The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has implemented sweeping changes to mandatory certification requirements, with three major developments reshaping compliance obligations for manufacturers and importers in early 2026.
Furniture Industry Faces New BIS Certification Mandate
The Government of India introduced mandatory BIS certification for furniture products under the Furniture (Quality Control) Order, 2025. Notification S.O. 801(E), issued on 13 February 2025 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), takes effect on 13 February 2026.
This regulation significantly impacts manufacturers, importers, MSMEs, and international suppliers operating in the Indian furniture market. The government provided a 12-month transition period for businesses to align with new regulatory requirements.
MSME Exemptions and Timeline
MSME manufacturers receive extended compliance deadlines until August 2026. Businesses registered on the Udyam Registration Portal qualify for exemption if they meet specific conditions:
- Investment in plant and machinery not exceeding ₹25 lakh
- Annual turnover not exceeding ₹2 crore in the previous financial year
Non-compliance with the Furniture Quality Control Order triggers strict enforcement actions under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Authorities may prohibit sale or distribution of furniture products without BIS certification.
BIS Scheme X Implementation Extended to September 2026
The BIS Scheme X certification program, launched through the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulations) Order 2024, originally set to take effect on August 28, 2025, has received a critical extension.
The compliance deadline moved to September 1, 2026, formally mentioned in the Gazette of India published on June 13, 2025. This extension provides additional time for manufacturers to align production processes with new safety requirements.
Enforcement Consequences
Industry experts warn that customs authorities will not accept delays after September 2026. Businesses in industrial supply chains feeding India’s manufacturing sector must begin compliance preparations immediately to avoid:
- Port detentions until valid BIS registration is produced
- Mandatory recalls of non-certified products already sold in Indian markets
- Fines up to ₹500,000 under Section 29 of the BIS Act
- Additional daily penalties for continued non-compliance
Electronics CRS Scheme Expands to 70+ Categories
As of 2026, the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) covers more than 70 categories of electronic and IT products. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) continuously updates this list through gazette notifications.
The imported electronics BIS certification framework operates under CRS, requiring all electronic products listed under mandatory certification orders to obtain BIS registration before customs clearance.
Safety Standards Transition for Electronics
A major standards transition affects audio, video, and IT products. The old safety rules (IS 13252 and IS 616) are being replaced by the modern, hazard-based IS/IEC 62368-1:2023, with full switchover deadline of November 1, 2028.
Current compliance requirements include:
- New product inclusions under CRS require compliance within 90-180 days of gazette notification publication
- Existing registrations must be renewed 30 days before expiry to avoid lapses
- Real-time validation and automated checks at customs entry points
Recent Standards Updates and Concurrent Applicability
BIS Gazette notification dated 16 December 2025, published on 24 December 2025 (CG-DL-E-27122025-268853), established eight Indian Standards, most being revised versions of earlier standards.
A key feature allows concurrent applicability of old and new standards until 10 June 2026, providing manufacturers time to align production processes without immediate compliance pressure.
High-Voltage Electrical Equipment Standards
BIS issued an important notification dated 10 December 2025, officially published in the Gazette of India on 11 December 2025, announcing establishment of several revised Indian Standards relating to high-voltage electrical equipment.
Enforcement and Penalty Framework Strengthening
In 2026, enforcement has become more structured with real-time validation, automated checks, and stricter scrutiny of documentation. Even small mistakes in compliance documents can result in penalties, delays, or goods detention.
The penalty framework includes:
- Violations attracting fines up to ₹500,000 under Section 29 of the BIS Act
- Penalties up to ₹50,000 per unit, plus prosecution
- Customs detention of non-certified electronics until valid registration is produced
- Market surveillance resulting in mandatory recalls
Immediate Action Items for Businesses
Companies must take immediate steps to ensure compliance:
- Furniture Manufacturers: Initiate BIS certification process before 13 February 2026 deadline
- Electronics Importers: Verify CRS registration status and renewal dates
- Industrial Equipment Suppliers: Prepare for Scheme X compliance before September 1, 2026
- All Sectors: Review product categories against updated BIS mandatory lists
The regulatory landscape demands proactive compliance strategies. Businesses cannot afford to wait until enforcement deadlines approach, as customs authorities and market surveillance teams have implemented automated systems with zero tolerance for non-compliance.
ACPL’s regulatory experts can help you navigate BIS mandatory certification requirements. Contact us at info@acplgroupindia.co.in or call +91-9266665201 for a consultation.