Bunk Beds & BIS Certification in India: Standards, Process & Compliance Guide

What is a Bunk Bed?

A bunk bed is a type of furniture where two or more beds are placed one above the other. This design is mainly used to save space, especially in places where sleeping arrangements for multiple people are needed in a limited area, such as:Hostels,Army barracks,Children’s rooms , Dormitories,Workers’ dorms, etc.

Some benefits of  bunk beds is here as like accommodates two or more people in a small space ,loved by children (especially climbing the ladder), Saves space,Very useful for hostels or limited space areas.Main Components of Bunk Beds is such as

1. Upper and Lower Beds: One sleeping surface on top, one at the bottom.
2. Ladder: A ladder is attached to climb up to the top bunk.
3. Guard Rail: Railings on the top bunk prevent the person from falling.

Types of Bunk Beds:

1. Standard Bunk Bed: Two identical beds stacked one over the other
2. Twin Over Full Bunk Bed: Smaller bed on top, larger one at the bottom
3. Loft Bed: Space below the bed is empty and can be used for studying or storage
4. Triple Bunk Bed: Three beds stacked vertically
5. L-Shaped Bunk Bed:Beds are arranged in an L-shape instead of directly over one another
6. Futon Bunk Bed: Bottom part is a foldable sofa that can be converted into a bed

Key Safety Standards for Bunk Beds:

1. Structural Strength: Frame should be made of strong metal or wood
2. Guard Rails: Must be provided around the top bunk for safety
3. Sturdy Ladder: Ladder should be stable and non-slippery
4. Edge Rounding: All corners must be rounded
5. Gap Standards: Headboard and footboard gaps should not be wide enough for a child’s head to get stuck

For more information download: QCO FOR BUNK BEDS.

Enforcement Authority – The Bureau of Indian Standards.

Penalty for Contravention :

If any person who contravenes the provisions of this QCO  shall be punishable under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

Certification Process :

Certification process have multiple steps like Identify Applicable Standard,Apply to BIS,Required Documents,Fee Submission,Factory Inspection,Lab Testing,Grant of BIS License.

1. Application: Submit an application for ISI certification on the BIS portal
2. Product Testing: Conduct product testing in a BIS-approved lab
3. Factory Inspection: BIS officers conduct inspection of the manufacturing unit
4. Certification: ISI mark is granted upon successful testing and inspection

Quality Control Order (QCO) for Bunk Beds :

A Quality Control Order (QCO) for bunk beds is a government mandate that ensures bunk beds sold in the market meet specific quality standards. This order is issued by the Government of India and is implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).The Government of India has included “Bunk Beds” under the QCO, along with other furniture items.

Selling/importing a bunk bed without an ISI Mark will be illegal.The manufacturer must obtain a BIS license, and it is mandatory to affix the ISI Mark on the product.To obtain the license, one must undergo application procedures, factory inspection, and submit test reports, among other requirements.BIS Certification is beneficial for confirming product quality and building consumer trust.

In India, Bunk Beds are now covered under mandatory BIS certification. This means that manufacturers or importers can sell bunk beds in India only after obtaining BIS certification.

Applicable Indian Standard for Bunk Beds:

• IS 17636:2022 – Furniture – Bunk Beds for Domestic and Non-Domestic Use – Specification

Mandatory BIS Certification: Manufacturers of bunk beds must obtain a license from BIS.Only those bunk beds bearing the ISI Mark are allowed to be sold in the market.This includes bunk beds meant for residential use and non-residential purposes like hostels, hotels, etc.Design, durability, safety, and material quality will be tested as per BIS standards.

If you manufacture, sell, or import bunk beds, obtaining BIS certification is mandatory. Non-compliance may result in legal action. Therefore, one must obtain a license from BIS under IS 17636:2022 for bunk beds and sell only ISI-marked bunk beds.BIS certification is compulsory for bunk beds that fall under a Quality Control Order, as is the case with many furniture items in recent years. Below is the detailed process:

 Are Bunk Beds covered under BIS mandatory certification?

Yes, if the bunk beds are made of wood or metal and fall under the QCO or government notification, then BIS certification is mandatory.

• For example, if the product is covered under IS 17636:2022 ( Bunk Beds) or a similar applicable standard, BIS certification must be obtained.

Benefits of BIS certification for Bunk Beds:

The major advantages like Assurance of Product Quality, Safety and Durability, Authorization for Market Sale (Mandatory Compliance), Brand Credibility and Consumer Trust,Support in Export, Legal Protection,Eligibility for Government Tenders and Supply. BIS Certification confirms that the bunk beds are manufactured according to Indian Standards.This means the wood, metal, paint, welding, etc., used in the beds are of high quality.Since bunk beds are mostly used by children or young individuals, BIS Certification always ensures that they are safe and not prone to breaking or collapsing.It checks structural stability, load-bearing capacity, and edge safety.A BIS-marked product is more reliable and trusted by consumers.Customers prefer products that carry the BIS mark.Many countries also recognize Indian standards.BIS-certified bunk beds can be exported more easily to other countries.For procurement in schools, hostels, army barracks, etc., BIS certification is often mandatory.For the manufacturing and quality of bunk beds, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has defined a specific standard:

BIS Certification Process for Bunk Beds follows multiple stages like Identify the Applicable Standard,Product Testing,Online Application,Factory Audit (Inspection),License Issuance.Standard applicable to Bunk Beds is IS 17636:2022 – Furniture — Bunk Beds for Domestic Use — Specification

The manufacturing unit must obtain a BIS license.All Indian manufacturers and foreign manufacturers (if exporting to India) are required to obtain BIS certification.

Conclusion:

If bunk beds are being manufactured or imported in India, BIS Certification is mandatory — if they fall under a Quality Control Order (QCO) notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

• Bunk bed design is ideal for space-saving
• Strict adherence to safety standards is crucial, especially for children
• Manufacturers can obtain the ISI mark to certify the safety and quality of their bunk beds

If you are looking for BIS certification or for any further information for Bunk Beds feel free to contact us at +91-7503304082 or email at [email protected]  for a free BIS consultancy or visit us at  www.induceindia.com