BIS Certification for Work Chairs in India | IS 17631:2022
Work chairs are essential seatin solutions in modern workplaces — from corporate offices to industrial facilities and creative studios. They are designed not just for sitting, but to support productivity, ergonomics, comfort, and long hours of use. Recognizing this, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced a mandatory requirement for BIS certification under IS 17631:2022 — Work Chairs — Specification. This ensures that every work chair in the Indian market meets stringent quality, safety, and performance benchmarks.
What is IS 17631:2022?
IS 17631:2022 is the Indian Standard that specifies the design, performance, and safety requirements for work chairs — including both fully manufactured and ready-to-assemble units. It covers work chairs intended for offices, commercial spaces, industrial settings, laboratories, and other professional environments where people spend extended periods seated.
Unlike general-purpose seating standards, IS 17631 focuses on ergonomics, durability, stability, adjustability, and long-term comfort — ensuring that chairs can withstand rigorous daily usage without compromising user safety.
Mandatory BIS Certification & Furniture QCO
In February 2025, the Government of India issued the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, bringing work chairs under mandatory BIS certification requirements. This means:
- Work chairs must conform to IS 17631:2022
- All such chairs must obtain a BIS certification licence
- Products must bear the ISI mark before they can be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed in India.
The enforcement deadline is 13 February 2026 for general businesses. Eligible Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered under the Udyam Portal have an extended compliance deadline until 13 August 2026
Export-only products are exempt from this requirement, but any chair intended for domestic sale must comply.
Why IS 17631:2022 Matters
Work chairs are more than simple seats — they support human posture, reduce fatigue, and contribute directly to workplace health. Here’s how IS 17631:2022 enhances product quality:
✔ Ergonomics & Comfort
Work chairs must offer adjustable features like height, tilt, lumbar support, and armrests to provide comfortable seating for diverse body types and tasks.
✔ Structural Strength
Standards define static load and durability tests to ensure chairs can withstand prolonged stress and dynamic forces without failure.
✔ Stability & Safety
The chair must remain stable during use, prevent tipping, and ensure safe operation of swivel and caster mechanisms in mobile chairs.
✔ Material & Workmanship
Materials used must resist normal wear and tear. Surfaces should be free of sharp edges or defects, and mechanisms like gas lifts and recline systems must function reliably.
Together, these provisions protect users, reduce workplace injuries, and improve overall quality perceptions for furniture in professional environments.
BIS Certification Process for Work Chairs
Obtaining BIS certification involves a formal process under Scheme-I (ISI Mark) and includes the following key steps:
1. Application Submission
The manufacturer or importer applies online with product specifications, drawings, quality control documentation, and factory details.
2. Product Testing
Samples of work chairs are sent to BIS-approved laboratories for rigorous testing against IS 17631:2022 parameters — including strength, stability, ergonomics, and durability.
3. Factory Inspection
BIS officials inspect the manufacturing site to verify quality control processes, material sourcing, and production consistency.
4. Grant of Licence
Once the product passes all tests and inspections, BIS issues a licence that allows the use of the ISI mark on certified work chairs.
5. Surveillance & Renewal
Periodic audits and product re-testing ensure continued compliance.
This certification boosts product credibility and ensures legal compliance for market access across India.
Benefits of BIS Certification
Obtaining BIS certification for work chairs yields several strategic advantages:
✔ Legal Compliance — Mandatory under Indian law.
✔ Consumer Confidence — ISI mark signals verified safety and durability.
✔ Market Access — Essential for corporate tenders, institutional procurement, and public contracts.
✔ Brand Trust — Helps differentiate products in a competitive furniture market.
✔ Reduced Risk — Minimizes returns, complaints, and potential penalties from regulators.
Who Must Comply?
BIS certification applies to:
- Domestic Manufacturers — Producing work chairs in India.
- Importers & Foreign Brands — Exporting chairs into the Indian market.
- Retailers & Distributors — Selling chairs to end users without certification risk.
Failure to comply after the enforcement date may result in penalties, product seizures, and legal action under the BIS Act, 2016.
Final Thoughts
With the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, BIS certification is no longer optional for work chairs — it’s a regulatory requirement. IS 17631:2022 establishes clear safety and quality benchmarks that elevate the standard of work seating across India’s rapidly expanding workplace environments.
For manufacturers and importers, early engagement with the certification process — including testing, documentation, and factory audits — is key to ensuring uninterrupted market access by the 2026 deadline. Acting now means meeting compliance, building trust, and positioning your products for success in a standardised furniture market.