Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Furniture Imports in India? QCO 2026 Explained
India's furniture sector is undergoing a significant regulatory shift. With the Quality Control Order 2026 now in force, both domestic manufacturers and foreign importers must understand what has changed, what it means for compliance, and what happens if they ignore it. If you are importing furniture into India — or planning to — this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
What Is the Furniture QCO 2026?
The BIS Quality Control Order for furniture was issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under gazette notification S.O. 1739(E), dated 6 April 2026. It mandates BIS certification for specific categories of furniture sold or imported into India. Products covered under the QCO must carry the ISI Mark before they can legally enter the Indian market.
The QCO applies to furniture manufactured to the following Indian Standards:
IS 1003 (Part 1) – Timber door and window frames and shutters
IS 4894 – Tubular steel furniture
IS 7149 – Wooden furniture
IS 14962 – Garden furniture
IS 16024 – Office furniture (seating)
If your product falls under any of these standards, BIS certification is no longer optional. It is a legal requirement.
Does the QCO Apply to Imported Furniture?
Yes — and this is the part that catches many foreign manufacturers off guard. The QCO applies equally to domestically produced and imported furniture. Any furniture covered under the notified IS codes must carry a valid ISI Mark before it clears Indian customs. Importers cannot bring in uncertified goods and label them later.
For foreign manufacturers, the applicable BIS certification route is the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), also known as BIS Scheme X. Under this scheme, overseas factories apply directly to BIS for a licence to use the ISI Mark. BIS evaluates the application, conducts a factory inspection at the overseas facility, and — if all requirements are met — grants a licence valid for one or two years.
There is no alternative to FMCS for foreign manufacturers. Indian importers cannot hold the BIS licence on behalf of an overseas brand.
Phased Enforcement Timeline for MSMEs
While the QCO is already in effect, BIS has provided a phased compliance schedule for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Deadline Who It Applies To October 2026Medium enterprises January 2027 Small enterprises April 2027Micro enterprises
Large manufacturers — domestic or foreign — are expected to comply immediately. Foreign manufacturers are generally treated as large enterprises and are not eligible for MSME extensions.
What Happens If You Import Without BIS Certification?
Non-compliance carries serious consequences. Goods without the ISI Mark can be held at the port of entry, refused customs clearance, or seized. Repeat violations can attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016, including fines and prosecution. For importers, the business risk goes beyond regulatory penalties — detained shipments mean warehouse costs, delayed deliveries, and damaged client relationships.
Customs authorities now cross-check product codes against the BIS QCO schedule during clearance. Furniture falling under notified IS codes without a valid BIS licence number will not clear.
The FMCS Application Process for Furniture Importers
Foreign manufacturers seeking BIS certification for furniture under FMCS must follow these steps:
Identify the applicable Indian Standard for your product category
Submit an online application through the BIS FMCS portal
Provide factory details, product specifications, and test reports from a BIS-recognised laboratory
Facilitate a BIS factory inspection at your overseas manufacturing unit
Receive the licence and affix the ISI Mark on all covered products before export to India
The process typically takes three to six months, depending on documentation completeness and inspection scheduling. Starting early is critical — especially for manufacturers planning their next export cycle.
Key Documents Required
Application form with authorised signatory details
Product test reports from a BIS-accredited or recognised lab
Quality management system documentation
Factory layout and process flow charts
List of raw materials and suppliers
Details of in-house testing equipment
How ERCS Can Help
Navigating BIS FMCS as a foreign manufacturer involves multiple government touchpoints, technical documentation, and coordination with BIS inspectors across time zones. ERCS has helped furniture manufacturers from across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East obtain BIS FMCS licences efficiently — from gap analysis and document preparation through to factory inspection support and licence follow-up.
If your furniture range is destined for the Indian market, compliance planning should begin now. Contact ERCS to understand your certification pathway under QCO 2026.
