Are Thai Furniture and Electrical Manufacturers Ready for BIS ISI Certification in India?

India presents considerable opportunities for international furniture brands and electrical appliance manufacturers, but for companies from Thailand, it is necessary to determine whether their products, production systems, and documentation are adequate to satisfy India’s relevant quality and safety requirements.

The BIS ISI Certification for Furniture and Electrical Products for Thailand is of particular importance since some product categories are subject to mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs). These requirements influence whether products made in Thailand can be imported, distributed, or sold in India, the relevant standard and implementation date depending on the particular product.

For Thai companies that are planning to expand into India, it is essential to have a good understanding of the BIS ISI Certification for Thai manufacturers as part of their market-entry strategy. When it comes to identifying the right Indian Standard, setting up factory testing facilities and arranging inspections, thorough preparation from the outset can help manufacturers prevent compliance problems. 

The following blog post outlines the requirements, the certification process, the costs involved, the timelines, the challenges, and also explains how UMSPCS can assist Thai manufacturers at every stage of the process.

What Is Making BIS Certification Important for Manufacturers in Thailand?

The system of product certification in India is intended to ensure product quality, protect consumers, and guarantee that products comply with the Indian Standards which have been notified. The Government may make certification mandatory for certain products through QCOs under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

BIS certification is usually voluntary except where a mandatory requirement applies. When a quality control organisation (QCO) is involved, manufacturers have to adhere to the relevant provisions if they wish to market the product in India.

For Thai manufacturers, this means:

• Market access
• Product safety
• Import readiness
• Buyer confidence

The Thai BIS certificate does not constitute approval by the Thai Government; it only means that the Indian government issues the relevant BIS certification for Thai manufacturers who manufacture the concerned product at their overseas manufacturing units.

Which Furniture and Electrical Products Should Thai Manufacturers Consider?

That is why not all furniture and electrical products come under the same certification procedure, and manufacturers should decide on the applicable Indian Standard before knowing whether there is any Compulsory Certification Scheme (QCO or something else) for their product.

1. Furniture covered by specific Indian Standards

The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 identifies the following product categories and standards:

The Furniture QCO issued amendments and transition notices in 2026. Prior to shipment of their goods, Thai manufacturers are advised to consult the latest rules and exceptions for implementation.

2. Electrical Appliances that Need an Assessment

When performing an assessment on electrical products, one must consider the following factors: functionality, specifications, and relevant QCO. Examples of the standards used in this case are:

They are just samples and not the complete list of certification routes. There are some electrical and electronic products that have other ways of being certified, such as CRS for some electrical and IT products.

Which of the Certification Routes Applies to a Factory in Thailand?

For many furniture and electrical products under Scheme I, the manufacturer needs to apply for a foreign manufacturer certification scheme (FMCS).

The Foreign Instruments Scheme is controlled by BIS in accordance with the BIS Act, 2016, and BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, and the licence is granted by the foreign manufacturer whose products meet the requirements of the relevant Indian standard.

The normal procedure includes:

• Finding the relevant Indian Standard and QCO.
• The evaluation of the factory facilities and the testing setups.
• Getting the documentation ready for products and for manufacturing.
• Submitting your application through the specified BIS process.
• Having the factory inspected and the products tested, where applicable.
• Sorting out any deficiencies and getting the licence before using the ISI Standard Mark.

Those who make the specified electronics and IT products should individually determine whether the CRS applies rather than just assuming that the FMCS is the correct route.

Basic Requirements Thai Manufacturers Must Meet

Before Thai manufacturers apply for BIS ISI Certification, the factory should examine its technical and operational readiness.

• Manufacturing capability
• Testing arrangements
• Quality control
• Technical documentation
• Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)
• Standard-specific compliance

The BIS has to have an individual application for each product/Indian Standard and for each manufacturing location.

Documents Required for BIS Certification in Thailand

Thai manufacturers should draw up a full application file before submitting it; the exact checklist varies according to the product and the relevant BIS scheme.

Common documents include:

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and product category
• Test report furnished by a lab recognized by BIS/NABL as per the Indian Standard
• Evidence of ownership of the manufacturing plant (for example, a title deed or a utility bill, etc.)
• Trademark registration
• Licenses and approvals from statutory authorities
• Product design drawings/schematic
• Installed capacity for manufacturing
• Data on raw materials
• Specification and list of manufacturing machines
• Flowchart for manufacturing process
• Packaging type and process
• List and calibration of test equipment available in the manufacturing unit
• Details of quality control staff
• Process of disposal of sub-standard products
• Map of the manufacturing unit
• Organogram of the factory

Additional Documents Required:

• Appointment letter for authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
• Overseas factory documents, including layout, machines, and Quality Control set-up
• Undertaking and Affidavit as per BIS format

Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process for Thai Manufacturers

The process for Thai manufacturers can be divided into five practical stages.

Step 1: Application Submission

Thai manufacturers are required to file a BIS application under the relevant certification scheme, together with the necessary technical, company, and factory documents.

• Prepare the product specifications and the factory documentation.
• Send in the application together with the required government fees.
• Get an application number so that you can keep tabs on the certification process.

Step 2: BIS Query Resolution

The BIS could ask questions about the product specifications, the documentation, the manufacturing processes, or compliance with the relevant Indian Standard, and the manufacturers should then promptly give accurate explanations and supply the relevant documentation.

Step 3: Factory Inspection in Thailand

The officials of the BIS could inspect the manufacturing plant in Thailand in order to evaluate the production processes, the quality-control systems, the testing facilities, and compliance with the relevant Indian Standard.

Step 4: Product Sample Testing

The product samples have to be tested in accordance with the relevant Indian Standard and certification scheme.

• Send the samples as BIS requests.
• If applicable, schedule the testing at the specified or approved laboratory.
• Supply the test reports that are required for BIS evaluation.

Step 5: Grant of BIS Licence

When the product and the manufacturing plant have met the relevant requirements and all the necessary formalities have been carried out, BIS may issue the licence; the manufacturer can then apply the ISI Mark to the approved products in accordance with the licence conditions.

Step 6: Indemnity Bond and Performance Bank Guarantee

Under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), overseas manufacturers may be required to meet further financial and legal requirements. 

This could involve obtaining an indemnity bond via the Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) as well as a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of US$10,000, provided that such a guarantee is required according to the relevant BIS requirements. Manufacturers should check the current conditions applicable to their particular application before moving forward.

How Much Does BIS ISI Certification Cost for Thai Manufacturers?

The fee that Thai companies involved in the manufacture of furniture and electrical goods are expected to pay for the BIS ISI Certification depends on the nature of the products, the testing process, the factory inspection, and travel costs related to the FMCS.

How Long Does BIS Certification Take, and How Long Is the Licence Valid for Thailand?

The time that would be required to get the BIS FMCS certification might go up to 5 to 6 months, and the actual time span might depend upon how complete the application is, when the factory visit is scheduled, etc. The timeline may be lengthened if further queries arise or if there are deficiencies in the testing.

An FMCS licence is usually first awarded for a period of one to two years and can then be renewed for terms of up to five years, provided that the relevant BIS requirements are met and approval is granted. The licence applies only to the products and manufacturing facility which are included in the approved scope.

Common Challenges Thai Manufacturers Should Prepare For

Even though international manufacturers may already have efficient quality systems, Indian certification can still pose certain challenges.

• Different standards
• Factory testing gaps
• Documentation inconsistencies
• Inspection preparation
• AIR coordination
• Changing QCO requirements

Carrying out a review beforehand when filing will help in spotting these problems before they turn into costly delays.

What Attracts You to Choosing UMSPCS for BIS ISI Certification of Thailand?

At UMSPCS, we assist businesses in dealing with product certification requirements by using a method that is specific to the product and focuses on the documentation.

With 6+ years of compliance experience and support covering 600+ product compliance requirements, UMSPCS can assist Thai manufacturers with:

• Finding which IS codes and QCO requirements apply.
• Looking at the product documents to spot any gaps in compliance.
• Evaluating readiness for factory use and testing the documentation.
• Coordinating the preparation of the application and the requirements related to AIR.
• Providing assistance with coordinating product testing and getting ready for factory inspection.
• Answering any queries on compliance and licences and the documents required for them.
• Ensuring that the compliance procedures are followed and the appropriate renewals are made.

The objective is to help foreign manufacturers gain knowledge about what they need to do to prepare for entering the Indian market.

Conclusion

India offers prospects for Thai furniture and electrical products manufacturers, but in order to be successful, it is necessary to know about the requirements, certification procedures, factory requirements, and QCO regulations.

The best thing to do would be to consider every product separately, find out whether certification is needed, and have the technical documentation ready for submission.

Do you want to export furniture or electrical products from Thailand to India? 

Connect with UMSPCS to obtain a compliance assessment and support concerning the relevant BIS certification process for the product in question.

Read more also: Does Your Air Conditioner (AC) Need BIS ISI Certification

FAQs

1. Is it necessary for manufacturers of furniture in Thailand to have BIS ISI Certification?

Furniture products that are the subject of an applicable QCO must adhere to the most recent amendments, exemptions, and implementation provisions.

2. What is the procedure for Thai manufacturers to get BIS ISI Certification in India?

They need to identify the relevant Indian Standard, prepare the necessary documents, appoint an AIR, file the application, carry out the required testing and inspection, and then get the BIS licence.

3. What is FMCS for manufacturers from foreign countries?

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme enables eligible overseas manufacturers to get BIS licences for products which are manufactured in foreign facilities and comply with the relevant Indian Standards.

4. Which furniture products need BIS certification?

Work chairs, general-purpose chairs and stools, tables and desks, storage units, beds, and bunk beds are identified by the Furniture QCO according to the specified Indian Standards. It is necessary to check the current order together with any amendments before applying them.

5. Is it necessary for Thai electrical appliances to have BIS certification?

Certain electrical appliances must have BIS certification according to the relevant QCOs. The specific requirements will vary according to the product category, the technical specifications, and any other applicable certification scheme.