How to Get BIS and ISI Certification for Tables and Desks in India

For furniture used in homes, offices, schools, and other workspaces, ensuring quality and safety is essential. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) evaluates furniture for durability, stability, and safety, providing certification and licensing accordingly.BIS Certification for Tables and Desks is one of the most important and fundamental pillars of BIS's governance, which stems from specific Quality Control Orders (QCOs).

Manufacturers and importers are often the focus when it comes to understanding the processes and requirements of Indian Standards (IS) and BIS Certification. To make compliance simpler and more straightforward, this article walks you through registration procedures, relevant laws, certification processes, and BIS consulting services, while also addressing the most frequently asked questions.

What Does BIS Certification Mean?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), established under the BIS Act, 2016, is India’s national standards authority. It ensures that products in the Indian market are safe, reliable, and of high quality. BIS certification serves as a mark of assurance that a product complies with the relevant Indian Standards (IS) specifications.

Furniture items, such as tables and desks, require certifications that encompass proof of load capacity, design stability, safety of materials, ergonomics, and safety. Manufacturing or selling such products without BIS approval, when mandated under a QCO, may result in penalties, confiscation, or prosecution under the law.

What ISI Mark Registration Means?

The ISI Mark is the standard quality certification mark issued by BIS. "ISI" stands for Indian Standards Institute, the former name of BIS. The ISI mark on tables and desks means that the product has undergone testing according to the relevant IS standard, typically conducted at BIS-recognized laboratories.

The Significance of ISI Mark Registration for Tables and Desks

• Assures the consumer that the product satisfies the quality and safety standards of India.

• Protects public health and prevents the use of low-quality materials.

• Enhances public confidence in the brand.

• Meets the requirement of compliance to QCOs in India.

• Ensures that the product is manufactured consistently and in compliance with quality control.

Why BIS Certification for Tables and Desks Matters?

Under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, the compliance with prescribed Indian Standards is mandatory for notified categories of furniture.

1. Market Access: Manufacturers and importers are legally able to market and sell tables and desks within the Indian market under the BIS certification.

2. Consumer Confidence: Having an ISI mark is an indicator to the consumer that the product is reliable and safe. This builds trust in the product and the brand as well.

3. Export Facilitation: BIS-certified products are a guaranteed quality and reliably sought after by international customers. This allows the manufacturer to expand their market.

4. Quality Assurance: BIS certification guarantees that the product quality is maintained and consistent across all batches.

5. Reduced Risk: Having BIS certification reduces the likelihood of recalls due to product failures, safety hazards, or complications resulting from poor designs and materials.

Legal and Regulatory Framework in India

The BIS certification framework derives its legitimacy from the BIS Act, 2016, the BIS Rules, 2018, and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. These acts govern certification, standardization, labeling, and the subsequent punishment for failing to follow the prescribed actions.

Essential Legal Aspects

1. BIS Act, 2016: Empowers BIS to formulate standards and enforce certification.

2. Quality Control Orders (QCOs): Issued by the Government of India through the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, these orders require certain products to compulsorily obtain BIS certification.

3. Indian Standards (IS Codes): The standards for tables and desks include IS 5967:1988 (for office tables) or an equivalent standard.

4. Penal Provisions: Under the BIS Act, in Sections 17 and 29, all the penalties for manufacturing or selling unapproved products are clarified including the threat of imprisonment, confiscation of product, and legal prosecution.BIS Quality Control Order for Tables and Desks

   
   

The Quality Control Order (QCO) is issued by the Government of India and makes BIS Certification mandatory for certain products. In the case of tables and desks, the QCO prevents the entry of poorly made desks and tables into the market by ensuring uniform quality standards.

Objective of the BIS QCO

• Ensure safety and reliability in performance 

• Eliminate poorly made and unsafe furniture 

• Match the quality of Indian manufacture to international standards 

•  Safeguard the consumer 

• Increase the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers exports

Manufacturers must confirm whether their product category is covered within the notified QCO for furniture and office fittings for the need of BIS registration.

BIS License for Tables and Desks

BIS License is granted to the manufacturers once the product fulfills the requirements thus permitting the manufacturer to place the ISI mark on the product. The license is:

• Initially valid for two years 

• Renewable after satisfactory compliance 

• Subject to routine surveillance audits, and product testing

All holders of License must ensure every piece of furniture they manufacture, and all the hardware associated with it, is made to the approved standard and must keep the necessary records for audits.

Step-by-Step Guide to BIS Registration for Tables and Desks

BIS certification for tables and desks entails documentation, product testing, and verification processes at several levels. The steps below aim to provide clarity on the approach to be taken. 

Step 1: Identify the Relevant Indian Standard (IS Code) 

Identify the relevant IS number for the type of product. For example,  

• IS 5967:1988 — Specification for Office Tables, and 

• IS 3564:1985 — Specification for Desks, Wooden. 

A standard is defined for each type of furniture, which spells out the safety, strength, and performance requirements, as well as the test methods. 

Step 2: Check the Product Category Under QCO  

Be sure that the product is listed under the mandatory BIS QCO or Schedule. If it is not, certification will remain voluntary. 

Step 3: Documentation 

The following documents will need to be prepared: 

• Factory business license and proof of incorporation, 

• Description of the manufacturing process, 

• Quality control and testing reports, 

• Product design photographs and drawings, 

• Technical specifications and BOM (Bill of Materials). 

Step 4: Testing at BIS Approved Laboratory 

A BIS-recognized testing facility is selected based on the IS standard for the type of product, and a sample is tested. 

Step 5: Online Submission of the Application 

The manufacturer submits applications on the BIS site’s MANAK Online Portal, and presents all the documents and test results.

Step 6: Factory Inspection

On-site Inspection is conducted by BIS officials or auditors to ascertain the verification of manufacturing capability, process control, and maintenance of records.

Step 7: Grant of BIS License

Based on satisfactory verification, BIS bestows an ISI mark license allowing the manufacturer to display the symbol on specified product categories.

Step 8: Post-Certification Surveillance

BIS conducts ventilation within the industry by ensuring annual sustained conformity through inspections and sample testing.

Role of BIS Consultant for Tables and Desks

Despite BIS registration and compliance, there are technical and procedural complexities that need to be surmounted. This is where the BIS consultant professions of EVTL India are invaluable.

Why Hire a BIS Consultant?

• Expert Guidance:  The consultant will ensure that the applicable standard for Indian BIS for Tables and Desks is avoided and will save time to prevent rejection.

• Documentation Support: Ensure all forms, declarations, and quality documents are compiled to meet the needed standards by the BIS.

• Testing Coordination:  Handle test sample and coordinate with BIS approved labs.

• Application Monitoring:  Monitor the application and communication with BIS officials, on the application status.

• Avoid Delays:  Ensure the certification is streamlined, avoiding last minute compliance.

• Renewal and Audit Assistance:  Consultants have the resources to streamline the management of license renewal and surveillance audits effectively.

EVTL India — Your Trusted Partner for BIS and ISI Solutions

EVTL India is one of the first consulting firms to achieve BIS consulting status specializing in the industrial, electrical, and consumer goods BIS certifications including furniture. Their experts understand the nuances of the BIS QCO updates, standards interpretation, compliance paperwork, and the regulators at BIS. 

ISI Certification for Tables and Desks

An ISI Certification for Tables and Desks is issued by BIS under its product certification scheme. It signifies that the furniture quality meets the relevant Indian Standard (IS) after laboratory testing and factory evaluation.

Key Requirements 

• Conforming to applicable IS standards. 

• Tested samples from BIS-approved labs. 

• Audit of the BIS standards certification by BIS officers. 

• Licensing to the ISI mark and on the packaging and the marketing materials. 

ISI Mark Labeling Guidelines 

• Every certified table or desk should display: 

• ISI logo with license number (e.g., CM/L-xxxxxxx) 

• Manufacturer’s name and location 

• Product identification details 

• It is BIS Act punishable offense to USE an ISI mark that is false or counterfeit.

  
  

BIS Agent for Tables and Desks

BIS agents help foreign manufacturers or exporters obtain BIS certification to enter the Indian market. For example, foreign producers can obtain BIS certification under the FMCS scheme by appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).  

Domestic manufacturers, however, can operate directly and under no obligation to appoint BIS agents, though they may do so for administrative or regulatory functions.

BIS agents handle the following functions: 

• Taking care of documentation and submission of the application.   

• Collaborating with BIS offices. 

• Testing sample coordination. 

• Communication and query handling between BIS and the foreign entity. 

Challenges in BIS Registration Process

While the BIS certification does help furniture manufacturers gain access to quality furniture, the process is still a challenge owing to: 

• Difficulty of a technical nature in the standards of Inter- and Intra- State (IS) standards. For example, the standards related to fatigue resistance, stability tests or mechanical strength. 

• Documentation flaws, which may be in the form of omission or mismatching, causing delays in the application process. 

• Testing delays because of lab constraints or sample rejection. 

• Interpretation of the quality control order (QCO) to ensure that the product indeed falls under the notified category. 

• Initial and compliance cost, which may be particularly prohibitive for smaller manufacturers.  

• Consistent compliance to certification surveillance to maintain the quality of the product.

Best Practices and Tips for BIS Certification

• Comprehensively study relevant IS standards before finalizing product design.

• In-house quality control systems work comprehensively.

• Integrate BIS-approved testing laboratories into the early stages of product development.

• Use consultants like EVTL India for compliant strategy and execution.

• For certified products, maintain documentation and labeling.

• Keep records of Quality Control Order (QCO) and updates on revisions of IS code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is BIS certification mandatory for all tables and desks?

Yes, if it is listed under the government Quality Control Order (QCO). As for every product category, manufacturers must check applicable IS standards.

Q2: What is the difference between BIS certification and ISI mark?

BIS certification is the regulatory approval process, while the ISI mark is the label of approval demonstrating compliance with BIS standards.

Q3: How long does BIS certification take?

It typically takes between 30 and 60 days, depending on the documentation, lab testing, and scheduling.

Q4: Can foreign manufacturers obtain certification?

Yes, under FMCS route, in association with an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Q5: What is the validity period of the BIS license?

It is most usually Two years, and it is renewable on continuing compliance.

Q6: Under what circumstances would a license be suspended or canceled?

The license is suspended or canceled due to lack of compliance, inaccuracy, or persistent disregard for compliance during surveillance audits.

Q7: In what way does certification of a standard influence safety of consumers?

It safeguards consumers by making sure that an item of furniture, such as a table or a desk, has mechanical strength, stability, and the right quality of materials to avert any accidents.

Conclusion 

EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultants in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences smoothly and efficiently. Obtaining BIS Certification for Tables and Desks is a clear testament to its importance for furniture manufacturers. By adhering to the BIS Act of 2016 and the relevant Quality Control Orders, manufacturers not only enhance the credibility of their products but also build consumer trust and strengthen their market reputation.

To ensure complete compliance, manufacturers must strictly follow the BIS Registration and ISI Certification processes, or collaborate with a trusted BIS Consultant or Agent. With expert support from EVTL India, businesses gain a clear understanding of Indian standards, ensuring seamless compliance for smooth access to both domestic and international markets.

In today’s market, where quality drives sustainability, BIS and ISI certification for tables and desks serve as a vital foundation for upholding India’s leadership in global furniture manufacturing.