Government Mandates Fire-Resistant Upholstery For Public Furniture
In a major step to boost fire safety, the Government has enacted new regulations requiring fire-resistant upholstery fabrics for non-domestic furniture. Starting from October 2023, the Quality Control Order (QCO) will enforce compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) IS 15768:2008 for all upholstery used in public spaces.
This new regulation applies to a wide range of public environments, including offices, malls, airports, restaurants, underground shopping complexes, museums, hospitals, places of worship, and educational institutions. It also extends to all imports of furniture or sub-assemblies with upholstered fabric meant for public use. An extension until March 31, 2025, has been granted to accommodate industry requests.
The Ministry of Textiles has proposed that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) incorporate IS 15768:2008 into the QCOs for furniture. This move aims to establish a unified framework that ensures comprehensive safety and quality standards for public furniture.
The introduction of these regulations reflects the Government’s dedication to enhancing fire safety in public spaces, ensuring that all non-domestic furniture adheres to stringent safety requirements. While BIS certification is voluntary for many products, adherence to these fire-retardant standards is now compulsory for public furniture, marking a crucial advance in creating safer environments and protecting lives and property.
