Introduction: Work Chairs 17631:2022

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry currently issued a Quality Control Order known as the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2023. This order will come into effect twelve months after its publication. An official notification from the government is expected soon. 

According to this order, all furniture items must comply with the relevant Indian Standard 17631:2022 and bear the standard mark. To do so, they need to obtain a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards by adhering to Scheme I of Schedule II under the Bureau of Indian Standards (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

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However, there are some exceptions to this order. Firstly, it does not apply to goods produced domestically for export purposes. Secondly, micro, small, and medium enterprises, as defined in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, are exempt from this order for a period of eighteen months from its publication.

Additionally, goods produced by registered enterprises under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises' "Udyam Portal," with investments not exceeding twenty-five lakh rupees in plant and machinery or with a turnover not exceeding two crore rupees, certified by a chartered accountant, are also exempt from this order.

What is BIS Registration?

When it’s come  in today’s fastly evolving world safety and quality have become the paramount across all to sale and manufacture of furniture, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is a key ensure the product meet the necessity quality benchmark.

The implementation of BIS Registration for Work Chairs-Specifications under IS 17631:2022 signifies a significant step towards ensuring safety, quality, and standardization in the furniture industry in India. The Furniture Quality Control Order, 2023, mandates compliance with the relevant Indian Standard and obtaining a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards for all furniture items produced and sold domestically. 

Furniture (QCO), 2023: Ensuring Standards Compliance for Enhanced Public Interest

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016), the Central Government, after consulting the Bureau of Indian Standards, is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient so to do in the public interest,

Government order & Act consulting BIS

• Title and Starting Date: This is called the Furniture Quality Control Order, 2023. It starts one year after it's officially announced.
• Using Standard Mark: Furniture listed in the table must meet certain quality standards. They should have a special mark showing they meet these standards. But this rule doesn't apply to furniture made in India just for export. Also, small businesses are exempt from this for some time. And really small businesses with limited investment and sales are completely exempt.
• Certification and Authority: The Bureau of Indian Standards is responsible for making sure furniture meets these standards.
• Penalty for Breaking Rules: If someone doesn't follow these rules, they can be punished under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Process of BIS Registration for Work chairs

The process of BIS registration is divides in two parts:

• Sample checking :  Firstly the sample of product is to given BIS and then it approved by Indian Laboratory for further testing under the IS standard
• Issuing Certificate: After that the second process is getting the reports of the test apply to BIS with prescribed filled form with lab test report like lab test, report, factory documents, information and undertaking. After all the things submitted securely then the BIS registration certificate will be issued.  

Benefits of BIS Compliance for chairs 17631:2022

• Enhanced Safety: Compliance with IS 17631:2022 ensures that work chairs meet stringent safety requirements, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
• Improved Ergonomics: Chairs designed according to the standard's specifications promote ergonomic seating, enhancing user comfort and reducing the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders associated with prolonged sitting.
• Long-Term Durability: Chairs that meet the durability criteria of the standard are more resilient to wear and tear, prolonging their lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• Legal Compliance: BIS registration ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, helping manufacturers and importers avoid legal penalties and reputational damage associated with non-compliance.

Read Our Blog: How to Get BIS Certificate for Import in India

Proposed Mandatory Quality Standards for Wooden Furniture

The government is thinking about making it mandatory for certain types of wooden furniture to meet specific quality standards. They want to ensure that the furniture is safe for people to use and is of good quality.

They've asked for feedback on this idea, and they've listed the types of furniture they're considering:

• Work chairs  [IS 17631:2022]
• General purpose chairs and stools [IS 17632:2022]
• Tables and desks [IS 17633:2022]
• Storage units [IS 17634:2022]
• Beds [IS 17635:2022]
• Bunk beds [IS 176356:2022]

Each type of furniture would need to meet certain standards to get certified.

Compulsory BIS Certification for Furniture Materials: DPIIT (CQO)

• The government has made some new rules about the quality of certain furniture materials. These rules say that if you make things like compressed wood laminates, wood-based boards, plywood, or wooden doors, you need to get a certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification shows that your products meet certain quality standards.
• These rules will start being enforced six months after they were announced. But if you're a small business, you have nine months to follow these rules, and if you're a really small business, you have a year.
• Basically, if you're making furniture materials in India, you have to meet certain quality standards and get certified. If you don't follow these rules, there can be penalties under the law. Also, if you're making stuff just to export outside of India, these rules don't apply to you.

Validity of BIS Certifications for Work Chairs

The validity of BIS Certificates are approximately 1-2 years. May also be required additional test indulge during this time periods to maintain the validity of the BIS certificates. At the time of intervals which test are required it will depend on the testing standards for the product type. To demonstrate compliance BIS also randomly request for the manufactures to submit their latest reports. Also if any changes needed in the manufacturing process or product it will require resting to maintain certificate.

Conclusion

The BIS registration process involves thorough testing and certification procedures, aimed at guaranteeing that work chairs meet stringent safety and quality benchmarks. Compliance with IS 17631:2022 offers numerous benefits, including enhanced safety, improved ergonomics, long-term durability, and legal compliance.

While the order imposes strict requirements, certain exemptions are provided for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as for goods intended for export.

Looking ahead, the government is considering extending mandatory quality standards to other types of furniture, further emphasizing its commitment to ensuring consumer safety and product quality. Additionally, compulsory BIS certification for furniture materials underscores the government's efforts to regulate the quality of inputs used in furniture production.

Overall, the BIS Registration for Work Chairs-Specifications is a positive development that prioritizes consumer safety, quality assurance, and industry standardization in the furniture sector, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.