IS 17634:2022

Beds — IS 17635:2022

Bunk beds — IS 17636:2022

This requirement becomes mandatory from 13 February 2026 for all covered products, and non-compliant goods cannot legally enter or be sold in the Indian market.

🚚 Who Must Comply?

Both domestic furniture manufacturers and importers of the covered furniture products must obtain BIS certification before sales. Some exemptions and extended compliance periods may apply to small and micro enterprises under specific government definitions, but generally, the requirement is now compulsory.

📈 Why BIS Certification Matters

BIS certification brings multiple benefits for furniture businesses:

Legal compliance: Selling non-certified furniture after the February 2026 deadline is prohibited and punishable under the BIS Act.

Consumer confidence: The ISI mark reassures buyers that the furniture meets quality and safety standards.

Market access: Certified products are more competitive and can be listed on government procurement portals and large commercial customers.

Brand credibility: BIS-certified products often enjoy stronger trust among retailers and end consumers.

🧪 The Certification Process — Step-by-Step

While the full process can be complex, here’s a simple overview of typical steps involved:

Identify the applicable Indian Standard for your furniture product.

Collect and prepare documentation, including product specifications and quality control plans.

Apply through the BIS portal and submit samples for testing in BIS-recognized labs.

Factory inspection: BIS officials inspect your manufacturing facility to verify quality systems.

Approval and license issue — once approved, you can display the ISI mark on your furniture products.

🛠️ Expert Assistance for BIS Compliance

Navigating BIS certification can be challenging, especially for new manufacturers or foreign exporters. Professional consultants can help streamline the process — from correct standard identification to laboratory testing coordination and application management.

For businesses seeking expert support with BIS furniture certification, consider services like BIS certification for furniture, which provide end-to-end guidance and help ensure timely and compliant product approvals.