Flammability regulations and testing standards for bedding and upholstered furniture

First Published: July 2024

Fire risk is higher in bedding and upholstered furniture

Bedding and upholstered furniture are commonly found in homes and hotels. These products pose a significantly higher fire risk if not properly tested due to the properties of the materials used in these items. To protect billions of users worldwide, there are various global and local regulations or standards that specifically regulate the flammability of upholstered furniture for residential/domestic use.

This article delves into the flammability regulations and testing standards for bedding and upholstered furniture for residential/domestic use, focusing on regulations in the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US).

Flammability regulations and testing standards in the EU

There is no EU-wide regulation regarding furniture flammability but this does not imply that flammability testing can be disregarded.

The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR), replacing from 13 December 2024 the current General Product Safety Directive and the Food Imitating Product Directive, requires that all consumer products are safe and it establishes specific obligations for businesses ensure it. This new instrument emphasis the importance of product safety and in this case, the furniture flammability. The testing standards for furniture flammability in the EU include:

• EN 1021-1 (Furniture - Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture – Part 1: Ignition source smouldering cigarette)
• EN 1021-2 (Furniture - Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture – Part 2: Ignition source match flame equivalent)
• EN 597-1 (Mattresses and upholstered bed bases – Ignition source smouldering cigarette)
• EN 597-2 (Mattresses and upholstered bed bases – Ignition source match flame equivalent)

Furthermore, specific national standards apply in certain countries, such as DIN 4102 (B1) in Germany and NFP 92-503 in France.

Flammability regulations and testing standards in the UK

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993 and 2010) is in place to set levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings and other products containing upholstery in the UK.

Here are the example testing standards:

• SI 1324:1988 - UK Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 Schedule
• BS 7175 - Methods of test for the ignitability of bedcovers and pillows by smouldering and flaming ignition sources)
• BS 5852 - Methods of test for assessment of the ignitability of upholstered seating by smouldering and flaming ignition sources)

In 2023, the UK Government proposed a new regulation “Fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture” to revoke the existing Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and replace them with a new, largely voluntary advice. It is currently not in place, pending review from the new UK government.

Regulations and testing standards in the US

The regulation in the US is 16 CFR Part 1640 – Standard for the Flammability of Upholstered Furniture. This regulation outlines flammability testing and labelling requirements for upholstered furniture, and it is administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC).

In terms of testing standard, 16 CFR Part 1640 adopts the requirements specified in the California Technical Bulletin (TB) 117-2013, which delineates the testing methods and the equipment used to assess the flammability of the materials in upholstered furniture.

Importance of conducting flammability testing for bedding and upholstered furniture

Here are some of the main reasons that conducting flammability testing is so critical:

• Consumer safety: 
  Protecting consumers from fire-related injuries and fatalities is the primary goal of flammability testing. Testing helps identify and mitigate potential fire hazards in bedding and upholstered furniture.
• Regulatory compliance:
  Adherence to flammability regulations/standards ensures that products meet local and international safety regulations, particularly in regions or countries where flammability testing is mandated by law.
• Reduce financial loss:
  Non-compliance with flammability testing regulations can have serious implications for manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Products that do not meet the prescribed standards pose a significant safety risk to consumers and can result in potential fire hazards. Also, companies may face legal repercussions, product recalls, financial penalties and damage to reputation.

How can Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines help?

Our laboratories in Asia, China, Europe and the U.S. can perform furniture flammability testing in accordance with various regulations and testing standards, including to ensure your products meet the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 in the EU, the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993 and 2010) in the UK and 16 CFR Part 1640 in the US.

Find out more on our Flammability Testing Services for Furniture & Décor.