The BIS Certificate for Work Chairs is a mandatory compliance requirement in India under IS 17631:2022 – Work Chairs: Safety Requirements. With the growing use of ergonomic and task seating in offices, co-working spaces, home offices, institutions, and corporate environments, ensuring safety, durability, and mechanical reliability has become essential.
Work chairs are subject to continuous movement, swiveling, height adjustment, tilting, and repetitive loading. Any failure in these mechanisms can cause serious injury. To address these risks, the Bureau of Indian Standards mandates BIS Certification for Work Chairs for all manufacturers and importers before sale in the Indian market.
This guide explains the BIS License for Work Chairs, applicable standard, certification process, testing requirements, documentation, penalties, and benefits.
What is BIS Certification for Work Chairs?
BIS Certification is a conformity assessment scheme administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure that products meet prescribed Indian Standards for safety, quality, and performance.
A BIS Certificate for work chairs confirms that the product:
- Has passed BIS-approved laboratory testing
- Meets structural and mechanical safety norms
- Is suitable for long-term professional use
- Complies with ergonomic and durability requirements
Certified products are authorized to carry the ISI Mark.
Applicable BIS Standard – IS 17631:2022
The mandatory Indian Standard for work chairs is:
IS 17631:2022 – Work Chairs: Safety Requirements
This standard applies to seating designed for prolonged use in working environments.
Products Covered
- Ergonomic office chairs
- Task and work desk chairs
- Swivel chairs
- Adjustable-height chairs
- Executive work chairs
- Chairs with armrests
- Chairs with tilt, lock, or recline mechanisms
- Chairs with casters or gas-lift systems
All such products must comply with IS 17631:2022 and obtain a BIS Registration for Work Chairs.
Why BIS Certification for Work Chairs is Mandatory
Unlike general chairs, work chairs:
- Support dynamic and cyclic loads
- Use mechanical and adjustment mechanisms
- Are used for extended working hours
Common failure points include:
- Swivel and tilt mechanisms
- Gas lift systems
- Base and caster assemblies
- Seat and back support structures
BIS Certification ensures:
- Safe ergonomic design
- Reliable load-bearing capacity
- Mechanical durability under cyclic testing
- Resistance to wear and operational failure
- Compliance with mandatory Indian regulations
Selling work chairs without a BIS License is illegal in India.
BIS Certification Process for Work Chairs (IS 17631:2022)
The BIS certification process follows the ISI Mark scheme:
- Standard identification & product mapping (IS 17631:2022)
- Online BIS application via Manak Portal
- Payment of BIS certification fees
- Sample testing at BIS-recognized laboratory
- Factory inspection by BIS officials
- Grant of BIS License and ISI Mark
- Post-certification surveillance and renewal
Testing Requirements for BIS Certification of Work Chairs
Work chairs undergo advanced mechanical and safety testing under IS 17631:2022, including:
- Seat and back static load tests
- Combined seat and back load test
- Durability and cyclic loading tests
- Swivel and rotation endurance test
- Tilt and locking mechanism test
- Gas lift performance and safety test
- Caster strength and rolling resistance test
- Stability and overturning tests
- Armrest and footrest load tests
All tests must be conducted at BIS-approved laboratories only.
Scope of BIS License for Work Chairs
- Applicable to fully manufactured and ready-to-assemble work chairs
- Covers mechanical, adjustable, and ergonomic seating
- Requirements apply to the assembled product
Documents Required for BIS Certificate for Work Chairs
Manufacturer Documents
- Factory license/registration
- Manufacturing process flow
- Machinery and testing equipment list
- Calibration certificates
- Factory layout
Technical Documents
- Product drawings and specifications
- Mechanism and gas-lift details
- Bill of materials (BOM)
- Assembly instructions
- Internal test reports
Legal Documents
- Address and ID proof
- Brand authorization
- Trademark certificate (if applicable)
Benefits of BIS Certification for Work Chairs
- Legal sale across India
- Increased customer trust and brand credibility
- Improved product durability
- Reduced warranty claims
- Mandatory for e-commerce and corporate supply
- Eligibility for government and PSU tenders
- Protection from regulatory penalties
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Selling work chairs without BIS Certification can result in:
- Heavy monetary fines
- Seizure of stock
- Factory shutdown orders
- Import restrictions
- Criminal prosecution
- License cancellation under the BIS Act, 2016
Who Needs BIS Certification for Work Chairs?
- Indian manufacturers
- Foreign manufacturers (FMCS)
- Importers
- Brand owners
- OEM / ODM suppliers
- Distributors and retailers
- Online furniture sellers
Each manufacturing unit requires 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 long-term professional use. Obtaining a BIS License for Work Chairs enables lawful market access, reduces liability, and strengthens brand reputation.
URL :- https://bis-certifications.com/blogs/isi-products/work-chairs-is-17631
