Plywood and Wooden flush door shutters
Plywood for General Purposes
Strategic Recommendations for Plywood (IS 303:1989)
- Start BIS Certification Early
Large & Medium Enterprises must comply by 28 Feb 2025, Small by 28 May 2025, and Micro by 28 Aug 2025. - Engage with Compliance Professionals (ERA)
ERA experts can assist in BIS application filing, testing coordination, and ISI mark implementation. - Reach Out for Assistance
📧 cs@eraglobal.co.in | 📞 +91 9599296331 | 💬 WhatsApp
For QCO clarifications, exemptions, and certification support. - Monitor Notifications & Standard Updates
Track any amendments to IS 10701:2012 or future QCO changes via ERA NEWSLETTER compliance alerts. - Ensure Proper ISI Marking & Segregation
Verify ISI mark on all domestic-use plywood; maintain export-only stock separately for exemption compliance.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Plywood for General Purposes |
| Applicable Indian Standard (IS) No. | IS 303:1989 |
| Title of Indian Standard | Plywood for General Purposes – Specification |
| Quality Control Order | Plywood and Wooden Flush Door Shutters (Quality Control) Order, 2024 |
| Notification & Amendments |
Notified via S.O. 1377(E), dated 15 March 2024
Supersedes: S.O. 3841(E), dated 29 August 2023 |
| Final Enforcement Date |
Large & Medium Enterprises: 28 February 2025 Small Enterprises: 28 May 2025 Micro Enterprises: 28 August 2025 |
| Objective & Scope | To ensure uniform quality, strength, and durability of plywood used for general purposes, protecting consumer interest and industry standards. |
| Products Covered | General purpose plywood sheets used in furniture, paneling, partitions, packaging, and construction. |
| Exemptions | Goods manufactured exclusively for export are exempt. |
| Industries Impacted | Plywood Manufacturers, Furniture & Interior Industry, Construction & Real Estate, Packaging Sector. |
| Mandatory Compliance | ISI mark required under IS 303:1989; Certification under Scheme-I of BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. |
| Next Steps for Stakeholders | Apply for BIS license, conduct testing in BIS-recognized labs, ensure ISI marking on all plywood products before sale. |
| Legal Framework Provision & Enforcement | Governed under BIS Act, 2016 with BIS as certifying & enforcement authority. |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Seizure of stock, monetary fines, license suspension/cancellation, imprisonment up to 2 years. |
| Conclusion | BIS certification under IS 303:1989 is mandatory from 28 Feb 2025 (L&M), 28 May 2025 (Small), 28 Aug 2025 (Micro). The 2024 Order supersedes the 2023 Order. |
| References / Annexures | QCO 2024: S.O. 1377(E) [15 March 2024] Superseded QCO 2023: S.O. 3841(E) [29 Aug 2023] |
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Notification
Plywood for general purposes has been notified under the Plywood and Wooden Flush Door Shutters (Quality Control) Order, 2024, issued via S.O. 1377(E) dated 15 March 2024 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry under the BIS Act, 2016. This Order supersedes the earlier QCO 2023 (S.O. 3841(E) dated 29 August 2023).
Enforcement Timeline
- Large & Medium Enterprises: 28 February 2025
- Small Enterprises: 28 May 2025
- Micro Enterprises: 28 August 2025
Overview
Plywood is widely used in furniture, interior paneling, partitions, packaging, and construction. To ensure consistent quality, strength, and durability, the Government of India has made compliance with IS 303:1989 mandatory for general-purpose plywood manufacturers.
Objective & Scope
The objective of IS 303:1989 is to regulate plywood manufacturing by specifying quality benchmarks such as bonding strength, moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and durability. The scope extends to plywood sheets manufactured for general, non-specialized purposes.
Products Covered
General-purpose plywood sheets intended for use in:
- Furniture manufacturing
- Paneling and partitions
- Packaging and transportation
- Construction and interior applications
Exemptions Provided
- As per the 2024 Order, products manufactured exclusively for export are exempt from mandatory ISI marking and BIS licensing.
Industries Impacted
- Plywood Manufacturing Units
- Furniture & Interior Design Industry
- Construction & Real Estate Sector
- Packaging & Logistics Sector
Mandatory Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers must obtain BIS certification under IS 303:1989. All plywood sheets for domestic sale must bear the ISI mark under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Testing must be carried out in BIS-recognized laboratories.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- Apply for BIS license well in advance of the deadline.
- Complete testing in BIS-approved labs.
- Ensure packaging and labeling carry the ISI mark.
- Declare export products separately for exemption.
Legal Provisions, Enforcement & Penalties
Compliance is governed by the BIS Act, 2016. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the certifying and enforcement authority.
Non-compliance may lead to seizure of stock, fines, cancellation of license, and imprisonment up to 2 years.
Conclusion
From 28 February 2025 onwards (with extensions for SMEs and Micro units), plywood for general purposes must comply with IS 303:1989 and carry BIS certification. The 2024 QCO replaces the 2023 Order, reinforcing quality control and consumer safety in the plywood sector.
Ready to start your certification journey?
Let us help you navigate regulatory challenges and achieve certification with ease. Leave us your details, and we’ll get back to you—or request a free consultation today.