Understanding IS 17632, the Quality Control Order (QCO) for Furniture, and Omega QMS Pvt Ltd’s Role in BIS Certification

Introduction

The furniture industry in India is undergoing a significant transformation with the implementation of stringent quality control measures. The Quality Control Order (QCO) for furniture, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, mandates adherence to specific Indian Standards (IS) to ensure product quality and consumer safety. Among these standards, IS 17632:2022 lays down the specifications for general-purpose chairs and stools.

With the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification becoming compulsory for furniture items, manufacturers must comply with the prescribed regulations to avoid penalties. Omega QMS Pvt Ltd plays a crucial role in guiding manufacturers through the BIS certification process, ensuring seamless compliance and quality assurance.

IS 17632:2022 – Specifications for Chairs and Stools

IS 17632:2022 provides a detailed framework for the design, material, safety, strength, durability, and stability of chairs and stools intended for general use. This standard supersedes several previous standards, including IS 3763:1982, IS 4103:1977, IS 6185:1971, and IS 6632:1988, consolidating them into a single comprehensive guideline.

Key Requirements of IS 17632

1. Applicability: Covers completely manufactured/fabricated general-purpose chairs and stools, including ready-to-assemble units.
2. Performance Criteria:
   • Strength and durability tests(static, impact, and fatigue testing)
   • Stability tests(overbalancing prevention)
   • Surface performance tests(resistance to wear, heat, and moisture)
3. Material Standards: Ensures quality across various materials, including wood, metal, polymeric components, upholstery, and cushioning.
4. Safety Guidelines:
   • No sharp edges or protruding parts
   • Rounded or chamfered edges
   • Securely fixed components to prevent injury
5. Marking Requirements:
   • Manufacturer’s name and logo
   • Batch/lot number
   • BIS certification mark

Implications: With IS 17632 now under the mandatory BIS certification requirement, all furniture manufacturers must obtain a BIS license before selling their products in India.

Quality Control Order (QCO) for Furniture – 2025

The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, mandates that certain furniture items conform to specific Indian Standards.

Key Provisions of the QCO

1. Mandatory BIS Certification:
   • All furniture items listed under the order must bear the BIS Standard Mark.
   • Products must comply with the relevant Indian Standards (IS).
2. Applicability Timeline:
   • The order comes into effect 12 months from the date of publication (February 13, 2025).
   • Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) get an additional 6 months to comply.
3. Exemptions:
   • Furniture items manufactured for export are not subject to this regulation.
   • MSEs with investment below ₹25 lakh and turnover under ₹2 crore(as certified by a Chartered Accountant) are exempt.
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
   • Violations of the QCO attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
   • BIS is the certification and enforcement authority.

Furniture Items Covered Under the QCO

Furniture Type	Applicable IS Code
Work Chairs	IS 17631:2022
General Purpose Chairs & Stools	IS 17632:2022
Tables & Desks	IS 17633:2022
Storage Units	IS 17634:2022
Beds	IS 17635:2022
Bunk Beds	IS 17636:2022

The QCO aims to enhance furniture quality, promote standardization, and protect consumer interests in the Indian market.

Role of Omega QMS Pvt Ltd in BIS Certification

With BIS certification becoming mandatory, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd serves as a trusted consultant and facilitator for furniture manufacturers seeking compliance with IS 17632 and other relevant standards.

How Omega QMS Pvt Ltd Helps in BIS Certification

1. Guidance on Regulatory Compliance:
   • Assists manufacturers in understanding IS 17632 and other applicable furniture standards.
   • Helps businesses assess product compliance with BIS guidelines.
2. Application Assistance for BIS Certification:
   • Supports manufacturers in preparing the BIS application.
   • Ensures proper documentation, including factory details, test reports, and product specifications.
3. Testing and Quality Control:
   • Assists in conducting product testing in BIS-approved laboratories.
   • Identifies potential areas of non-compliance and suggests corrective actions.
4. Factory Audit Preparation:
   • Guides manufacturers in setting up BIS-compliant production processes.
   • Prepares businesses for BIS factory audits to ensure smooth certification.
5. Post-Certification Support:
   • Provides ongoing compliance monitoring to maintain BIS certification.
   • Helps with renewals, amendments, and periodic testing.

Why Choose Omega QMS Pvt Ltd?

 Expertise in BIS Certification
 Hassle-Free Documentation & Testing
 End-to-End Compliance Support
 Faster Approval Process

By working with Omega QMS Pvt Ltd, furniture manufacturers can achieve BIS certification efficiently, ensuring quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

The implementation of IS 17632:2022 and the QCO for furniture (2025) mark a new era of quality assurance in India’s furniture industry. With BIS certification now mandatory for chairs and stools, manufacturers must comply with stringent standards to avoid penalties and enhance product reliability.

Omega QMS Pvt Ltd plays a pivotal role in this transition by providing expert guidance, application assistance, and compliance support. By partnering with Omega QMS, manufacturers can streamline the certification process, ensure product quality, and successfully enter the regulated market.

With these new regulations in place, Indian consumers can look forward to safer, more durable, and high-quality furniture products in the years to come.

Need BIS Certification for Your Furniture Business?

Contact Omega QMS Pvt Ltd today for a hassle-free certification process!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMEGA QMS PVT. LTD.

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Phone: 011-41413939(100 lines), Email: info@globalomega.com,

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