BIS Certification for Chairs & Stools in India | IS 17632:2022
Chairs and stools are more than just seating — they are essential furniture items in homes, offices, schools, cafés, and institutions. Given their widespread use, safety, strength, durability, and quality are critical. To ensure these benchmarks are met, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made BIS certification mandatory for general-purpose chairs and stools under IS 17632:2022.
What is IS 17632:2022?
IS 17632:2022, titled “General-Purpose Chairs and Stools — Specification”, is the Indian Standard that defines the quality, performance, and safety requirements for general-purpose chairs and stools intended for everyday use in residential, institutional, and commercial settings.
This standard applies to products that are:
- Fully manufactured/fabricated and ready for use,
- Ready-to-assemble units — in which case requirements apply to the assembled product.
The standard does not cover specialized seating such as reclining chairs, work chairs with casters (covered under IS 17631:2022), or settees and rocking chairs.
Why IS 17632:2022 Matters
Before IS 17632:2022, furniture quality and safety were largely unregulated — leading to variations in product performance, durability, and user safety. This standard now fills that gap by establishing clear requirements to ensure that chairs and stools:
- Are stable and do not overturn easily
- Possess adequate strength and structural integrity
- Withstand static and dynamic loads
- Are free from sharp edges and surface faults
Deliver durability and reliability during normal use By adhering to this standard, manufacturers give customers confidence that their products are safe and built to last.
What Products Are Covered?
IS 17632:2022 applies to a wide range of general-purpose seating used indoors, such as:
- Household dining chairs
- Stools for kitchens and living areas
- Seating for classrooms and libraries
- Guest chairs in waiting areas
- Café and restaurant seating
Basically, any non-specialized chair or stool intended for everyday use falls under this standard.
Mandatory BIS Certification in India
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry makes BIS certification for chairs and stools mandatory. Under this order:
✔ Products must conform to IS 17632:2022.
✔ Manufacturers and importers must obtain BIS certification under Scheme-I (ISI Mark).
✔ Each product must carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) before it can be sold in India.
The enforcement deadline is 13 February 2026 for most businesses. Eligible Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered on the Udyam Portal have an extended deadline until 13 August 2026.
Exemptions apply only to:
- Furniture manufactured exclusively for export.
- Very small enterprises within defined investment and turnover limits.
What Is Tested Under IS 17632:2022?
To earn BIS certification, chairs and stools must undergo rigorous testing in a BIS-approved laboratory. Key parameters include:
- Design & workmanship — even surfaces, appropriate finishes
- Dimension checks — correct sizing and ergonomic standards
- Stability tests — resistance to tipping in multiple directions
- Static load and strength tests — ability to bear specified weights
- Impact tests — simulated sudden loads to check structural integrity
- Durability tests — repeated loading to simulate long-term use
- Surface performance — finishes that resist wear and damage
Products must pass all applicable tests without structural failure or unsafe deformation.
Benefits of BIS Certification
Obtaining BIS certification for chairs and stools offers several benefits:
✔ Legal compliance — Mandatory for selling in India.
✔ Consumer trust — ISI mark signals verified quality.
✔ Brand credibility — Helps retail and institutional sales.
✔ Market access — Essential for government, institutional, and e-commerce channels.
✔ Reduced risk — Minimizes product recalls and complaints.
The BIS Certification Process (High-Level)
Here’s a general overview of how to secure BIS certification for chairs and stools:
- Identify product models and materials under the standard.
- Prepare documentation — technical specifications, drawings, quality control plans.
- Test samples in a BIS-recognized lab to meet IS 17632:2022 requirements.
- Apply online for BIS certification under Scheme-I.
- Factory inspection (if required) and verification.
- Receive BIS licence and label products with the ISI mark.
Note: The exact steps and documents may vary — professional guidance helps streamline applications.
Final Thoughts
With IS 17632:2022 now enforced as a mandatory standard, many furniture manufacturers and importers must act quickly to ensure compliance. Not only does BIS certification keep you on the right side of the law, but it also elevates product quality and builds confidence among customers and institutional buyers.
Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturer or a startup entering the furniture market, understanding and complying with IS 17632:2022 is essential to success in India’s rapidly standardizing furniture industry.