INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: How much weight should a wooden table at workstations or at home, or a bed be able to bear? The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS),
which issues ISI marks and sets qualitynorms for imported and domestically produced goods, wants beds and such tables to be able to take a
load of 110 kg and 60 kg respectively, on an average and pass the stability, strength and durability tests.Ditto for chairs.Industry,
however, believes that the quality control order (QCO), which applies to imported and domestically produced beds and chairs, is putting
excessive burden on them as they are tough to comply with
Companies such as IKEA and industry bodies have sought a relook at the standards, arguing that they should be aligned with international
They also want a phased implementation plan, instead of rolling them out in one shot.The government proposes to bring wooden furniture under
QCO from 2025.At a recent meeting convened by consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh, BIS officials argued that user behaviour in
India is different from several other parts of the world where companies like IKEA operate
People in India, for instance, climb on to a table or a bed to clean a ceiling fan, which are non-existent in many parts of Europe, for
instance.The problem is not limited to wooden furniture alone with several other industries such as footwear and toys also raising the red
In certain areas such as footwear, the government has more or less stood firm, arguing that the consumers deserve good quality products,
although certain exemptions, such as those for Kolhapuri chappals, have been made
Besides, micro and small industries are exempted from complying with QCOs.The consumer affairs department and the department for promotion
of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) have been at the forefront of the initiative, which is also aimed at checking the entry of cheap
Chinese products that are often sub-standard, putting the safety of consumers at risk
for two wheelers.Amid pressure from industry, BIS has defended its actions
They have been suggested considering both the use and misuse of the products in our homes and offices
Industry is equally committed to ensure the safety of users of such furniture
Manufacturers and Traders (AFMT).IKEA confirmed participating in the meeting in the consumer affairs department
IKEA has stood for good quality, health and safety in the 80 years of its existence
The Indian furniture industry is diverse, widespread and largely unorganised
It is vital that the process is done with wide industry consultation and a fact-based study to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders
including MSMEs, exporters and consumers are taken into consideration
It needs to ensure harmonisation with global standards in accordance with WTO norms, easy process and adequate implementation time to avoid
