Common items like a wardrobe, a filing cabinet, a cupboard, or a bookshelf may appear to most of us as ordinary furniture, but with their entry into the Indian marketplace, the concepts of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance are no longer optional.
For anyone dealing in the manufacture or import of storage products in India, the immediate focus should be on IS 17634:2022 – Storage Units. Under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, storage units covered by this standard are subject to mandatory BIS certification and the ISI Mark requirement under Scheme-I.
This blog explains everything manufacturers, exporters, and businesses need to know about BIS Certification for Storage Units under IS 17634:2022.
What Is IS 17634:2022 for Storage Units?
IS 17634:2022 is the Indian Standard titled “Storage Units – Specification.” This is one of the furniture standards that has recently made it to the mandatory certification regime, as per the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025.
The present compulsion list of BIS for compulsory certification specifically mentions IS 17634:2022 related to storage units under the category of Furniture.
The standard addresses important aspects of storage-unit performance, including dimensions, surface performance, safety, strength, durability and stability. BIS’s laboratory database lists testing parameters such as shelf deflection, sustained and static load tests, structural strength, door and extension-element performance, locking mechanisms, vertical-force stability and wall-attachment strength.
In simple terms, the objective is to ensure that storage furniture is not only visually acceptable but also capable of performing safely under specified conditions.
Why Is BIS Certification Important for Storage Furniture?
Mandatory certification is not simply a paperwork requirement.
- Demonstrates conformity
- Supports consumer safety
- Enables legal market access
- Builds buyer confidence
- Helps manufacturers prepare for procurement
Basic Requirements for BIS ISI Certification
Before applying for BIS Certification in India, a manufacturer should generally have:
- Appropriate manufacturing infrastructure
- Defined manufacturing processes
- Quality-control arrangements
- Required testing facilities/equipment as applicable
- Competent personnel
- Product specifications and technical information
- Appropriate raw-material and component controls
- Production and inspection records
- A product capable of meeting IS 17634:2022
BIS itself states that an applicant must possess the requisite manufacturing infrastructure, process controls, quality-control and testing capabilities and that the product must conform to the relevant Indian Standard.
Documents Required for BIS Certification for Storage Units
The documentation package can vary according to the manufacturer and application route, but commonly includes:
- Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
- Proof of manufacturing unit address (ownership/lease deed, utility bill, etc.)
- Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)
- Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution
control and industry-specific approvals) - Product drawings/design schematics
- Installed manufacturing capacity
- List of materials used, and specification
- Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
- The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
- A detailed manufacturing process flow is provided
- In-house test equipment and calibration information
- Information about the quality control personnel
- Factory organisational chart
For foreign manufacturers, additional documentation and an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) are important requirements under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme.
BIS Certification Process for Storage Units: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Product and Standard Assessment
Determine whether the product falls under IS 17634:2022 and identify the appropriate scope and varieties.
Step 2: Documentation Preparation
Prepare the technical, manufacturing, and quality-control documentation required for the BIS application.
Step 3: Product Testing
Samples are tested against the applicable requirements through a BIS-recognized/approved laboratory route as applicable.
Step 4: BIS Factory Assessment
BIS assesses the manufacturer’s manufacturing infrastructure, production processes, quality-control arrangements and testing capabilities. BIS confirms that licensing is based on assessment of these capabilities along with conformity of the product.
Step 5: Closure of Observations
Any deficiencies or queries identified during assessment or documentation review must be addressed.
Step 6: Grant of BIS Licence
After successful evaluation and completion of applicable requirements, BIS grants the licence covering the approved product varieties.
Step 7: ISI Marking and Ongoing Compliance
Once licensed, the manufacturer can use the BIS Standard Mark only within the approved scope and subject to the conditions of the licence.
Costing of BIS ISI Certification in India
The fee for BIS ISI certification varies according to:
- Product category
- Testing requirements
- Factory size
- Documentation complexity
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Application Fees (BIS) | ₹1,000 |
| Testing Charges (Lab Fees) | ₹15000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Factory Inspection Charges | ₹7000 |
| Annual License Fees | ₹1,000 |
| Marking Fees (ISI Mark Usage) | As per BIS norms (based on production) |
| Consultancy Charges (UMSPCS) | ₹ 50000 |
How Long Does BIS Certification Take?
There is no universal timeline for every storage-unit application because the duration depends on documentation readiness, testing, factory assessment, queries, and other factors.
BIS states that, as a general reference, the average time for grant of a product certification licence can be around 30 – 40 working days, calculated from receipt and recording of a complete application.
For BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturers, manufacturers should therefore plan ahead rather than waiting until a regulatory deadline approaches.
Common Challenges Manufacturers Face
Obtaining BIS Certification for Storage Units can become difficult when manufacturers:
- Select the wrong Indian Standard
- Submit incomplete technical documents
- Send a product sample that does not represent production
- Have inadequate testing arrangements
- Overlook stability or structural requirements
- Maintain inconsistent production specifications
- Use multiple brands/models without proper scope planning
- Delay factory-readiness preparation
- Ignore post-licence surveillance requirements
A compliance review before testing can help identify potential gaps early.
Why Choose UMSPCS for BIS Certification for Storage Units?
Getting the licence is easier when product assessment, testing, documentation and BIS coordination are handled through a structured compliance approach.
UMS Product Compliance Services (UMSPCS) supports manufacturers and businesses with end-to-end regulatory compliance assistance. With experience across 600+ product compliance requirements and 6+ years of experience, UMSPCS helps businesses understand the applicable Indian Standard, prepare documentation, coordinate testing, and navigate the BIS certification process.
Our support can include:
- Product applicability assessment
- IS 17634:2022 scope identification
- Documentation assistance
- Laboratory coordination
- Application preparation and filing support
- Factory inspection readiness
- Query and observation support
- Licence and scope-related guidance
- Renewal and post-certification compliance support
Whether you need BIS ISI Certification for Indian Manufacturers or assistance with BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers, UMSPCS can help simplify the regulatory journey.
Conclusion
The most important takeaway is simple: if your storage furniture falls within the scope of IS 17634:2022 and is covered by the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, BIS certification is not something to postpone until after production or sales begin.
With the mandatory framework now in force, manufacturers should verify their product scope, complete testing, prepare the required documentation, and obtain the appropriate BIS licence before placing covered products on the Indian market.
Need Help With BIS Certification for Storage Units?
Contact UMSPCS today for professional assistance with BIS Certification for Storage Units and take the next step toward compliant market access in India.
Read more also: How to Get BIS Registration in Delhi with Expert Consultancy
FAQs
1. Is BIS Certification mandatory for storage units in India?
Yes, storage units covered by IS 17634:2022 are included under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 and are subject to the applicable mandatory BIS Standard Mark requirements under Scheme-I.
2. When did BIS certification become mandatory for storage units?
The Furniture QCO provided a staggered implementation framework. The requirement became applicable to large-scale manufacturers from February 2026, with the extended period for MSMEs running until August 2026.
3. Can foreign manufacturers obtain BIS certification for storage units?
Yes, foreign manufacturers can apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) where applicable. A foreign manufacturer must nominate an Authorized Indian Representative in accordance with BIS requirements.
4. Can an importer apply for BIS certification on behalf of a foreign manufacturer?
Under FMCS, BIS states that the application is to be made by the foreign manufacturer rather than by the importer on the manufacturer’s behalf.
5. What happens if a manufacturer sells covered storage units without the required BIS certification?
Where a product is covered by a mandatory Quality Control Order, placing non-conforming goods on the market can result in regulatory action under the applicable legal framework. Manufacturers should therefore confirm applicability and certification requirements before commercial sale.
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