BIS Furniture QCO Amendment 2026: Relief for R&D Imports and Stock Clearance

The Government of India has issued an important amendment to the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025 through the Furniture (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2026, notified in the Official Gazette on 13 February 2026.

Why the Amendment Was Needed

The original QCO made BIS certification mandatory for notified furniture products before manufacturing, selling, or importing them into the Indian market.

While the objective was to eliminate sub-standard products and protect consumers, the industry faced several operational challenges:

The new amendment addresses these bottlenecks without diluting quality enforcement.

Key Provisions Introduced

1. Import of Samples for Research & Development

Manufacturers can now import limited quantities of furniture products without BIS certification for testing and product development This removes a major barrier for innovation, especially for modular furniture, engineered panels, fittings compatibility, and design prototyping.

Conditions:

• Maximum limit: Up to 200 units per financial year
• Strictly for research, testing, and development
• Cannot be sold commercially
• Must be disposed of as scrap after use
• Proper records must be maintained and submitted to authorities

2. One time Clearance of Existing Stock (One-Time Window)

Companies holding inventory manufactured or imported before implementation now get relief. Which will Prevents financial losses to dealers, distributors, retailers, and project suppliers.

They may:

• Sell or display stock for up to 12 months
• Submit self-declaration to BIS
• Ensure goods were declared prior to enforcement date

3. Export oriented production Exemption

Products manufactured in India exclusively for export are exempt from BIS marking requirements.

Requirements:

• Self-declaration at time of import/manufacture
• Invoice details submitted to authorities
• No domestic sale allowed
• Maintain audit records

Balance Between Quality Control and Ease of doing Business

The amendment maintains the core philosophy of BIS regulation — consumer safety and product quality — while introducing operational practicality.

Instead of relaxing standards, the government has:

• Kept certification mandatory for commercial sale
• Allowed controlled flexibility for innovation and transition
• Enabled export growth

This amendment signals a shift in regulatory approach: From enforcement-centric compliance → to compliance with facilitation

It acknowledges that quality regulation must coexist with:

• Manufacturing realities
• Supply chain transitions
• Product development cycles

The Furniture QCO Amendment 2026 is a calibrated reform — neither dilution nor rigidity. It ensures quality regulation remains intact while giving industry the breathing space needed for innovation, inventory transition, and export competitiveness.

👇 Please Note 👇

Thank you for reading our article!

If you don’t received industries updates, News & our daily articles

please Whatsapp your Wapp No. or V Card on 8278298590, your number will be added in our broadcasting list.