Furniture QCO Amendment Order 2026 – Complete Guide

On 13 February 2026, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry published Notification S.O. 774(E), the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026. This amends the original 2025 Furniture QCO to clarify exemptions and compliance rules. Under these regulations, most furniture items (chairs, tables, beds, etc.) now require BIS certification and the ISI mark before sale or import in India. Failure to comply can lead to penalties or shipment delays, so manufacturers and importers must act quickly.

Key Exemptions Introduced

The 2026 Amendment adds three significant exemptions to the Order:

R&D Import Exemption

A manufacturer (with a valid or pending BIS license) may import up to 200 units per year of specified furniture items exclusively for research and development. These units must not be sold commercially; they are intended only for testing. After use, they should be destroyed (scrapped), and the manufacturer must keep detailed, yearly records of these R&D imports and submit them to the government.

Existing Stock Clearance

Furniture goods covered by the Order that were manufactured or imported before the Order's effective date can still be sold under conditions. Such inventory may be cleared within 12 months of enforcement, provided the manufacturer (BIS-licensed or applicant) submits a self-declaration to BIS about this pre-existing stock. In other words, there is a one-year grace period (until Feb 2027) to sell off old stock without the BIS mark.

Export-Oriented Import Exemption

Non-ISI furniture items (and their components) imported solely for export are exempt from the QCO, subject to paperwork. The importer must furnish a letterhead declaration to the government listing invoice/consignment details and undertake that these goods will not enter the domestic market. The manufacturer must also maintain verifiable records of these imports and the resulting export products.

These updated provisions ease the transition to full compliance, by allowing limited R&D usage, a sell-off period for old inventory, and continued import of export-bound items under strict documentation.

Who Must Comply and Compliance Steps

All manufacturers and importers of the covered furniture categories (work chairs, stools, tables, beds, etc.) must meet the QCO requirements. In practice, they should:

Obtain BIS Certification

Apply for a BIS license under Scheme I (Schedule II). This involves product testing at BIS-recognized labs and a factory audit. Once approved, products must display the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) on labels and packaging.

Use the Correct Standards

Ensure each product conforms to its applicable Indian Standard (e.g. IS 17631 for work chairs, IS 17632 for stools, etc.). BIS certification will be granted only for products tested against the correct IS code.

Maintain Exemption Records

If using the R&D or export exemptions, keep detailed logs and declarations as required. For R&D imports, scrap the units after testing and retain records. For exports, keep the government-issued undertaking and shipping documents on file.

File Declarations for Old Stock

If you have pre-enforcement stock, prepare and submit the self-declaration to BIS detailing those items, so you can legally sell them within the 12-month window.

Monitor Deadlines

Remember that 13 Feb 2026 is the enforcement date. The exemption window for existing stock lasts 12 months from then, and the 200-unit R&D limit resets each financial year.

By following these steps, businesses can align with the amended Order and avoid compliance issues. Companies should also stay updated via the official Gazette or BIS releases for any further changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026?

The Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026 is a government regulation issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry that updates the Furniture QCO 2025. It makes BIS certification mandatory for specified furniture products and introduces exemptions related to R&D imports, old stock clearance, and export-only imports.

2. Is BIS certification mandatory for furniture in India?

Yes. Manufacturers and importers must obtain a BIS license and use the ISI mark before selling covered furniture products in India after implementation of the order.

3. What types of furniture are covered under Furniture QCO?

Generally covered categories include: Chairs & office chairs, Tables & desks, Beds, Storage furniture, Institutional and domestic furniture.

4. What is the effective date of Furniture QCO 2026?

The amendment becomes applicable from the date of publication in the Official Gazette (February 2026).

5. Can manufacturers sell old stock without BIS certification?

Yes. Furniture manufactured or imported before implementation can be sold for up to 12 months, but only after submitting a self-declaration to BIS.

6. Is there any exemption for research & development (R&D)?

Yes. Manufacturers can import up to 200 units per financial year for testing or R&D purposes, provided: Items are not sold commercially; they are scrapped after use; records are maintained and submitted to government authorities.

7. Are export-only furniture imports exempt from BIS?

Yes. Furniture imported only for export does not require BIS certification if: A declaration is submitted to the government; products are not sold in India; proper records are maintained for audit.

8. Do foreign manufacturers need BIS certification for exporting furniture to India?

Yes. Foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS FMCS certification before exporting regulated furniture products to India.