Furniture fittings major Hettich India has obtained BIS certification for its hinges and ball bearing drawer runners. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification indicates that a product adheres to the quality and performance standards defined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Henceforth, Hettich’s Onsys hinges and KA ball bearing drawer runners will bear the IS mark.
The Ministry issued the Telescopic Ball Bearing Drawer Slide (Quality Control) Order, 2024 in May 2024. This quality control order (QCO) made conformation to Indian Standard 17954:2023 mandatory within six months, except for micro-enterprises (within 12 months) and small enterprises (9 months). Goods made domestically for exports have been completely exempted from this requirement.
The Hinges (Quality Control) Order, 2024, which was issued in July 2024, covers several categories of hinges, including cabinet hinges. The Indian Standard for cabinet hinges is 18297:2023. The conformity timelines and exceptions in this order are similar to the drawer slides QCO. Compliance for large manufacturers for both products is mandatory from January 2025.
Commenting on why and how Hettich India has obtained BIS certification, managing director Andre Eckholt says, “It is a matter of great pride to have received BIS certification for two of our highest-selling products. With this certification, we continue to set industry benchmarks, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to quality and compliance.”
According to Eckholt, Hettich has invested in advanced testing infrastructure and strengthened internal quality control processes in the quest for this certification. “These rigorous quality checks have enabled us to not only secure the certification but also exceed the required standards comfortably.” The process of BIS certification requires a thorough audit of the manufacturing processes and stringent sample testing over a 4-5 month period.
Onsys hinges are used in cabinet shutter construction, for attaching the door to the cabinet body and providing soft closing and auto closing for enhanced user experience. KA ball bearing drawer runners ensure smooth drawer movement, offering silent closing and push-to-open functions. There will be no change in the company’s prices of these products following their certification.
Hettich manufactures Onsys hinges at Indore and KA ball-bearing drawer runners at Vadodara. At both locations, it has recently doubled production capacities. Eckholt says that the company is aligned with the government’s mission of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’, and aims to contribute toward an atmanirbhar Bharat.
Eckholt explains that typically the process for BIS certification begins with the ministry issuing a quality draft, wherein a voluntary adoption period is granted. Eventually, following the release of the QCO after due discussion with the industry, a 6-12 month period is provided for compliance. “Recognising the importance of BIS certification for companies like ours, we proactively applied for the license 17954:2023 for telescopic ball bearing slides even while it was under the voluntary phase. Aluminium profiles are the other product category for which we are in the process of acquiring BIS certification.”
Explaining the impact of BIS certification on Indian industry, Eckholt asserts, “BIS certification elevates the industry’s overall standards by ensuring that certified products meet stringent quality and safety requirements. For businesses, obtaining this certification involves investing in robust testing and manufacturing processes. We believe that as a result of this measure, the Indian market will see an influx of higher-quality and safer products, which will eventually drive consumer trust and increase demand across the sector.”
ALSO READ: Greenply Samet Has Started Manufacturing Furniture Fittings in India
He adds that BIS certification will not only give impetus to the flow of investment in the furniture and woodworking sector, but will also motivate the industry to upskill its workforce in its quest for efficiency and cost competitiveness.
Speaking about the impact BIS certification could have on Hettich’s business in India, he adds, “BIS certification is the pinnacle of trust and authenticity in India, and it further validates the exceptional quality that has established Hettich as a market leader. It serves as an endorsement of the high standards we maintain, assuring customers of the superior quality and safety of our products.”
