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IS 6189:1985 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for metal stationary cupboards. This standard specifies the material, dimensional, constructional, and performance requirements for metal stationary cupboards. It covers aspects like steel sheet thickness, overall dimensions, shelf loading capacity, and finishing to ensure quality and durability for general office and storage use.
! Ensure the manufacturer provides a test certificate confirming compliance with performance tests, especially the shelf load (45 kg UDL) and stability tests.
! Verify the thickness of the steel sheet using a micrometer or caliper, as using thinner sheets is a common cost-cutting measure that compromises strength.
! Check for a smooth, uniform stoving enamel finish without any sharp edges or burrs, which is crucial for user safety and product longevity.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
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International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
BS EN 14749:2016BSI / CEN - United Kingdom / Europe
HighCurrent
Domestic and kitchen storage units and worktops — Safety requirements and test methods
Covers safety and performance testing for all domestic storage units, including bedside tables.
ASTM F2057 - 23ASTM International - USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Safety Specification for Clothing Storage Units
Focuses primarily on the tip-over risk for storage furniture, relevant but narrower than the IS code.
ISO 7170:2005ISO - International Organization for Standardization
MediumCurrent
Furniture — Storage units — Determination of strength and durability
Provides test methods for strength and durability, which are referenced by product-specific standards like EN 14749.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.9-2019BIFMA - USA
LowCurrent
Storage Units – Tests
Specifies performance tests for commercial/office storage, but its principles are often adapted for high-end domestic furniture.
Key Differences
≠IS 6189 is a prescriptive standard, specifying exact materials (e.g., Teak, Rosewood), dimensions, and construction methods. International standards like EN 14749 are performance-based, defining test results the product must achieve regardless of material or construction.
≠Modern international standards include detailed safety tests for tip-over, finger entrapment, and stability with drawers/doors open, which are absent in the 1985 Indian standard.
≠International standards often reference chemical safety requirements, such as limits on formaldehyde emissions from wood-based panels (e.g., E1 class) and heavy metals in surface coatings, which are not covered in IS 6189.
≠IS 6189 is specific to one product type (wooden bedside table), whereas standards like EN 14749 have a broad scope covering all domestic and kitchen storage units.
Key Similarities
≈Both the Indian standard and its international counterparts share the fundamental goal of ensuring the furniture is stable and safe for its intended use.
≈Both specify requirements for load-bearing capacity. IS 6189 does this by prescribing minimum component thicknesses, while international standards do it by specifying load tests.
≈All standards address the quality of workmanship. IS 6189 describes desirable characteristics like smooth finishes and proper joints, while international standards verify this through durability and cyclic tests (e.g., drawer opening/closing cycles).
≈Both address the durability of moving parts like drawers. IS 6189 specifies construction quality for drawer runners, while international standards mandate passing cyclic durability tests.