BIS Certification for Storage Units – IS 17634:2022 Mandatory Standard Explained
With India moving towards stringent quality control in the furniture sector, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made certification under IS 17634:2022 mandatory for all Storage Units sold in the Indian market. This move is part of the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, aimed at ensuring safety, durability, and functional reliability of everyday furniture products.
What Is IS 17634:2022?
IS 17634:2022 is the Indian Standard that sets performance, safety, and quality requirements for storage furniture units typically used in homes, offices, and institutions. These include items such as:
- Cabinets
- Wardrobes
- Filing units
- Lockers
- Other indoor storage units
The standard applies to both fully manufactured/fabricated units and ready-to-assemble units (once assembled). It ensures that products can withstand regular use without tipping, warping, or structural failure, and that components like drawers and doors function safely over time.
Mandatory Compliance Timeline
Under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025:
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🗓 Effective Date: 13 February 2026 – BIS certification becomes mandatory for all manufacturers and sellers of storage units in India.
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🗓 Extended Deadline for Eligible MSMEs: 13 August 2026 – Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered on the Udyam Portal, meeting prescribed investment and turnover criteria, receive an extended compliance period.
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✈️ Export-Only Products: Goods manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from this order.
Who Must Comply?
✔ Domestic manufacturers of storage units
✔ Importers bringing storage units into India
✔ E-commerce sellers and retail distributors
✔ Institutional suppliers (offices, schools, hospitals)
Exemptions apply to:
✔ Products made solely for export
✔ Eligible Micro & Small Enterprises as per MSME criteria until the extended deadline.
Key Requirements Under IS 17634:2022
Performance & Structural Integrity
Storage units must demonstrate:
- Strength and load-bearing capacity for shelves and body
- Resistance to deformation under repeated use
- Stability against tipping under realistic use conditions
- Secure and smooth-operating drawers, doors, and movable parts
Safety & Design
- Edge and corner finishes must be safe and free from sharp hazards
- Anti-tilt safety requirements for taller units
- Secure locking mechanisms where applicable
Durability & Surface Performance
Units are tested for:
- Resistance to surface damage like scratches, stains, and heat
- Impact resistance of doors and drawers
- Deflection limits of shelves under load
Classification Under the Standard
Storage units under IS 17634:2022 may be grouped based on:
Performance Category
- Domestic (everyday residential use)
- Institutional (light use)
- Institutional (heavy use)
Design and Construction Features
- Free-standing or wall-mounted
- With/without castors
- Types of doors (pivoted, sliding, roll-fronts, flaps)
- With/without seating surfaces
BIS Certification Process – Step by Step
1. Determine Applicability
Confirm your storage units fall under IS 17634:2022 and are subject to the Quality Control Order.
2. Prepare Documentation
Typical documents include:
- Company registration and GST details
- Product drawings and specifications
- Quality control procedures
- Manufacturing process description
3. Submit Application to BIS
Apply under Scheme-I (Product Certification) through the BIS online portal.
4. Product Testing
Send product samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing as per IS 17634:2022 requirements.
5. Factory Inspection
BIS conducts an audit of your production facility to ensure consistent quality control.
6. Grant of BIS License
Once testing and inspection are successfully completed, BIS issues a license allowing you to use the ISI mark on compliant storage units.
7. ISI Marking & Market Release
Certified units must bear the ISI mark and associated license number before sale or distribution.
Fees & Costs (Indicative)
According to regulatory fee structures:
- Application Fee: ₹1,000
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000
- Inspection & Testing Fees: Vary by lab and scope
- Minimum Marking Fee (per year):
- Large Scale: ~₹2,23,000
- Medium Scale: ~₹1,79,000
- Small Scale: ~₹1,11,500
- Micro Scale: ~₹44,600
Actual fees are assigned by BIS and may vary based on enterprise category and production scale.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to obtain BIS certification and sell uncertified storage units after the enforcement deadline may lead to:
- Product seizures and market withdrawal
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
- Legal actions and penalties under the BIS Act, 2016
Why This Matters
Mandatory BIS certification under IS 17634:2022 ensures:
✔ Better user safety – Products meet minimum safety and stability standards
✔ Higher product quality – Builds consumer trust and boosts market credibility
✔ Legal compliance – Avoids fines and legal issues under BIS regulations
✔ Market access – Some institutional buyers and platforms require certified products
Final Thoughts
The introduction of mandatory BIS certification for storage units marks a significant shift in India’s furniture compliance landscape. Manufacturers, importers, and sellers must act proactively to meet the deadline and ensure that their products conform to IS 17634:2022 standards. Early planning—testing, documentation, and factory audit preparation—can save time, costs, and regulatory hassles.