Ensuring Compliance with QCO for Furniture: The Role of Omega QMS Pvt Ltd in BIS Certification

Introduction

The Government of India has introduced the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 (QCO 2025) to regulate and enhance the quality of furniture products in the Indian market. This order, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was published on February 13, 2025, and will come into effect twelve months from the date of notification.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been designated as the certifying and enforcing authority, ensuring that furniture products comply with specific Indian Standards (IS). This QCO applies to both domestic and foreign manufacturers who wish to sell their products in India.

Key Provisions of the QCO 2025

The Furniture QCO 2025 establishes the mandatory use of BIS certification for specific categories of furniture.

1. Date of Issuance and Enforcement Timeline

• Issued on: February 13, 2025, under O. 801(E)notification.
• Effective from: 12 months after the publication date.
• Exemptions for MSMEs: Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) get an 18-month exemption from the enforcement date.

2. Mandatory BIS Certification

• Furniture items must conform to the Indian Standards (IS) specified in the order.
• They must carry the BIS Standard Mark under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

3. Exemptions

The order does not apply to:

• Furniture items manufactured for export.
• Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)registered under the Udyam Portal, provided:
• Their investment in plant & machinery or equipment is less than ₹25 lakhs.
• Their annual turnover is less than ₹2 crores (as certified by a Chartered Accountant).

4. BIS Enforcement and Penalties

• BIS is the sole authority for certification and enforcement.
• Non-compliance with the QCO can result in penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.

5. Furniture Categories Covered Under QCO

The QCO 2025 applies to six major furniture categories, each of which must conform to a specific Indian Standard (IS):

6. Compliance Process for Manufacturers
7. Product Testing & Compliance:
   • Manufacturers must ensure their products meet the prescribed BIS standards through testing.
   • Testing must be conducted in BIS-accredited laboratories.
8. BIS Certification Process:
   • Domestic and foreign manufacturers must obtain a BIS license before selling their products in India.
   • Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
9. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
   • Any violation of the QCO is punishable under the BIS Act, 2016.

Challenges Faced by Manufacturers

While Furniture QCO 2025 is a progressive step towards improving product quality, manufacturers—both domestic and foreign—face various challenges:

• Understanding the BIS certification process, especially for those new to regulatory compliance.
• Navigating complex documentation & testing requirements.
• Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Indian representative, adding to procedural complexity.
• Time & cost-intensive process, requiring investment in compliance infrastructure.

Omega QMS Pvt Ltd: A Trusted Partner for QCO Compliance

To help manufacturers successfully navigate the Furniture QCO 2025, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd provides comprehensive, end-to-end compliance and BIS certification support. With an in-depth understanding of BIS regulations, product testing requirements, and documentation procedures, Omega QMS ensures hassle-free certification for manufacturers, allowing them to focus on business growth while maintaining compliance.

1. Complete BIS Certification Assistance

• Step-by-step guidance in BIS application filing & documentation.
• End-to-end coordination with BIS officials for faster approvals.
• Support in preparing technical files as per BIS guidelines.
• Handling queries & compliance issues during certification.

2. Product Testing & Compliance Support

• Identification of testing requirements based on furniture type.
• Liaison with BIS-approved laboratories for seamless testing.
• Pre-certification assessment to reduce rejection risks.

3. Regulatory Support for Foreign Manufacturers

• Appointing an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)as per BIS rules.
• Handling import compliance & regulatory approvals.
• Managing legal and documentation requirements for smooth certification.

4. Training & Compliance Consulting

• Workshops & awareness programs on BIS regulations & Furniture QCO 2025.
• Gap analysis to identify non-compliance risks before applying.
• Customized compliance strategies to meet certification requirements quickly.

5. Government Liaison & Fast-Track Approvals

• Direct engagement with BIS, DPIIT, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth compliance.
• Resolution of technical objections & fast-tracking approvals.
• Ongoing post-certification support for renewals and audits.

Why Choose Omega QMS Pvt Ltd?

Expertise | Efficiency | End-to-End Compliance

With years of experience in BIS certification and regulatory consulting, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd stands as a trusted compliance partner for both domestic and international manufacturers. Whether you are a startup or a large-scale manufacturer, Omega QMS provides tailored solutions to meet your compliance needs.

Benefits of Partnering with Omega QMS

100% Compliance Assurance – Ensuring smooth BIS certification for all furniture products.
Dedicated Compliance Experts – A specialized team to handle technical & regulatory challenges.
Faster Approvals – Proven strategies to minimize delays and get products certified on time.
Cost-Effective Solutions – Optimized compliance strategies reducing unnecessary expenses.
Global Manufacturer Support – Assistance in AIR appointment & foreign manufacturer approvals.

Conclusion

The Furniture QCO 2025 is a significant step towards standardizing quality and safety in the Indian furniture industry. However, compliance with BIS certification can be a challenging and time-consuming process for manufacturers.

With its expertise in regulatory compliance, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd provides end-to-end assistance, ensuring that both domestic and foreign manufacturers can seamlessly meet BIS requirements and successfully enter the Indian market.

For manufacturers seeking smooth QCO compliance and BIS certification, Omega QMS Pvt Ltd is the trusted partner that ensures a hassle-free experience.

Contact Omega QMS Pvt Ltd today for expert BIS certification assistance!

OMEGA QMS PVT. LTD.

908-909, Hemkunt House, Rajendra Place, New Delhi-110008, India

Phone: 011-41413939(100 lines), Email: info@globalomega.com,

sales@globalomega.com, mktg@globalomega.com