The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced that ISI certification will become mandatory for furniture manufactured by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) starting August 13. This move follows the implementation of mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for furniture items under the Union ministry of commerce and industry, notified on February 14, 2025.
Categories Covered Under QCO
Furniture plays a crucial role in both domestic and commercial spaces. Given its widespread use, the QCO covers six categories along with their corresponding Indian Standards. These include work chairs under IS 17631:2022, general-purpose chairs and stools under IS 17632:2022, tables and desks under IS 17633:2022, storage units under IS 17634:2022, beds under IS 17635:2022, and bunk beds under IS 17636:2022.
Timeline for Implementation
ISI certification had already become mandatory for furniture produced by large manufacturers from February 13 this year. The same requirement will now come into force on August 13 for MSME furniture manufacturers. The BIS Coimbatore branch office on Wednesday held an awareness programme to prepare smaller manufacturers for the transition.
Awareness Programme Highlights
The programme featured a session on BIS activities by Divya S, scientist-D and joint director, who explained the organisation’s initiatives and the support available to MSMEs. A detailed technical session on Indian Standards and BIS licensing procedures for furniture manufacturers was delivered by Rino John S, scientist-E and director. He provided practical insights into certification requirements and compliance mechanisms.
Quality Parameters and Penalties
Rino John said the standards prescribe strict quality parameters, including thickness, dimensions, design, durability, raw materials, load-bearing capacity and resistance to temperature variations. He warned that manufacturers or importers failing to comply with the norms would face penalties.
Consumer Verification via BIS CARE App
He said BIS has been promoting the BIS CARE app, which enables consumers to verify the authenticity of ISI-certified products. Consumers can check the ISI mark on furniture products, along with the relevant standard number (IS 17636:2022) and the 10-digit CM/L number printed on them. The number can then be authenticated through the BIS CARE app to confirm the product’s genuineness.
Call for Compliance
BIS urged all furniture manufacturers, especially MSMEs, to comply with the notified standards to ensure quality products and protect consumer interests. Around 30 participants attended the programme and interacted with BIS officials on certification and related support services.
