Importing Furniture into India? Know BIS Certification Requirements Before Shipping

Importing furniture into India may require compliance with applicable BIS certification and Quality Control Order (QCO) requirements, depending on the type of furniture being imported. Importers should verify the relevant Indian Standard, certification requirements, and documentation before shipping their products to India.

India’s growing furniture market has created significant opportunities for international manufacturers, suppliers, and importers. However, successful furniture imports involve more than international transportation. Businesses must also consider BIS compliance, product standards, documentation, customs procedures, packaging, and freight planning.

For furniture products covered under applicable QCO requirements, meeting the relevant Indian Standards is an important part of the import compliance process. Therefore, checking the requirements before shipment can help importers avoid unnecessary delays, additional costs, and compliance-related issues.

This guide covers the key aspects of furniture imports into India, including BIS certification requirements, applicable standards, pre-shipment checks, logistics considerations, and the role of professional compliance support. 

Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Imported Furniture? 

Yes, BIS certification is mandatory for furniture products covered under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, including applicable imported products. The order requires the specified furniture products to conform to the relevant Indian Standards and bear the BIS Standard Mark under the applicable conformity assessment scheme.

However, not every type of furniture automatically falls under mandatory BIS certification. The requirement depends on whether the imported product is covered by the applicable QCO and its listed Indian Standard. Therefore, importers should identify the exact product category and applicable standard before placing an order or shipping the goods to India.

For furniture covered under the QCO, checking BIS compliance before shipment is important because non-compliant goods can create regulatory and clearance-related complications.

Important: The Furniture QCO has also been amended in 2026, including provisions relating to certain imports and specific exemptions/transition situations. Importers should check the latest applicable provisions for their shipment. 

Furniture Covered Under BIS Certification Requirements 

The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 specifically covers the following six furniture categories: 

These six categories are listed by BIS under products subject to compulsory certification. 

What Does This Mean for Importers? 

If your imported furniture falls within one of these categories, you should first identify the applicable Indian Standard and BIS certification requirement before proceeding with the shipment. For example: 

• Importing work chairs → check IS 17631
• Importing general-purpose chairs or stools → check IS 17632
• Importing tables and desks → check IS 17633
• Importing storage units → check IS 17634
• Importing beds → check IS 17635
• Importing bunk beds → check IS 17636 

This product-wise approach is important because BIS compliance is based on the specific product and applicable standard, rather than simply the broad term “furniture.”  

Applicable Indian Standards for Furniture – IS 17631 to IS 17636 

The Furniture (Quality Control) Order covers six specified furniture categories under the following Indian Standards:

• IS 17631:2022 – Work Chairs: Office work chairs, task chairs aur similar chairs designed for working at a desk/workstation.
• IS 17632:2022 – General Purpose Chairs and Stools: General-use chairs, visitor chairs, dining-type chairs and stools covered by the standard.
• IS 17633:2022 – Tables and Desks: Office tables, work tables, desks and other tables covered under the standard.
• IS 17634:2022 – Storage Units: Cabinets, cupboards, storage units and similar furniture intended for storage.
• IS 17635:2022 – Beds: Beds and other covered sleeping furniture.
• IS 17636:2022 – Bunk Beds: Bunk beds designed with one sleeping berth above another. 

These standards specify the applicable requirements for the respective furniture categories. Importers should identify the correct product category and applicable Indian Standard before proceeding with a shipment. BIS currently lists all six standards under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order.

It is also important to check the latest version and amendments applicable to the relevant Indian Standard, as the Furniture QCO provides for the latest version of the standards notified by BIS to apply. 

Furniture Quality Control Order (QCO) in India 

The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 makes compliance with specified Indian Standards mandatory for the furniture products covered under the Order. The QCO was notified on 13 February 2025 and originally took effect from 1 August 2025.

Under the QCO, the covered furniture products must conform to the relevant Indian Standard and bear the BIS Standard Mark under a BIS licence as applicable under the conformity assessment requirements. BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority for the products specified in the Order.

The QCO has subsequently been amended in 2026. For example, the Second Amendment Order dated 2 March 2026 introduced specific provisions concerning certain import consignments, including conditions relating to the Bill of Lading, Bill of Entry and purchase orders. 

Therefore, furniture importers should not rely only on the original 2025 requirements. They should check the latest QCO, amendments and applicable exemptions/transition provisions before importing covered furniture.

BIS Certification Requirements for Furniture Importers 

For furniture covered under the QCO, importers should ensure that the required BIS certification and conformity requirements are addressed before shipping the products to India.

Key points for importers include: 

• Identify the furniture category and determine whether it falls under the Furniture QCO.
• Determine the applicable Indian Standard, such as IS 17631 to IS 17636.
• Verify the manufacturer's BIS certification/licence requirements for the applicable product.
• Ensure the furniture conforms to the relevant Indian Standard and applicable BIS requirements.
• Complete the required testing and certification process through the applicable BIS conformity-assessment route.
• Check product marking and documentation requirements before shipment.
• Review the latest QCO amendments, exemptions and transition provisions applicable to the particular import.
• Coordinate compliance requirements before dispatch, rather than waiting until the shipment reaches India. 

For overseas manufacturers, BIS currently lists these six furniture standards under its compulsory certification framework, and BIS laboratory records also show testing scopes for the relevant furniture standards.

For importers, the key takeaway is simple: first identify whether the furniture is covered by the QCO, then confirm the applicable Indian Standard and complete the required BIS compliance process before shipping. 

Documents Required for Furniture Import and BIS Compliance 

The documents required for importing furniture into India depend on the product, applicable BIS requirements, manufacturer, and shipment. Importers should prepare both regulatory compliance documents and standard import/shipping documents before dispatch.

Commonly required documents may include: 

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Purchase Order
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
• Bill of Entry
• Product specifications and technical documents
• Test reports, where applicable
• BIS licence/certification documents, where applicable
• Product and manufacturer details
• Certificate of Origin, where required
• Other documents required by customs or the applicable regulatory authority 

For furniture covered under the applicable QCO, importers should ensure that the relevant BIS certification and conformity documentation is available and matches the product being imported.

Important: The exact document list can vary according to the furniture category, country of origin, manufacturer, applicable BIS scheme and latest QCO provisions. Therefore, documents should be verified before shipment. 

BIS Certification Process for Imported Furniture 

For furniture covered by mandatory BIS requirements, the certification process should generally be addressed before the product is shipped to India.

A typical process involves: 

1. Identify the Product Category: Determine whether the furniture falls under the applicable Furniture QCO.
2. Identify the Applicable Indian Standard: Check the relevant standard, such as IS 17631 to IS 17636.
3. Review Product & Manufacturer Details: Assess the furniture specifications, manufacturing facility and applicable certification requirements.
4. Testing & Evaluation: Arrange the required product testing through the applicable BIS-recognized testing route.
5. BIS Application & Documentation: Submit the required information and documents as per the applicable BIS conformity assessment requirements.
6. BIS Assessment/Inspection, Where Applicable: Depending on the applicable certification route, BIS may conduct assessment or inspection activities.
7. Grant of BIS Licence/Certification: Once the applicable requirements are successfully fulfilled, the manufacturer can proceed with the required BIS certification/licence.
8. Product Marking & Compliance: Ensure the product is marked and maintained in accordance with the applicable BIS requirements before placing it in the Indian market. 

For imported furniture, the overseas manufacturer is an important part of the BIS compliance process. Importers should therefore coordinate with the manufacturer and complete the applicable requirements well before shipment. 

Common Challenges in Furniture Import Compliance 

Furniture importers can face several compliance and logistics challenges when importing products into India. Some common issues include: 

• Incorrect Standard Identification: A furniture product may be incorrectly mapped to an Indian Standard. Identifying the correct product category and applicable standard at the beginning helps avoid unnecessary delays.
• Certification Not Completed Before Shipment: Shipping a regulated product before completing the applicable BIS requirements can create compliance and clearance-related complications.
• Incomplete Documentation: Missing or inconsistent product, manufacturer, testing, shipping or certification documents can delay the import process.
• Product & Certificate Mismatch: Details such as the manufacturer, product category, model or specifications should be consistent across the relevant documents and certification records.
• Changes in QCO Requirements: Furniture QCO provisions can be amended. Importers should therefore check the latest notification and amendments rather than relying only on older information. 

Coordination Between Manufacturer, Compliance Team & Logistics Provider 

Furniture imports often involve multiple parties. Poor coordination between the overseas manufacturer, BIS consultant, importer and logistics provider can result in avoidable delays.

Best practice: Start BIS and import-compliance checks before placing or dispatching the shipment, especially for furniture covered by mandatory requirements. 

Role of Logistics in Furniture Import into India 

Logistics plays an important role in ensuring that imported furniture moves efficiently from the overseas supplier to its destination in India. Unlike small and lightweight products, furniture shipments can involve bulky cargo, larger volumes, specialized packaging, and multiple stages of handling.

Before shipping furniture to India, importers should consider several logistics factors: 

• Freight Mode: Select ocean, air, or another suitable transportation mode based on shipment size, urgency, and budget.
• Packaging & Cargo Protection: Use suitable packaging to protect furniture from damage during loading, transit, unloading, and handling.
• Shipment Scheduling: Plan pickup, freight booking, transit time, and delivery schedules in advance.
• Shipping Documentation: Ensure commercial and transportation documents are accurate and complete.
• Customs Coordination: Keep the required import and shipping documentation ready for the customs process.
• Port-to-Destination Transportation: Plan inland transportation from the port or airport to the final delivery location.
• Delivery Planning: Coordinate the final delivery according to the shipment size, destination, and handling requirements. 

For furniture importers, effective logistics planning can help improve shipment visibility, manage transportation costs, and reduce avoidable delays.

Logistics should also be planned alongside regulatory compliance. If the furniture is covered under applicable BIS requirements, importers should address the required certification and compliance requirements before dispatch. 

How OCN Logistics Supports Furniture Importers 

OCN Logistics provides international freight and transportation solutions for businesses importing furniture into India. Its logistics support can help importers coordinate the movement of furniture from overseas suppliers through the relevant stages of transportation and delivery.

Depending on the shipment requirements, OCN Logistics can support furniture importers with:

• Ocean Freight – For large-volume and containerized furniture shipments.
• Air Freight – For time-sensitive or smaller consignments.
• Road Transportation – For inland cargo movement and final delivery.
• Shipment Coordination – Support in coordinating different stages of cargo movement.
• Documentation Support – Coordination of relevant shipping and transportation documents.
• Cargo Handling & Delivery – Support for the movement and delivery of furniture consignments.
• International Logistics Solutions – Freight coordination based on the shipment’s origin, destination, size, and requirements. 

For businesses importing furniture into India, working with an experienced logistics provider can help simplify transportation planning and coordinate the movement of goods more efficiently.

However, logistics and BIS compliance are two separate aspects of furniture imports. Where BIS certification is applicable, importers should complete the relevant compliance requirements separately before dispatching the shipment. 

How EVTL India Helps with BIS Certification for Furniture 

For furniture products covered under applicable BIS requirements, EVTL India provides professional BIS certification and compliance support to manufacturers and businesses supplying furniture to the Indian market.

EVTL India can assist with key stages of the certification process, including: 

• BIS Applicability Assessment – Understanding whether the furniture product falls under the applicable BIS/QCO requirements.
• Indian Standard Identification – Identifying the relevant Indian Standard based on the furniture category.
• Documentation Support – Assistance with the documents required for the certification process.
• Testing Coordination – Coordination for applicable product testing and evaluation.
• BIS Application Assistance – Support with the preparation and submission of the BIS application.
• Manufacturer Certification Support – Guidance for overseas manufacturers on applicable BIS certification requirements.
• BIS Process Coordination – Assistance throughout the applicable certification process.
• QCO & Compliance Guidance – Guidance on relevant Furniture QCO provisions and applicable requirements. 

For overseas furniture manufacturers and importers, addressing BIS requirements before shipping the products to India can help reduce potential compliance issues and support a smoother import process. 

Businesses can work with their overseas suppliers and a specialised BIS certification consultant such as EVTL India to identify the applicable requirements and plan the certification process before dispatching the shipment. 

Managing Logistics and BIS Compliance for Furniture Imports 

Importing furniture into India involves more than arranging transportation. Businesses also need to consider product compliance, documentation, freight, customs procedures, and delivery planning before the shipment is dispatched.

For a smoother import process, logistics and regulatory requirements should be planned together from the early stages of the shipment.

OCN Logistics can assist furniture importers with international transportation and shipment-related requirements, including: Ocean Freight, Air Freight, Road Transportation, Shipment Coordination, Documentation Support, Cargo Movement and Delivery.

Where BIS certification is applicable, EVTL India can provide specialised support for the relevant certification and compliance requirements, including: BIS Applicability Assessment, Indian Standard Identification, Testing Coordination, Documentation Assistance, BIS Application Support, Certification Guidance

By planning logistics and BIS compliance before shipment, furniture importers can better coordinate their supply chain and address applicable requirements before the goods arrive in India.

The specific BIS, customs, and shipping requirements may vary depending on the product and shipment. Importers should therefore verify the latest applicable requirements before dispatch.

Conclusion 

Plan Your Furniture Import Before Shipment Furniture importers should check applicable BIS requirements and plan their logistics before shipping products to India. Identifying the correct Indian Standard, completing applicable certification requirements, preparing documentation, and arranging suitable freight can help reduce avoidable delays and compliance issues.

OCN Logistics can assist with the logistics and transportation side of furniture imports, while EVTL India can provide BIS certification and compliance support for furniture covered under applicable requirements.

Whether you are an importer sourcing furniture from overseas or a foreign manufacturer planning to enter the Indian market, early compliance and logistics planning can make the import process more organised and efficient.

Need Help With Your Furniture Import? Planning to import furniture into India? Get the right logistics and BIS compliance support before dispatching your shipment. Connect with OCN Logistics for transportation requirements and EVTL India for applicable BIS certification support.