Storage units such as cabinets, wardrobes, shelving systems, drawers, filing cabinets, and modular storage furniture are extensively used in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, retail outlets, and industrial facilities. Due to risks like tipping, collapse, drawer failure, sharp edges, and structural instability, the Bureau of Indian Standards has enforced compulsory BIS Registration for Storage Units to ensure safety, durability, and performance reliability.
This compliance guide explains the BIS License for Storage Units, applicable Indian standard, bis certification process india, testing requirements, documentation, penalties, and key benefits.
What is BIS Certification?
BIS Certification is a conformity assessment system administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards to verify that products comply with prescribed Indian Standards for safety, quality, and performance.
A BIS Certificate for storage units confirms that the product:
- Complies with Indian safety and performance standards
- Has passed testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory
- Has undergone factory inspection by BIS officials
- Is manufactured under continuous quality control
Certified products are authorized to bear the ISI Mark, indicating legal compliance and market acceptance.
Applicable BIS Standard for Storage Units
The mandatory Indian Standard applicable to storage furniture is:
IS 17634:2022 – Storage Units: Safety Requirements
This standard defines requirements related to:
- Structural stability and anti-tipping performance
- Load-bearing capacity of shelves and drawers
- Strength and durability of movable components
- Door, flap, and locking mechanisms
- Material quality and surface finish
- Edge safety and entrapment prevention
- Durability under repeated usage
All storage units sold or imported into India must comply with IS 17634:2022 and obtain a valid BIS License for Storage Units.
Why BIS Certification for Storage Units is Mandatory
Storage units often support heavy loads and include moving elements such as drawers, doors, and shelves. Poor design or substandard materials can lead to:
- Tipping or overturning accidents
- Drawer or shelf collapse
- Injuries due to sharp edges
- Failure of locking or sliding mechanisms
BIS Certification ensures:
- Enhanced consumer and child safety
- Reliable structural and load performance
- Improved durability and product lifespan
- Uniform product quality across India
- Mandatory compliance under BIS Quality Control Orders
Selling storage units without BIS Registration is illegal in India.
BIS Certification Process for Storage Units (IS 17634:2022)
The bis certification process india for storage units follows the ISI Mark Scheme:
- Identify product applicability under IS 17634:2022
- Submit BIS apply online application via the Manak Portal
- Payment of BIS certification and testing fees
- Product sample testing at a BIS-approved laboratory
- Factory inspection by BIS authorities
- Grant of BIS License and permission to use ISI Mark
- Ongoing surveillance and license renewal
Testing Requirements for BIS Certification of Storage Units
Storage units are subjected to rigorous safety and performance testing under IS 17634:2022, including:
- Stability and overturning tests
- Shelf strength and deflection tests
- Sustained load and overload tests
- Drawer and extension element durability tests
- Door, flap, and locking mechanism tests
- Drop and impact resistance tests
- Dynamic stability tests for units with castors
- Edge safety and surface finish evaluation
All testing must be conducted only at BIS-recognized laboratories.
Scope of BIS License for Storage Units
- Applicable to domestic, commercial, and institutional storage units
- Covers fully assembled and ready-to-assemble furniture
- Certification applies to the final assembled product, including movable parts
Documents Required for BIS Certificate for Storage Units
Manufacturer Documents
- Factory registration or manufacturing license
- Manufacturing process flow chart
- List of machinery and in-house testing equipment
- Calibration certificates
- Factory layout plan
Technical Documents
- Product drawings and assembly diagrams
- Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Internal test and quality reports
- Safety feature specifications
Legal Documents
- Address and identity proof
- Brand authorization letter
- Trademark certificate (if applicable)
BIS Registration for Foreign Manufacturer (FMCS)
Foreign manufacturers exporting storage units to India must obtain certification under BIS FMCS (Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme).
Under BIS Registration for Foreign Manufacturer:
- Overseas manufacturing facilities are audited by BIS
- Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories
- Appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is mandatory
- Each factory location requires a separate BIS FMCS License
Benefits of BIS Certification for Storage Units
- Legal sale and distribution across India
- Improved consumer safety and trust
- Stronger brand credibility and market acceptance
- Mandatory compliance for e-commerce platforms
- Reduced product failure and liability risks
- Eligibility for government and PSU tenders
- Competitive advantage in regulated markets
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Selling or importing storage units without BIS Certification or BIS Registration may result in:
- Heavy monetary penalties
- Seizure of non-compliant products
- Manufacturing or import bans
- Criminal prosecution under the BIS Act, 2016
- Brand blacklisting and market withdrawal
Who Needs BIS Certification for Storage Units?
- Indian manufacturers
- Foreign manufacturers under BIS FMCS
- Importers
- Brand owners and traders
- OEM and ODM suppliers
- Retailers and online sellers
Each manufacturing unit must obtain a separate BIS License.
Conclusion
The BIS Certificate for Storage Units under IS 17634:2022 is a mandatory compliance requirement in India. It ensures that storage furniture is safe, stable, and durable while enabling lawful market access. Completing BIS Registration, using BIS apply online, and following the bis certification process india helps manufacturers and importers minimize risk, enhance consumer confidence, and achieve sustainable business growth in the Indian market.