School Furniture Standards India: IS 3087 and Formaldehyde

If you buy school furniture in India, you will often see IS 3087 in the specification. It is the Indian standard for particle boards. Knowing what it covers helps you write a better tender.

What does IS 3087 cover?

The 2025 version sets limits for things such as:

Size and thickness tolerance
Density and moisture content
Bending strength and stiffness
Internal bond strength
Screw holding
Swelling after soaking in water
Formaldehyde content, with a specified test limit. Boards are graded. MR grade means moisture resistant, for interior use where humidity may be higher.

What does this mean for formaldehyde?

IS 3087 includes formaldehyde content testing. A content limit and a binder formulation describe different things. Buyers can request a No-Added Formaldehyde binder, supported by a supplier declaration, alongside the relevant board test report. No-Added Formaldehyde does not mean zero measured content or emissions.

How did BIOMEBOARD™ do?

A 16 mm Type R sample, tested at IWST (ICFRE), conformed to MR grade. Its binder has No-Added Formaldehyde. Selected results:

Bending strength: 13.4 N/mm2 (minimum 13)
Internal bond: 0.45 N/mm2 (minimum 0.40)
Screw holding: 1405 N face, 850 N edge (minimum 1250 and 850)
Swelling after 24 hours: 7.4% (limit 14%)
Formaldehyde: 1.62 mg per 100 g (limit 8) This is a test report on one sample. It is not a BIS licence.

A stronger tender clause

Add lines such as:

"Boards tested to IS 3087-2025, with a test report."
"Binder must be formaldehyde-free, with a supplier declaration."
"Laminates and adhesives must also be low or no formaldehyde."

Keep dry

BIOMEBOARD™ is for dry classrooms. Do not use it for washroom fixtures or lab benches near water.

Sample tender wording

"Boards must be tested to IS 3087-2025 and supplied with a test report."
"Boards must use a No-Added Formaldehyde binder, with supporting supplier documentation and relevant test reports."
"Preference for formaldehyde-free binders, with a supplier declaration."
"Laminates, edge bands and adhesives must be low-emission."

Common mistakes in school tenders

Asking only for thickness and price.
Not asking for test reports.
Not checking laminates and glues.
Ignoring fire and moisture needs for the room.

FAQs

What is IS 3087?

The Indian standard for particle boards.

Does IS 3087 cover formaldehyde?

Yes, through formaldehyde content testing. A No-Added Formaldehyde binder declaration is separate from that test.

Is No-Added Formaldehyde the same as zero emissions?

No. No-Added Formaldehyde means none is added to the binder. Natural fibres, finishes and adhesives can still contribute measurable content or emissions.

What does MR grade mean?

Moisture resistant, for interior use.

Is BIOMEBOARD™ IS 3087 certified?

A test report shows it conformed on one sample. Ask us for the report.

Do I need to ask for a BIS licence?

Ask your procurement or legal team what applies to your purchase. Rules for wood-based boards are changing.

What does No-Added Formaldehyde describe?

It describes the binder formulation: no formaldehyde is added to the binder. It does not replace a measured content or emission test.

Where can I find the full standard?

From the Bureau of Indian Standards. Ask your procurement team for the current edition.

Writing a school tender? We can share the data you need.