Why your container is being held
Under the BIS Act 2016 (section 17), goods covered by a Quality Control Order cannot be imported without the BIS Standard Mark under a valid licence. The Furniture QCO covers work chairs, general-purpose chairs and stools, tables and desks, storage units, beds and bunk beds (IS 17631 to IS 17636). It applied to medium and large enterprises from 14 February 2026 and to micro and small enterprises from mid-August 2026. A second amendment in March 2026 (S.O. 1125(E)) gave relief to goods ordered or shipped before the deadline if the Bill of Entry was filed within 180 days, but that window has closed. So a consignment of covered furniture arriving now, from a manufacturer without a BIS licence, is usually held by Customs. Static sofas are reportedly outside the order, but mixed containers often include chairs, tables or beds, which is enough for the whole Bill of Entry to be examined.
If you paid an agent or importer: the first three things to ask for
Ask, in writing (email or WhatsApp is fine), for: (1) the container number, Bill of Lading number, Bill of Entry number and date, and the port, ICD or CFS where the goods are; (2) the current status — at port, at ICD, in a bonded warehouse, under examination or held; and (3) the BIS position — the manufacturer's BIS licence number, or its application number and date if a licence is still awaited. A licence number can be checked on the BIS CARE app ("Verify Licence Details") or on Manak Online ("Search a License"). An application number shows the process has started but is not a licence. With these three things you know whether you are waiting days for a licence to be granted, or looking at a much longer, uncertain wait.
The options the importer has under customs law
The importer, usually through a licensed customs broker, broadly has four paths. First, wait for the manufacturer's BIS licence and then seek clearance; this depends entirely on BIS timelines. Second, move the goods into a warehouse: section 49 of the Customs Act allows storage pending clearance with permission, and Chapter IX (sections 57 to 61) allows warehousing under bond, where goods can generally stay up to a year from the warehousing order, with interest on duty starting after 90 days. Third, re-export: goods can be sent back to the supplier (from a warehouse, section 69 allows re-export without paying duty). Fourth, Customs may treat goods imported without the required licence as "prohibited goods" liable to confiscation under section 111(d), with an option to redeem on payment of a fine under section 125, and a penalty under section 112. Tribunal decisions are split on whether a fine applies when goods are re-exported. The June 2026 Transition Facilitation Order (S.O. 3417(E)) is not a clearance route for goods already shipped.
The costs that keep running, and how to limit them
While a container waits, several separate charges can build up. The shipping line charges container detention for keeping its box beyond the free days. The port, ICD or CFS charges ground rent or storage. A bonded warehouse charges storage, and after 90 days interest accrues on the duty. Under the Handling of Cargo in Customs Areas Regulations 2009, a custodian may not charge rent or demurrage on goods seized or detained by the proper officer; whether goods simply awaiting a BIS licence count as "detained" is unclear, so ask the customs broker to raise it in writing. Section 48 allows the custodian to sell goods not cleared within 30 days of unloading, after notice, so the importer should never let a consignment sit without a formal step such as a warehousing application. If you are the buyer, ask who is paying these charges before you agree to wait.
Safeguarding your money as a buyer
Agree a written deadline: the date by which the importer will either deliver or refund. Ask them to confirm, in writing, who bears storage, demurrage and detention, and that you will not be charged for a delay you did not cause. Pay nothing further without a proper invoice; legitimate customs duty is paid through ICEGATE and port, shipping-line and warehouse charges come with invoices from those parties. Never pay an "extra" amount to have goods cleared; if anyone asks, decline and keep a record, and a complaint can be made to the Commissioner of Customs of that port or on CPGRAMS (pgportal.gov.in). If the deadline passes, send a formal written notice asking for a refund within a stated number of days. If that fails, you can call the National Consumer Helpline (1915) and file a consumer complaint online on e-Daakhil; our guide on refunds explains how.
When the goods finally arrive
Furniture that has spent weeks in a port or warehouse has been moved several times, often in export packing not meant for long storage, and in humid conditions. That does not mean it will be damaged, but it is worth being careful at delivery. Open and inspect each piece before signing, photograph any damage, and write it on the delivery challan rather than accepting "we'll fix it later" verbally. Check that what arrives matches your order and invoice. If the importer holds marine or storage insurance, damage during the hold may be claimable, but only if it is recorded promptly. At SOISU we assemble in India from materials sourced worldwide, so our customers are not waiting on a container at the port; if you are stuck and need a room furnished in the meantime, we are happy to talk it through.