BIS for Furniture in India: Is It Mandatory? QCO Guide

If you make, import, or sell chairs, tables, storage units, or beds in India, one rule now shapes your business: the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025. Since 13 February 2026, covered furniture must meet Indian Standards and carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark). This blog explains what the order says, which products it covers, and how the certification process works. If you want hands-on support, you can explore our BIS certification services in India.

Key takeaways

• BIS certification is mandatory for six furniture categories under the Furniture QCO 2025.
• The order was notified on 13 February 2025 and came into force on 13 February 2026.
• The applicable standards are IS 17631 to IS 17636.
• The rule applies to manufacturers and importers of covered furniture.
• Furniture outside the six categories is not covered, though voluntary certification is possible.

Contents

1. Why furniture came under BIS
2. What the Furniture QCO 2025 says
3. Which products are covered
4. Who is affected
5. How BIS certification works for furniture
6. Common mistakes to avoid
7. What happens if you ignore the rule
8. FAQs

1. Why furniture came under BIS

Furniture quality varies widely in the Indian market, from strength and stability to durability and safety. The government’s Quality Control Orders aim to set a minimum benchmark, protect buyers, and improve consumer confidence. Furniture is one of the newer product groups to be brought under this system.

2. What the Furniture QCO 2025 says

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued the order under the BIS Act, 2016. The key points:

• Notified: 13 February 2025
• In force: 13 February 2026, which is 12 months after notification
• Requirement: covered products must conform to the specified Indian Standard and bear the BIS Standard Mark
• Enforcing authority: Bureau of Indian Standards
• Amendment: a 2026 amendment has since refined the order, including exemptions for certain goods

3. Which products are covered

Product	Indian Standard
Work chairs	IS 17631:2022
General purpose chairs and stools	IS 17632:2022
Tables and desks	IS 17633:2022
Storage units	IS 17634:2022
Beds	IS 17635
Bunk beds	IS 17636

4. Who is affected

• Manufacturers in India must hold a BIS licence for each covered product.
• Importers must ensure the imported product conforms and carries the mark. Foreign manufacturers can apply through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme with an authorised Indian representative.
• Sellers and dealers should check that the products they stock carry a genuine mark and licence number.

5. How BIS certification works for furniture

1. Identify the standard: match your product to IS 17631–17636.
2. Collect documents: business proof, factory details, process description, and testing facility information.
3. Test the product: use a BIS-recognised laboratory.
4. Apply to BIS: file the application online with test reports.
5. Factory inspection: a BIS officer reviews production and quality control.
6. Licence grant: after approval, you can mark products with the Standard Mark and licence number.
7. Stay compliant: BIS may check your testing and records through periodic surveillance.

6. Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming a product is out of scope without matching it to the six categories.
• Testing at a lab that is not BIS-recognised.
• Assuming one licence covers every furniture type. Licences are linked to specific products and standards.
• Printing the mark incorrectly or before the licence is granted.
• Selling old stock on the assumption that it is exempt, without reading the exemption conditions in the order.

7. What happens if you ignore the rule

Making, importing, or selling covered furniture without the mark violates the BIS Act, 2016. Consequences can include penalties, seizure of goods, and legal action. Dealers holding non-compliant stock are also exposed.

FAQs

Is BIS certification mandatory for furniture in India?
Yes, for the six categories covered by the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, which took effect on 13 February 2026.

Which Indian Standards apply to furniture?
IS 17631 to IS 17636, covering work chairs, general purpose chairs and stools, tables and desks, storage units, beds, and bunk beds.

Do importers need BIS certification for furniture?
Yes. Covered furniture must conform to the standard and carry the BIS mark, whether made in India or imported.

Can old stock be sold without the mark?
The 2026 amendment includes exemptions for some goods made or imported before the cut-off date. Check the exact conditions in the official order before selling.

Conclusion

BIS certification has moved furniture from “good practice” to “legal requirement” for six product categories. Start by matching your products to the right standard, then plan testing and the factory audit early. For end-to-end support on licensing, see our BIS certification services in India.