Introduction
The BIS Certificate for Storage Units is a mandatory legal requirement in India under IS 17634:2022 – Storage Units: Safety Requirements. All manufacturers, importers, and brand owners must obtain BIS Certification and complete BIS Registration before selling or importing storage furniture in the Indian market
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
You have passed testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory
Has undergone factory inspection by BIS officials
It 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 beavers
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 proof of identity
Brand authorization letter
Trademark certificate (if applicable)
BIS Registration for Foreign Manufacturers (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 the BIS online application , and following the BIS certification process in India helps manufacturers and importers minimize risk, enhance consumer confidence, and achieve sustainable business growth in the Indian market
