The BIS Certificate for General Purpose Chairs and Stools is a mandatory legal requirement in India under IS 17632:2022 – General Purpose Chairs and Stools: Safety Requirements. This standard defines the minimum safety, durability, and performance criteria for chairs and stools used in homes, offices, restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, cafeterias, public spaces, and commercial establishments.

Chairs and stools are subjected to continuous load, movement, and repetitive use. Any structural weakness can result in sudden collapse, leading to injuries. To ensure consumer safety and product reliability, the Bureau of Indian Standards has made BIS Certification for Chairs and Stools compulsory for manufacturers and importers before selling in the Indian market.

This guide explains the importance, process, testing requirements, documents, penalties, and benefits of obtaining a BIS License for Chairs and Stools.

What is BIS Certification?

BIS Certification is a product conformity and safety assurance scheme administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It ensures that products comply with applicable Indian Standards and are safe, durable, and fit for use.

A BIS Certificate allows manufacturers to affix the ISI Mark, confirming that the product has passed:

  • BIS-approved laboratory testing
  • Factory inspection
  • Quality control verification

Applicable BIS Standard for Chairs and Stools

The mandatory Indian Standard is:

IS 17632:2022 – General Purpose Chairs and Stools: Safety Requirements

This standard applies to non-specialized seating furniture used in domestic and commercial environments.

Products Covered Under IS 17632:2022

  • General purpose chairs
  • Dining chairs
  • Office visitor and waiting chairs
  • Study and cafeteria chairs
  • Restaurant and hotel chairs
  • Wooden, metal, and plastic chairs
  • General purpose stools and bar stools

Key Safety & Performance Parameters

  • Structural strength and stability
  • Durability under repeated use
  • Seat and backrest strength
  • Joint and leg impact resistance
  • Surface finish and material quality
  • Edge and corner safety

All such products must comply with IS 17632:2022 and obtain a BIS Registration for Chairs and Stools.

Why BIS Certification for Chairs and Stools is Mandatory

Chairs and stools support human weight daily and are prone to wear and tear. Unsafe products may cause:

  • Chair collapse
  • Leg or joint failure
  • Seat cracking
  • Backrest breakage
  • Falls due to instability

Benefits of BIS Certification

  • Ensures safe seating products
  • Prevents accidents and injuries
  • Improves product durability
  • Blocks substandard imports
  • Creates uniform national quality
  • Builds customer trust
  • Mandatory under Indian law

Selling chairs or stools without BIS Certification is illegal in India.

BIS Certification Process for Chairs and Stools (IS 17632:2022)

The BIS certification process follows the ISI Mark scheme:

  1. Identify applicable standard (IS 17632:2022)
  2. Online BIS application via Manak Portal
  3. Payment of BIS certification fees
  4. Product testing at BIS-recognized laboratory
  5. Factory inspection by BIS officials
  6. Grant of BIS License and ISI Mark
  7. Post-certification surveillance and renewal

Testing Requirements for BIS Certification of Chairs and Stools

Mandatory tests under IS 17632:2022 include:

  • Stability and overbalancing tests
  • Seat strength test
  • Backrest durability test
  • Forward, sideways, and rearward loading tests
  • Impact and fatigue tests
  • Surface finish and sharp edge tests
  • Structural durability tests

Testing must be conducted only at BIS-approved laboratories.

Scope of BIS License for Chairs and Stools

  • Applicable to general purpose chairs and stools
  • Covers fully manufactured and ready-to-assemble units
  • Excludes specialized or medical seating products

Documents Required for BIS Certificate for Chairs and Stools

Manufacturer Documents

  • Factory license/registration
  • Manufacturing process flow
  • Machinery and testing equipment list
  • Calibration certificates
  • Factory layout

Technical Documents

  • Product drawings and dimensions
  • Bill of materials (BOM)
  • Safety and quality control plan
  • Internal test reports

Legal Documents

  • Address and ID proof
  • Brand authorization
  • Trademark certificate (if applicable)

Benefits of BIS Certification for Chairs and Stools

  • Legal sale across India
  • Improved product safety
  • Enhanced customer confidence
  • Lower liability and recall risk
  • Mandatory for e-commerce platforms
  • Eligibility for government tenders
  • Strong brand credibility
  • Competitive market advantage

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling chairs or stools without BIS Certification may lead to:

  • Heavy monetary fines
  • Product seizure or recall
  • Factory license cancellation
  • Legal prosecution
  • Import restrictions
  • Market blacklisting

Who Needs BIS Certification for Chairs and Stools?

  • Indian manufacturers
  • Foreign manufacturers (FMCS)
  • Importers and exporters
  • Brand owners and traders
  • OEM / ODM suppliers
  • Retail chains and online sellers

Each manufacturing unit requires a separate BIS License.

Conclusion

The BIS Certificate for General Purpose Chairs and Stools under IS 17632:2022 is a mandatory compliance requirement in India. It ensures seating products are safe, stable, and durable while enabling lawful market access. Obtaining a BIS License for Chairs and Stools strengthens brand trust, reduces risk, and supports long-term business growth.

 

URL:- https://bis-certifications.com/blogs/isi-products/chairs-and-stools-is-17632