BIS ISI Certification for Work Chairs – IS 17631:2022: Process, Requirements & Complete Guide

Chairs are a vital element of contemporary offices, workstations, business offices, and retail locations. The strength, stability, durability, and overall performance of these chairs are important for user safety because they are meant for frequent and long-term use.

In order to meet these requirements, the work chair is covered under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, and IS 17631:2022, which is the applicable Indian Standard for work chairs. ISI Mark Scheme IS 17631:2022 is covered under Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme).

UMSPCS can offer you assistance for the BIS ISI Certification for Work Chairs, which incorporates product evaluation, assessment testing, documentation, product applications, factory inspection preparation, and BIS licence assistance.

What is IS 17631:2022 for Work Chairs?

IS 17631:2022 is the Indian Standard for Work Chairs. Establishes specifications for work chair design, size, surface characteristics, stability, strength, durability, and marking.

According to the product manual of BIS, Work Chairs are certified under Scheme-I in the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018. The scope of the licence is for the product as a Work Chair as per IS 17631:2022.

The standard broadly covers requirements relating to:

• Design and workmanship
• Dimensions
• Surface performance
• Stability
• Static load performance
• Durability
• Furniture parts like armrests, castors and bases
• Marking and instructions

Manufacturers should identify the specific requirements as per their product design and proposed scope for certification.

Why is BIS Certification Mandatory for Work Chairs?

Work Chairs form a part of the six categories of furniture under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025. IS 17631:2022 is currently included in the BIS Scheme-I page under the Furniture QCO.

This requirement has been put in place to ensure that furniture products supplied in the Indian market meet the relevant Indian Standards when covered.

BIS certification contributes to manufacturers proving that their work chairs have been subjected to conformity assessment and fulfil the relevant quality and performance criteria.

It also has the potential to aid businesses:

• Adhere to relevant regulations.
• Demonstrate product conformity.
• Improve buyer confidence.
• Offer institutional or commercial sales support.
• Strengthen product credibility.
• Maintain consistent quality.

Who Needs BIS ISI Certification for Work Chairs

The requirement can apply to manufacturers producing work chairs covered by IS 17631:2022 and the applicable Furniture QCO.

This may include:

• Indian furniture manufacturers
• Office furniture manufacturers
• Commercial furniture manufacturers
• Workstation furniture manufacturers
• Corporate furniture suppliers
• Manufacturers who sell to the institutional market.
• Eligible foreign manufacturers

It is important for manufacturers to evaluate their specific chair design and scope of products to determine the certification route to take.

Where Are Work Chairs Commonly Used?

Chairs for work are common in:

• Corporate offices
• IT companies
• BPO and call centres
• Co-working spaces
• Government offices
• Educational institutions
• Commercial establishments
• Home-office workstations
• Industrial/Administrative Offices

In the case of BIS certification for furniture being supplied to large organisations, the certification of the product may also become a requirement when customers seek products that comply with the recognised Indian Standards.

How to Get BIS ISI Certification for Work Chairs?

We execute the entire process in an orderly fashion at UMSPCS to assist manufacturers in managing the BIS Certification for IS 17631:2022

Step 1: Identification of the Relevant Indian Standard

The first step is to find out which IS Code (Indian Standard) applies to the product.

This includes:

•  Product category analysis
•  Determination of an appropriate IS code.
•  Review of compliance requirements.
•  Gap analysis of the manufacturing process.
•  Guidance on the quality assurance of BIS.

Step 2: Product Testing and Documentation

The product has to be tested by a laboratory testing facility to ensure that it meets the applicable standard; the facility must be approved and accredited by BIS and NABL.

This stage includes:

• Product sample testing
• Technical documents need to be prepared.
• Technical documents need to be prepared.
• Gathering of manufacturing information.
• Quality documentation
• Application form preparation

Step 3: Submitting the BIS Application

After tests and documentation have been completed, the BIS application is submitted.

This involves:

•  Filling the BIS application
•  Making the lab test report available
•  Providing factory information
•  The government fees shall be paid.
•  The first check is made by the BIS officers.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

The BIS Officials go to the manufacturing unit to check that the manufacturing unit meets the requirements for certification.

In the course of the inspection, BIS assesses:

•  Manufacturing process
•  Production facilities
•  Quality assurance systems
•  In-house testing facilities
•  Product consistency

Step 5: Sample Testing and Laboratory Evaluation

BIS can take samples of products for testing at an independent laboratory during this inspection.

This stage includes:

 Collection of samples by the BIS officials.

•  Laboratory testing
•  As part of the process, the laboratory’s results will be technically assessed.
•  Laboratory Test Reports (LTR) are to be submitted.

Step 6: Observations are closed.

All observations that are detected during inspection and/or testing will be considered a corrective action and will be implemented prior to approval.

This may include:

•  Addressing BIS observations
•  Implementing corrective actions
•  Updating technical documents
•  Giving evidence of conformity
•  Closure of observations 

Step 7-Paying Licence and Marking Fees.

If the compliance is successfully verified, then the applicable BIS fee is to be paid.

These include:

• Annual licence fee
• ISI marking fee
• The conditions for BIS endorsing a licence.

Step 8: Grant of BIS Licence

When all the requirements are fulfilled, BIS issues an ISI certification licence.

Once the licence is issued:

• Products with ISI mark are certified products.
• The products can be legally produced and sold in India.
• The manufacturers should ensure that they are continuously compliant with BIS.

Documents Required for BIS ISI Certification

The exact list of specifications will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and product scope to product scope. Typically, the following documents are needed:

The following are the general required documents for ISI certification under BIS:

• General information on the manufacturing unit and the product group.
• A certificate to show the address of the factory
• Registration of the brand name. 
• Production licence/Statutory clearances 
• Product drawings/description
• The amount of production capacity that the facility is able to handle.
• Material list along with the specifications
• Information about the manufacturing machinery or equipment used
• Plan of the factory building
• The flow process of the manufacturing process is given in detail.
• Details of internal testing equipment/calibration 
• Information on Quality Control personnel.
• Organisation chart of the factory.
• ISI Certification is cost effective and affordable under the BIS standard.

BIS ISI Certification Cost for Work Chair

The cost of the certification varies from one manufacturer of work-chairs to another manufactured chair.

• Product Type
• Standards applicable to products for India.
• Quantity of models
• Testing parameters
• Audits of the factory
• BIS Fees from the Government
• Consulting Services conditions

In order to calculate the cost of certification, an analysis is required, as all types of products are different.

BIS ISI Certification Process Timelines

The approval period will be determined by:

• Difficulty with the product.
• Testing duration
• Documentation preparation
• BIS approval procedure
• Factory inspection

On average, the entire process may take 30 to 40 days. With judicious planning and expert consultation, however, the process can be greatly shortened. 

Which Tests are required as per IS 17631:2022?

The BIS Certificate is an important aspect of work chairs, and Testing is one of the most crucial parts of it.

Tests can be conducted on:

Surface Performance Tests

Where appropriate, tests can be used to assess mechanical damage resistance, abrasion, flexing, bursting strength, colour fastness, tear strength, and other surface properties.

Stability Tests

Depending on its configuration, a work chair can be assessed for various overturning scenarios: front, forward, sideways, and rearward stability.

Static Load Tests

Tests may measure the capacity of the seat, back, armrests, and footplate to withstand certain loads.

Durability Tests

This standard covers durability testing for the following areas: seat and back durability, armrest durability, swivel mechanism durability, footrest durability, and castor/chair base durability.

The testing programme will vary, depending on the chair design, materials, configuration, and applicable requirements. Also get to know more about CB Certification.

BIS Marking Requirements for Work Chairs

After the BIS licence, the certified work chairs are required to be marked based on the applicable requirements.

According to the current BIS product manual, the Standard Mark is to be indelibly and legibly marked on each work chair as per Clause 9 of IS 17631:2022. There are further marking requirements for the product or packaging as well.

Therefore, the manufacturers should complete product labelling and product packaging only after verification of the relevant requirements of BIS marking.

Common Reasons for BIS ISI Certification Delays

Delays can be unnecessary due to:

• Incorrect product scope
• Incomplete technical documentation
• Model-number inconsistencies
• Testing gaps
• Missing calibration records
• Poor factory test facilities
• Incorrect product information
• Quality-control documentation gaps
• Slow response to BIS observations
• Improper marking arrangements

It is beneficial to create the documentation and testing plan prior to submitting the application because this can streamline the application process.

How Can a BIS ISI Consultant Help With Work Chair Certification?

The process of BIS Certification for Work Chairs is a coordination process between the manufacturer, laboratory, and BIS. These requirements can be managed in a structured way with the help of an experienced consultant.

UMSPCS can help you with:

• Product applicability assessment
• IS 17631:2022 scope identification
• Model grouping guidance
• Laboratory coordination
• Testing support
• Technical documentation
• BIS application filing
• Factory inspection preparation
• Query handling
• Corrective-action support
• BIS licence assistance
• Guidance on marking and post-certification.

Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS ISI Certification Chairs?

UMSPCS offers manufacturers end-to-end consultancy support to get their Work Chairs certified under BIS ISI Norms.

Our team aids manufacturers in understanding the applicable requirements, coordinating testing, preparing documents, applying for BIS, and answering certification-related queries.

Our goal is to make the bis certification process more streamlined and manageable and also assist businesses in keeping abreast of the prevailing BIS requirements. 

Conclusion

If you are a manufacturer who supplies Work Chair in India, it is important to note that compliance with IS 17631: 2022 is a key requirement under the applicable Furniture Quality Control.

BIS certification involves more than obtaining a test report. Product specifications, testing, documentation, factory arrangements, quality control, inspection and marking requirements need to be addressed by the manufacturers.

The timely execution of testing and documentation, combined with a precise product scope and a well-prepared plan for the testing and documentation process, can help minimise unnecessary delays.

UMSPCS offers the complete support services for BIS ISI Certification for Work Chairs ranging from product assessment, laboratory coordination, BIS application, factory inspection preparation to assistance for the licence.

Looking for BIS Certification for Work Chairs?

In case you are manufacturing/ supply work chairs in India, UMSPCS can assist you to determine if your product meets IS 17631:2022 and handle the relevant BIS certification needs.

Contact UMSPCS today for professional BIS ISI Certification support for Work Chairs.

Read more also: BIS CRS Certification: Who Needs, Why Matters & How Registered

FAQs

• How can UMSPCS help me get BIS ISI Certification for Work Chairs?

From product assessment to product testing, product documentation, application for BIS, factory inspection and product licence approval, UMSPCS provides end-to-end support.

• How much does BIS ISI Certification for Work Chairs cost?

The cost will vary depending on the product and the scope of the testing and the requirement of BIS, so UMSPCS can give a customized quote after analyzing the product.

• How long does it take to get BIS Certification for Work Chairs?

The timeline may vary according to testing, documentation, inspection, and BIS review and UMSPCS can assist in coordinating the various stages to prevent unnecessary delays.

• Can UMSPCS help if my Work Chair models have different designs or configurations?

Yes, our experts can review your models and advise you on the scope, model grouping, testing and documentation needs.

• Do foreign manufacturers need BIS Certification for Work Chairs?

The eligible foreign manufacturer supplying the covered Work Chairs in India can have to meet the applicable BIS requirements and UMSPCS can help in the certification process.

• Can UMSPCS help with BIS factory inspection for Work Chairs?

Yes, UMSPCS can assist the manufacturers in the preparation of the factory, Quality Control record, testing facilities and the factory documents for inspection by BIS.