BIS QCO Regarding Protective Textiles (Upholstered Composites)

Introduction to the BIS QCO for Protective Textiles

The Ministry of Textiles, in the public interest and after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), issued the Protective Textiles Quality Control (Upholstered Composites used for Non-Domestic Furniture) Order, 2024 under the BIS Act, 2016.

This Quality Control Order was introduced in order to ensure that upholstered composites used in non-domestic furniture meet fire safety as well as quality requirements before being supplied in the Indian market. Under the original QCO:

• Upholstered composites used for non-domestic furniture must comply with IS 15768:2008.
• Products must carry the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS license.

Now, through this QCO issued on 12th September 2024, the Government has provided a temporary exemption for a specific category of users to ease the transition to compliance.

Key changes you should know

1. The QCO applies to:
   1. Upholstered composites or fabrics traded as raw material or rolls.
   2. Upholstered composites used in non-domestic furniture.
2. Industries involved in the manufacture or import of non-domestic furniture, where upholstered fabric is used as part of the finished furniture product, are exempted from the provisions of this QCO.
3. This exemption is temporary and is in fact, intended to help furniture manufacturers adjust to the new requirement.

What is the date of implementation?

• The QCO comes into force from the date of its publication, i.e., 12th September 2024.
• Exemption for non-domestic furniture manufacturers: valid up to 31st March 2025.

After this date, the exemption will end unless further extended.

Now, what to do?

Businesses dealing with upholstered composites and non-domestic furniture should plan their compliance carefully based on their role in the supply chain.

Here’s what businesses can do:

1. Identifying whether upholstered fabric is supplied as a raw material or used in finished furniture.
2. If supplying raw material or rolls, initiate BIS certification under Scheme I.
3. If manufacturing or importing finished non-domestic furniture, use the exemption period wisely to prepare for compliance.
4. Reviewing product specifications against IS 15768:2008.
5. Planning testing, documentation, and certification well before 31st March 2025.

For complete support, covering scope assessment, BIS testing, certification, and compliance timeline planning, Brand Liaison assists businesses in achieving smooth and timely compliance under the Protective Textiles QCO, while fully utilising the available exemption period. Call our team of professional experts today!