Where things stand
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 has applied to large and medium enterprises since 13 February 2026 and to micro and small enterprises since 13 August 2026. Work chairs, chairs and stools, tables and desks, storage units, beds and bunk beds (IS 17631 to IS 17636) must carry the ISI Mark — whether they are made in India or imported.
For importers, the key point is that the BIS licence is held by the manufacturing factory. A container of office chairs from an unlicensed overseas factory cannot be cleared, no matter how well the importer's paperwork is prepared.
The first 2026 amendment (12 February 2026)
Issued a day before the order took effect, the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 added three reliefs:
R&D imports: certified manufacturers, or those who have applied, can import up to 200 units per financial year for research and development, provided they are not sold, are scrapped after use and records are maintained.
Existing stock: certified manufacturers or applicants can sell stock manufactured or imported before the implementation date for 12 months from that date, against a self-declaration to BIS. For large and medium enterprises, that window runs to February 2027.
Inputs for export: uncertified furniture components or sub-assemblies imported only to make furniture for export are exempt, against a self-declaration and an undertaking that they won't be sold in India.
The second 2026 amendment (2 March 2026)
The Furniture (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2026 (S.O. 1125(E)) gave relief to consignments already in the pipeline when the order started. The order did not apply if the Bill of Lading was dated before the implementation date and the Bill of Entry was filed within 180 days of it — or if the purchase order was placed before the implementation date, both the Bill of Lading and Bill of Entry were dated within 180 days, and the documents were submitted to BIS within 7 days of clearance.
For large and medium importers, that 180-day window closed in August 2026. Orders placed after the implementation date never qualified. In practice, new furniture imports now need a licensed factory.
Getting a foreign furniture factory certified: FMCS
Overseas furniture manufacturers get BIS licences through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). The key steps:
1. Classify products against IS 17631–17636 and group models to minimise testing.
2. Appoint an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR), who is accountable in India for the licence.
3. Set up in-house testing and quality control at the factory for the tests the standard requires.
4. Apply to BIS, pay fees and furnish the performance bank guarantee.
5. BIS inspects the overseas factory and draws samples for testing in India.
6. The licence is granted and products are marked with the ISI Mark and licence number.
Realistically, FMCS takes around six months from application, so importers relying on a supplier that has not yet applied should plan for gaps in supply.
What importers should do now
Audit your suppliers: for every furniture SKU, confirm the factory's licence number, the standard it covers, and that the licence is valid. Verify it independently on the BIS website.
Check licence scope, not just existence: a licence for IS 17633 tables does not cover the same factory's IS 17631 chairs.
Plan for old stock: if you hold stock imported before the deadline, check whether it qualifies for the 12-month sale window and that the required declaration has been filed.
How TechbyDR Services helps
We run FMCS applications for foreign furniture manufacturers end to end, act as or coordinate the Authorised Indian Representative, and help Indian importers audit their supplier base and stock for compliance.
FAQs
Can I import furniture into India without BIS certification?
Not for products covered by IS 17631 to IS 17636, other than under narrow exemptions such as R&D imports or inputs for export production. The overseas factory must hold a BIS licence under FMCS.
Is the 180-day transitional relief still available?
For large and medium enterprises, the window closed in August 2026. It applied only to shipments or purchase orders made before the implementation date.
How long does FMCS take for furniture?
Around six months is realistic, depending on how ready the factory is, testing schedules and the overseas inspection date.
Can the Indian importer hold the BIS licence?
No. The licence is issued to the manufacturing unit. The importer's role is to source from licensed factories and, where needed, act as the Authorised Indian Representative.
This article is general information about BIS/NABL compliance, not legal or regulatory advice. Requirements change — confirm current applicability for your specific product before acting.
Need help with this?
FMCS – Foreign Manufacturers Certification
BIS licensing for manufacturers based outside India to use the ISI Mark.