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BIS Certification for General Purpose Chairs and Stools
IS 17632 – Complete ISI Mark Process, QCO Requirements & Compliance Guide
BIS Certification for General Purpose Chairs and Stools under IS 17632 is a mandatory compliance requirement in India. Under the Furniture Quality Control Order, manufacturers and importers must obtain an ISI Mark licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure chairs and stools meet safety, strength, durability, and ergonomic requirements before they can be sold in the Indian market.
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Introduction to BIS Certification for General Purpose Chairs and Stools
General purpose chairs and stools are among the most widely used furniture products across India. They are used daily in homes, offices, schools, restaurants, waiting areas, and public facilities. Because these products support body weight and are used frequently, their safety and structural reliability are extremely important.
To ensure consistent quality, the Government of India has introduced mandatory BIS certification under IS 17632. This certification verifies that the product has been tested for strength, stability, durability, and material safety before being sold in the market.
For manufacturers and importers, certification is not only a regulatory requirement but also a mark of credibility and trust.
For manufacturers and importers, compliance is not just a regulatory formality — it is a legal requirement to sell in the Indian market.
Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO) — Brief Explanation
The Furniture Quality Control Order has been issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to regulate furniture quality in India.
Under this order:
• Chairs and stools must comply with IS 17632
• Products must carry the ISI mark
• Sale of non-certified products is prohibited
The certification and enforcement authority is the Bureau of Indian Standards, which conducts product testing, factory inspections, and market surveillance.
The QCO aims to:
• Prevent unsafe furniture from entering the market
• Protect consumers from product failures
• Improve manufacturing standards
• Promote quality-driven competition
Important: Non-compliance may lead to penalties under the BIS Act, including fines, product seizure, or prohibition on sale.
Responsible Ministries and Regulatory Authorities
Furniture certification involves coordination between:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Policy notification and QCO issuance
DPIIT
Implementation oversight
Bureau of Indian Standards
Certification, testing, licensing, enforcement
Effective Dates Under QCO
Businesses must prepare early to avoid disruption.
What is IS 17632 — Indian Standard for General Purpose Chairs and Stools?
IS 17632 specifies technical requirements for chairs and stools intended for general use.
The standard covers:
• Structural integrity
• Load bearing (typically up to standard user weight limits)
• Stability against tipping
• Material safety
• Surface finish quality
• Ergonomic considerations
It applies to both domestic and institutional seating.
Scope of the Standard:
• Fully manufactured chairs and stools
• Ready-to-assemble furniture
• Seating used in homes, offices, and public environments
Key Highlights:
Where These Products Are Used
Certified chairs and stools are commonly used in:
Why BIS Certification Is Important
1. Legal Requirement
Products cannot be sold without certification.
2. User Safety
Ensures chairs do not collapse or fail under normal use.
3. Product Quality Assurance
Testing confirms durability and performance.
4. Market Acceptance
Certified products are preferred by buyers.
5. Institutional Procurement
Government and corporate buyers often require certified furniture.
Key Benefits of BIS Certification
• Compliance with Indian regulations
• Enhanced product reliability
• Strong customer confidence
• Reduced risk of product liability
• Competitive advantage in the market
• Access to institutional buyers
• Improved brand reputation
Key Requirements and Testing
Products must pass testing at BIS recognised laboratories.
Tests include:
These tests ensure chairs can withstand everyday usage.
Certification Process — Step by Step
- 1 Confirm Applicable Standard - Verify product falls under IS 17632.
- 2 Prepare Documentation - Compile technical and quality documents.
- 3 Submit Application - Apply through BIS system.
- 4 Product Testing - Send samples to approved laboratory.
- 5 Factory Inspection - BIS officials inspect manufacturing process.
- 6 Licence Approval - Certification granted after compliance.
- 7 Ongoing Surveillance - Periodic checks ensure continued conformity.
Timeline for Certification
Note: Actual timelines may vary based on product readiness, documentation quality, and laboratory workload.
Documents Required
Typically includes:
• Business registration documents
• Factory details and layout
• Product drawings and specifications
• Quality control plan
• Test reports
• Manufacturing process description
Required Use of ISI Mark
After approval, manufacturers must affix the ISI mark on products. This indicates compliance with Indian standards and is mandatory for sale.
Important: The ISI mark must be accompanied by the licence number and should be clearly visible on the product or packaging.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply may result in:
• Financial penalties
• Product seizure
• Sales prohibition
• Legal action
About Standphill India — Compliance Experts
Standphill India supports manufacturers, importers, and brand owners in obtaining BIS certification smoothly and efficiently.
Our support includes:
• End-to-end certification guidance
• Documentation preparation
• Lab testing coordination
• Factory audit assistance
• Regulatory advisory
• Post-approval compliance
We help businesses reduce delays and achieve faster approvals.
7500+ Successful Certifications | 99% Approval Rate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, under the Furniture QCO it is mandatory for general purpose chairs and stools to obtain BIS certification under IS 17632 before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
Manufacturers, importers, and private label owners selling general purpose chairs and stools in India must obtain BIS certification under IS 17632.
No, sale without certification is not allowed under the Furniture Quality Control Order. Non-compliance may result in penalties and product seizure.
Usually between one to six months depending on complexity. Indian manufacturers typically complete certification in around 30 days, while foreign manufacturers may take up to 180 days.
The ISI mark is a certification mark issued by BIS indicating that a product conforms to Indian Standards. For chairs and stools, it confirms compliance with IS 17632 safety and quality requirements.
Yes, after the applicable enforcement timeline. Small and micro enterprises have extended implementation dates as notified, but must eventually comply with the QCO requirements.
Conclusion
BIS Certification for General Purpose Chairs and Stools under IS 17632 is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in the Indian furniture market. With mandatory enforcement under the Quality Control Order, businesses must act proactively to meet requirements.
Working with an experienced partner like Standphill India helps simplify the process, minimise risks, and ensure successful certification. With Standphill India's expertise, businesses can navigate BIS certification requirements efficiently and achieve compliant market entry with confidence.
Read it for BIS Certification for Furniture for information on all furniture categories covered under the QCO.
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