Exploring US furniture compliance requirements

Furniture, whether wooden or metal, is an essential component of any home or office décor. Furniture brands and manufacturers are working continuously to bring comfort, style, and functionality together to provide an ultimate user experience.

The safety of furniture is as critical as its form and function when it comes to the end users. To bring furniture to the market, the manufacturers must adhere to the furniture compliance requirements. These requirements are designed to protect consumers from hazards.

In this article, our experts in the furniture testing field have highlighted five ways to adhere to furniture compliance requirements in the U.S.

Prevent furniture from falling and tipping over

It is essential to prevent falling and tipping over hazards in furniture. This is a major safety concern for both children and adults. Many injuries are reported every year due to furniture tipping over, resulting in severe injuries and even fatalities. According to a report released by The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), from 2019 through 2021, U.S. hospital emergency departments treated an estimated annual average of 19,400 people for product instability or tip-over injuries related to televisions, furniture, and appliances.

In December 2022, the Congress passed the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth Act (STURDY Act) to stop injuries and fatalities associated with the furniture tip-over. As required by the STURDY Act, in March 2023 the CPSC promulgated 16 CFR 1261 adopting the ASTM F2057-2023 as the mandatory safety standard for the stability of the clothing storage units. You can learn more about this latest regulation in our article Quick overview of the STURDY Act.

Ensure the usage of materials that do not pose a threat to the environment or human health

The materials used in furniture can pose a threat to the health of individuals and the environment. Toxic chemicals can be present in paints and coatings, filling material such as foam or fibres, upholstery fabrics, as well as in the composite wood products like particle boards and medium density fiberboard. These substances can cause serious health issues, including respiratory illness, allergic reactions, and even cancer.

Several regulations have been put in place to address these concerns. Following is an illustrative list of such requirements:

• Lead in paint and surface coatings: 16 CFR 1303 bans the use of lead containing paint and certain consumer products bearing lead-containing paint.
• Formaldehyde in composite wood products: EPA under 40 CFR 770 restricts the use of formaldehyde in composite wood products, such as certain hardwood plywood, particle boards and medium density fiberboards. California also has a state law with the same emissions requirements.
• Flame retardants ban: many US States ban the use of flame retardants in upholstered household furniture.
• California Proposition 65 (Prop 65): This California law does not restrict the use of substances of concern. However, the law requires providing a warning if the exposure to any of the listed chemicals will be above the safe harbour levels.

It should be noted that children’s products have requirements in addition to the ones listed above.

Eliminate furniture flammability risks

Flame-resistance is another important requirement of furniture compliance. Furniture must meet specific standards for flammability and fire resistance to protect consumers from fire accidents and minimize property damage.

For upholstered furniture, 16 CFR 1640 (California TB 117) is one of the standards for the flammability of upholstered furniture. This standard mandate that furniture must meet specific requirements for flame retardants, barrier materials, and upholstery materials.

Prevent any hazards that may occur due to furniture's mechanical components

Mechanical hazards in furniture can cause serious injuries and disabilities and are a grave concern to consumers. Sharp edges, protruding parts, and unstable construction can all lead to accidents and injuries. Regulatory authorities such as the CPSC have established standards to address mechanical hazards. Furniture must be compliant with relevant physical and mechanical testing requirements.

For instance, 16 CFR 1232 (ASTM F2613-17) Safety standards for children’s folding chairs and children’s folding stools, 16 CFR 1513 Requirements for bunk bed, addresses safety requirements to reduce the risks of mechanical hazards from furniture.

Ensure material and construction quality is fit for intended use

It is also important that furniture brands and manufacturers ensure the furniture they produce meets quality and material standards that are appropriate for its intended use.

This includes ensuring that the materials used are strong and durable to withstand regular use, and that the construction of the furniture is designed to meet the demands of the user. Poor design or improper selection of materials can lead to the furniture breaking, causing injury, and proving poor value for the consumer.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the development of standards for furniture, including ANSI/BIFMA, which sets performance requirements for office furniture, and ANSI/KCMA, which provides product certification for kitchen cabinets.

How the Eurofins Toys & Hardlines network of laboratories can help

Ensuring that furniture meets these standards is not just a legal requirement, but also an ethical responsibility of industry members. Adhering to furniture compliance requirements can not only protect consumers from harm but also provide manufacturers with a competitive advantage and promote a better environment for all.

Our furniture testing, regulatory, audit and inspection services are designed to ensure performance, safety, and quality, as well as compliance with applicable standards and regulations before furniture products reach key consumer markets.

For more details, please click here to learn more about our Furniture & Décor Testing Services.