BIS Certification for Tables and Desks in India – IS 17633:2022 Requirements & Process
In a major regulatory update for the Indian furniture industry, the Government of India has mandated BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification for Tables and Desks under Indian Standard IS 17633:2022. This certification is now compulsory for all manufacturers, sellers, and distributors who want to legally market these products in India.
Tables and desks are essential furniture items used at homes, workplaces, educational institutions, and commercial spaces. Standardizing their performance and safety is critical for consumer protection, product quality, and industry competitiveness.
What is IS 17633:2022?
IS 17633:2022 is the Indian Standard that specifies requirements for tables and desks, focusing on performance, safety, strength, stability, and durability. It applies to:
- Fully manufactured tables and desks
- Ready-to-assemble units once assembled
- Furniture used in both residential and institutional environments
The standard ensures that products meet specified criteria such as load-bearing capacity, material quality, dimensional tolerances, and resistance to wear and tear, making them reliable and safe for everyday use.
The standard applies to different types of tables and desks—domestic and office tables—with specific criteria for each category to ensure usability and safety.
Why BIS Certification is Now Mandatory
On 13 February 2025, the Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry issued the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, bringing furniture products including tables and desks under mandatory BIS certification.
Key Dates
| Requirement | Enforcement Date |
|---|---|
| Mandatory BIS certification for Tables and Desks | From 13 February 2026 |
| Extended date for eligible Micro & Small Enterprises | 13 August 2026 |
| Eligibility as per MSME criteria with investment and turnover conditions. |
Who Must Comply?
✔ Manufacturers of tables and desks
✔ E-commerce and retail sellers
✔ Importers bringing furniture into India
Exemptions: Products manufactured only for export and eligible Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered on the Udyam Portal have an extended compliance deadline.
Key Product Requirements Under IS 17633:2022
A few core requirements of the standard include:
Performance & Strength
- Tables and desks must withstand specified load limits without structural failure.
- Legs, joints, and load-bearing components undergo strength and stability testing.
Safety & Stability
- Products must maintain stability under use to avoid tipping or collapse.
- Edges and corners should be safe, without sharp protrusions.
Surface Performance
Tests may include:
- Resistance to mechanical damage
- Pencil hardness
- Resistance to heat and marking from liquids or oils
- Adhesive performance of surface finishes
Dimensional Accuracy
-
Products must conform to defined dimensional tolerances for usability and compatibility.
For detailed sampling, testing, and inspection guidelines, manufacturers and applicants can refer to the Product Manual for Tables and Desks (PM/IS 17633) published by BIS.
BIS Certification Process – Step by Step
1. Determine Applicability
Confirm that your product falls under IS 17633:2022 and the Furniture (QCO) 2025 regulation.
2. Prepare Documentation
Key documents typically include:
- Company registration details
- Product specifications and drawings
- Quality control plan
- Manufacturing process description
3. Application Submission
Apply to BIS under Scheme-I (Product Certification) via the BIS online portal.
4. Sample Testing
Send product samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for testing against the requirements of IS 17633:2022.
5. Factory Audit
BIS conducts an audit of your manufacturing facility to assess quality control systems and production consistency.
6. Grant of License
Upon successful testing and audit, BIS issues a certification license allowing you to use the ISI mark on compliant tables and desks
7. ISI Marking
Certified products must bear the BIS ISI mark, license number, and manufacturer identification before sale.
Fees & Charges (Indicative)
According to industry sources, BIS certification involves:
- Application Fee: ₹1,000
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000
- BIS Inspection & Testing Fees (varies)
- Minimum Marking Fee depending on enterprise size (e.g., ~₹1,33,000 for large manufacturers under IS 17633)
Note: Actual fees are assigned by BIS and may vary based on scale and category.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Selling or distributing uncertified tables and desks after the enforcement date is prohibited. Penalties can include:
- Product seizures
- License suspension or cancellation
- Legal actions under the BIS Act, 2016 including fines and imprisonment in severe cases.
Conclusion
The mandatory BIS certification for tables and desks under IS 17633:2022 marks a significant shift in regulatory compliance for furniture manufacturers and sellers in India. It ensures:
✔ Higher product quality
✔ Enhanced consumer safety
✔ Competitive marketplace trust
✔ Compliance with Indian statutory requirements
If you are in the business of manufacturing, importing, or distributing tables and desks, start your BIS certification process early to meet the deadlines and avoid legal or commercial setbacks. Early preparation, testing, and documentation alignment are key to seamless certification and market access.
