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:

1. Identification of applicable standard (IS 17631:2022)
   
   

2. Online BIS Application submission on the Manak Portal
   
   

3. Payment of certification and testing fees
   
   

4. Sample testing at a BIS-approved laboratory
   
   

5. Factory inspection by BIS officials
   
   

6. Grant of BIS License and permission to use ISI Mark
   
   

7. 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 and 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.