Introduction
The BIS Certificate for Work Chairs is a mandatory compliance requirement in India under IS 17631:2022 – Work Chairs: Safety Requirements. With the rapid increase in the use of ergonomic and task chairs across offices, co-working spaces, corporate environments, educational institutions, and home offices, ensuring safety, durability, and mechanical reliability has become critical.
Work chairs are designed for long working hours and are subjected to continuous movements such as swiveling, height adjustment, tilting, and repetitive loading. Any structural or mechanical failure can result in serious injuries. To minimize these risks, the Bureau of Indian Standards has made BIS Certification compulsory for work chairs before they can be sold in the Indian market.
This guide explains the BIS Certification for Work Chairs, applicable Indian standards, certification process, testing requirements, documentation, penalties, benefits, and cost considerations.
What is BIS Certification for Work Chairs?
BIS Certification is a conformity assessment system administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure that products meet prescribed Indian safety and quality standards.
A BIS Certificate for Work Chairs confirms that the product:
Has passed testing in a BIS-recognized laboratory
Meets mechanical and structural safety requirements
Is suitable for prolonged professional use
Complies with ergonomic and durability norms
Once certified, manufacturers are authorized to use the ISI Mark, which signifies regulatory compliance and product reliability.
Applicable BIS Standard – IS 17631:2022
The mandatory Indian Standard applicable to work chairs is:
IS 17631:2022 – Work Chairs: Safety Requirements
This standard applies specifically to seating products intended for extended use in professional working environments.
Products Covered Under IS 17631:2022
The following products require BIS Certification for Work Chairs:
Ergonomic office chairs
Task and workstation chairs
Swivel chairs
Adjustable-height work chairs
Executive work chairs
Chairs with armrests
Chairs with tilt, lock, or recline mechanisms
Chairs with gas-lift systems and casters
All such products must obtain a valid BIS License before being sold or imported into India.
Why BIS Certification for Work Chairs is Mandatory
Unlike general household chairs, work chairs:
Bear dynamic and cyclic loads
Contain mechanical and adjustment systems
Are used continuously for long durations
Common failure points include gas lifts, swivel bases, tilt mechanisms, and caster assemblies.
BIS Certification ensures:
Safe ergonomic design
Reliable load-bearing capacity
Durability under cyclic testing
Resistance to mechanical failure
Compliance with Indian legal requirements
Selling uncertified work chairs is a violation of the BIS Act, 2016.
BIS Certification Process for Work Chairs (IS 17631:2022)
The BIS Application for work chairs follows the ISI Mark Scheme:
Identification of applicable standard (IS 17631:2022)
Online BIS Application submission on the Manak Portal
Payment of certification and testing fees
Sample testing at a BIS-approved laboratory
Factory inspection by BIS officials
Post-certification surveillance and license renewal
Testing Requirements for BIS Certification of Work Chairs
Under IS 17631:2022, work chairs undergo rigorous safety and performance testing, including:
Seat and back static load tests
Combined seat and back load testing
Durability and cyclic loading tests
Swivel and rotation endurance tests
Tilt and locking mechanism tests
Gas lift safety and performance tests
Caster strength and rolling resistance tests
Stability and overturning tests
Armrest and footrest load tests
All testing must be conducted only in BIS-recognized laboratories.
Scope of BIS License for Work Chairs
Applicable to fully assembled and ready-to-assemble work chairs
Covers ergonomic, mechanical, and adjustable seating
Certification applies to the finished product configuration
Documents Required for BIS Certificate for Work Chairs
Manufacturer Documents
Factory registration or license
Manufacturing process flow chart
List of machinery and in-house testing equipment
Calibration certificates
Factory layout plan
Technical Documents
Product drawings and specifications
Gas-lift and mechanism details
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Assembly instructions
Internal quality test reports
Legal Documents
Address and identity proof
Brand authorization letter
Trademark certificate (if applicable)
BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)
Foreign manufacturers exporting work chairs to India must obtain a BIS FMCS Certificate under the BIS FMCS Scheme.
Under BIS Certification for Foreign Manufacturer:
The manufacturing facility outside India is audited by BIS
Product samples are tested in BIS-approved labs
A local Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) is mandatory
Separate BIS FMCS Certificate is required for each factory
BIS Certificate Cost for Work Chairs
The BIS certificate cost depends on several factors, including:
Product complexity and variants
Laboratory testing charges
Factory inspection expenses
Government license and marking fees
For foreign manufacturers, costs may be higher due to overseas inspection and FMCS requirements.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Work Chairs
Legal authorization to sell across India
Higher customer trust and brand credibility
Improved product safety and durability
Reduced warranty and liability risks
Mandatory for e-commerce and B2B supply
Eligibility for government and PSU tenders
Protection from legal and regulatory penalties
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Selling or importing work chairs without BIS Certification may result in:
Heavy monetary fines
Seizure of goods
Factory shutdown notices
Import bans
Criminal prosecution
License cancellation under the BIS Act, 2016
Who Needs BIS Certification for Work Chairs?
Indian manufacturers
Importers
Foreign manufacturers under BIS FMCS Scheme
Brand owners
OEM and ODM suppliers
Distributors andhttps://www.wakacircle.com/?cache=1768974375 retailers
Online furniture sellers
Each manufacturing unit must obtain a separate BIS License.
Conclusion
The BIS Certificate for Work Chairs under IS 17631:2022 is a mandatory regulatory requirement in India. It ensures that work chairs are safe, mechanically reliable, and suitable for prolonged professional use. Obtaining BIS Certification, including BIS FMCS Certificate for foreign manufacturers, enables lawful market access, protects users from injury, reduces legal risks, and strengthens brand reputation in the Indian market.
