BIS QCO for Furniture: General Purpose Chairs & Stools Certification
The Government of India, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade – DPIIT), has introduced the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 to regulate the quality and safety standards of furniture products manufactured or sold in India. This order has been issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, making it mandatory for specified furniture products to comply with Indian Standards and obtain BIS certification.
This regulation aims to enhance product safety, improve durability, ensure structural strength, and protect consumers from substandard furniture products in the Indian market.
Implementation Timeline
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 was published on 13th February 2025 in the Official Gazette of India and will come into force after twelve months from the date of publication.
For Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), the implementation timeline is extended to eighteen months from the date of publication.
Mandatory BIS Certification Requirement
Under this order, specified furniture products must:
Conform to the relevant Indian Standard (IS)
Bear the BIS Standard Mark
Be licensed under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
The certification and enforcement authority for these products will be the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling, distributing, or importing covered furniture products in India.
Furniture Products Covered Under the QCO
The following furniture categories are covered under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025:
1. Work Chairs – IS 17631:2022
Work chairs used in offices, commercial establishments, and institutions must comply with IS 17631:2022. These standards ensure ergonomic design, load-bearing capacity, durability, and safety performance.
2. General Purpose Chairs and Stools – IS 17632:2022
This includes commonly used chairs and stools in homes, offices, schools, and public places. The standard ensures structural stability, safety, and long-term performance.
3. Tables and Desks – IS 17633:2022
Tables and desks used in offices, institutions, and households must comply with IS 17633:2022. The standard evaluates load strength, surface durability, and overall stability.
4. Storage Units – IS 17634:2022
Storage furniture such as cabinets, wardrobes, and filing units must meet IS 17634:2022 requirements to ensure safety, structural integrity, and proper load distribution.
5. Beds – IS 17635:2022
Beds manufactured or sold in India must conform to IS 17635:2022, ensuring durability, structural performance, and user safety.
6. Bunk Beds – IS 17636:2022
Bunk beds are subject to stricter safety norms under IS 17636:2022, particularly focusing on guardrails, ladder safety, structural strength, and fall prevention measures.
Exemptions Under the Order
The following exemptions apply:
Export-Oriented Units – Furniture manufactured in India exclusively for export is exempt from this order.
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) – As defined under the MSME Development Act, 2006, MSEs are given an extended implementation timeline of 18 months.
Enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal with:
Investment in plant & machinery not exceeding ?25 lakh
Turnover not exceeding ?2 crore in the previous financial year
(Certified by a Chartered Accountant)
Such eligible enterprises may receive exemption from implementation.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Any manufacturer or seller who contravenes the provisions of the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 shall be punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
Penalties may include:
Monetary fines
Cancellation of license
Seizure of non-compliant goods
Legal prosecution
Importance of the Furniture QCO 2025
The introduction of this order marks a significant step towards:
Eliminating substandard and unsafe furniture products
Promoting quality manufacturing practices
Enhancing consumer confidence
Strengthening the “Make in India” initiative
Encouraging global competitiveness
Manufacturers must prepare in advance by upgrading product design, conducting laboratory testing, and applying for BIS certification before the enforcement deadline.
How Manufacturers Can Prepare
To comply with the Furniture QCO 2025:
Identify applicable Indian Standards for your product.
Upgrade product design to meet IS requirements.
Conduct testing in BIS-recognized laboratories.
Apply for BIS license under Scheme-I.
Maintain quality control and regular audits.
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