Furniture
Work Chairs – IS 17631:2022
Strategic Recommendations for Work Chairs
Engage Early with BIS & Labs
Start BIS certification and product testing well before 13 Feb 2026 (or 13 Aug 2026 for MSMEs).
Partner with Compliance Experts
Get full Scheme-I support for ISI marking, lab testing, and documentation via ERA compliance consultants.
Contact ERA Support Team
Help with BIS application, safety testing, and audit prep.
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
Track Notifications & Circulars
Subscribe to ERA’s Newsletter for Furniture QCO deadlines, BIS circulars, and updates.
Do a Gap Assessment
Check current work chair models for IS 17631:2022 compliance.
Use ERA tools to identify risky SKUs and act before enforcement.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Work Chairs (Furniture) |
| IS Standard | IS 17631:2022. |
| Title of IS | Work Chairs — Specification. |
| Quality Control Order | Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025. |
| Notification & Amendments | Notified via S.O. 801(E) dated 13 February 2025. |
| Final Enforcement Date | 13 February 2026 – Applies to all manufacturers except MSMEs, 13 August 2026 – For eligible MSMEs as per QCO exemptions. |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure that work chairs manufactured and sold in India conform to uniform performance, durability, and safety standards for general and professional work environments. |
| Products Covered | All types of work chairs used in offices, industrial settings, and other work-related environments. |
| Exemptions | Products meant exclusively for export, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered on Udyam Portal exempted till 13 August 2026, if: • Investment ≤ ₹25 lakh • Turnover ≤ ₹2 crore (certified). |
| Industries Impacted | Furniture Manufacturers, Office & Commercial Interior Suppliers, Corporate Procurement & Facility Management. |
| Mandatory Compliance | BIS certification under Scheme-I mandatory, Product must conform to IS 17631:2022, Must bear the ISI mark. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, Get work chairs tested in BIS-approved labs, Affix ISI mark on products, Ensure compliance before sale or distribution post-enforcement date. |
| Legal Framework & Enforcement | Enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, Sections 16, 17, and 25(3); BIS is the certifying and enforcing authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of non-compliant goods - Suspension or cancellation of license - Penalties including fines and/or imprisonment up to two years. |
| Conclusion | From 13 February 2026, all work chairs sold in India must conform to IS 17631:2022 and be BIS certified with ISI mark. MSMEs have time till 13 August 2026 to comply. |
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Notification
The product Work Chairs is covered under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through S.O. 801(E) dated 13 February 2025. The applicable Indian Standard is IS 17631:2022 – Furniture – Work Chairs — Specification. As per the notification, enforcement begins after 12 months from the publication date (i.e., 13 February 2026), with an extended deadline of 18 months (i.e., 13 August 2026) for eligible Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
Overview
Work chairs are essential components in workplaces, offices, and commercial environments, supporting ergonomics, safety, and productivity. Ensuring quality and durability in such furniture is critical to workplace health and efficiency, making standardization necessary for public and private sectors.
Objective & Scope
IS 17631:2022 specifies performance, design, and safety requirements for work chairs used in professional environments. The standard aims to establish consistent quality parameters across manufacturers and promote ergonomically sound and structurally safe chairs for long-term use in occupational settings.
Products Covered
This standard covers all types of work chairs used in offices, industrial areas, commercial facilities, and similar settings where seated work is performed. It includes both fixed and adjustable models intended for desk work, reception, conference, or task seating purposes.
Exemptions Provided
Exemptions from BIS certification are provided for:
- Products exclusively meant for export.
- Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) registered on the Udyam Portal, for a period up to 13 August 2026, provided they meet both:
- Investment in plant/machinery ≤ ₹25 lakh.
- Annual turnover ≤ ₹2 crore, certified by a Chartered Accountant.
Industries Impacted
- Office Furniture Manufacturers,
- Corporate and Institutional Procurement Agencies,
- Interior Design & Fit-Out Firms,
- Commercial Real Estate and Facility Managers,
- Industrial Workspace Setup Providers.
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
From 13 February 2026, all work chairs intended for sale or use in India must:
- Conform to IS 17631:2022,
- Be certified by BIS under Scheme-I (ISI mark scheme),
- Undergo testing in BIS-approved laboratories,
- Carry the ISI certification mark on the product.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Stakeholders are advised to:
- Apply for BIS certification referencing IS 17631:2022,
- Get samples tested in BIS-approved laboratories,
- Complete factory inspections as part of BIS Scheme-I,
- Ensure all products manufactured or sold after enforcement carry the ISI mark,
- Prepare inventory and documentation to demonstrate compliance before the enforcement deadline.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
The certification requirement is governed by the BIS Act, 2016, particularly Sections 16, 17, and 25(3). The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated authority for certification and enforcement. Penalties for non-compliance include:
- Seizure of non-compliant goods,
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license,
- Fines and/or imprisonment up to two years.
Conclusion
Effective 13 February 2026, it will be mandatory for all work chairs sold in the Indian market to comply with IS 17631:2022 and be BIS certified. Eligible MSEs have time until 13 August 2026 to align with compliance. Early action is advised to avoid disruption in supply chains and ensure smooth market access.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.