The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade – DPIIT) on 12th February 2026, issued a new notification S.O. 774(E) under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This notification introduces the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, amending the earlier Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025, in the public interest after consultation with BIS. The amendment becomes effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. This article explains the amendment in detail, including all exemptions, conditions, and compliance requirements that furniture manufacturers, importers, and exporters must understand.
Key Changes Introduced in the Furniture QCO Amendment 2026
Below, you can go through the key changes mentioned under the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order:
1. Exemption for Research & Development (R&D) Imports
The amendment allows the limited import of specified furniture goods for research and development purposes.
Who Can Avail This?
- Furniture manufacturers certified by BIS
- Manufacturers who have already applied for BIS certification of the relevant goods.
What is Allowed?
Import of up to 200 units per financial year of goods specified in Column (1) of the relevant table.
2. Conditions under the Amendment:
- The imported goods must be strictly for research and development (R&D).
- The goods cannot be sold commercially.
- After use, the goods must be disposed of as scrap.
- The manufacturer must maintain year-wise records of such imports.
- These records must be furnished to the Central Government.
This provision provides flexibility for product development while ensuring no misuse in the domestic market.
BIS Furniture Rules for Pre-Implementation Stock in 2026
- The amendment provides relief for stock produced or imported before the Order’s implementation date.
- It is applicable to Manufacturers certified by BIS, or who have applied for BIS certification.
- Permitted to sell, display, or offer for sale such declared stock.
- This permission is valid for up to 12 months from the date of implementation of the Order.
- The manufacturer must submit a self-declaration to BIS confirming details of such existing stock.
- This provision ensures businesses are not financially burdened by unsold inventory produced before the regulation came into effect.
BIS Rules for Import of Non-BIS Goods for Export Production
Below, you can go through the Bureau of Indian Standards rules for the Non-BIS goods:
- The BIS requirement does not apply to imported goods, which include articles, components and sub-assemblies that companies use to manufacture furniture which they will export.
- The manufacturer must submit a self-declaration on company letterhead.
- The declaration must mention: Invoice number and Import consignment details.
- The manufacturer must give a written undertaking that the imported goods will not be used for any purpose other than export production.
- The goods will not be sold in the domestic market. Companies must keep accurate records about their imported materials and their completed products which they export.
- Government authorities need access to all records, which must be available for verification and audit purposes.
- This provision supports export competitiveness while maintaining regulatory control within India.
Overall Impact of the Furniture QCO Amendment
The Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2026, balances regulatory enforcement with practical flexibility. It:
- Allows controlled imports for R&D
- Provides 12-month relief for pre-implementation stock
- Supports export manufacturers with conditional exemptions
- Mandates strict documentation and audit compliance
- Furniture manufacturers, importers, and exporters must carefully maintain records, submit required self-declarations, and ensure strict adherence to BIS norms to avoid penalties.
Conclusion
The Furniture QCO Amendment will improve the quality control system for products being exported, manufactured or imported through BIS, as well as provide operationally necessary relief to the furniture sector. Businesses involved in the manufacturing, importing or exporting of any furniture products must review their compliance procedures immediately so that they can comply with this recent Order. If you require assistance with BIS certification, documentation or compliance with QCOs (Quality Control Orders) for furniture items, professional guidance would facilitate timely and efficient regulatory review and approvals.