BIS Certificate for Storage Units – IS 17634:2022 Compliance Guide

Author : sun certification | Published On : 27 Feb 2026

​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 standards 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

Has passed testing at a BIS-recognized laboratory

Has undergone factory inspection by BIS officials

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 castors

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 identity proof

Brand authorization letter

Trademark certificate (if applicable)

BIS Registration for Foreign Manufacturer (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 BIS apply online, and following the bis certification process india helps manufacturers and importers minimize risk, enhance consumer confidence, and achieve sustainable business growth in the Indian market.