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Testing
Why test products and
furniture?
Product and furniture testing provides reassurance to you and your customers, not only for meeting mandatory safety requirements, but as an insight into the performance and durability of a product when it is being used. This will help to identify any issues prior to the product going on sale, reducing returns and customer complaints.
FIRA’s UKAS-accredited laboratory carries out testing which simulates real-life use and foreseeable misuse for all types of furniture and related products for both the domestic and contract markets.
Companies that carry out testing with FIRA can use our logo next to products to make them stand out above the rest. Read more about using the FIRA logo against tested products.
Use our Certificate Checker to confirm that a product has been tested by FIRA.
FIRA International is accredited to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005
by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), ensuring that tests are
carried out to the highest standards.
Our testing services include:
- Flammability and physical performance tests on fabrics, foams, mattresses and cushions (upholstery)
- Safety, strength and durability testing on finished products including seating, tables and storage furniture
- Performance tests on adhesives and boards
- Bespoke testing services
- Development of new test methods
- Assessment of instructions and flat pack assembly
- User trials
- Dimensional assessment against ergonomic Standards
- Design concept evaluation
Furniture Testing - Asia and Worldwide
To complement our UK-based centre of excellence, FIRA has a
furniture test facility in Hong Kong, FIRA-CMA, which is provided in
partnership with CMA Testing and Certification Laboratories - the testing
division of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong. This means
retailers and importers can save the time and cost involved in shipping samples
from the Far East and offers invaluable help to manufacturers looking to export
to new markets in the UK, Europe and beyond. We also offer approved testing services in
Malaysia and the Philippines.
What are the UK’s product safety regulations?
The safety of consumer products is regulated by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPS Regulations). It is a legal requirement that applies to all products used by consumers. Products that are manufactured and supplied should present no or minimal risk to the end user and responsibility for this lies with anyone involved in their manufacture, distribution or purchase.
These general product safety principles can also be applied to the contract furniture sector. A product should be suitable for its intended use and so a product should be tested to the correct hazard level for the environment.
Enquire about product testingWhat are the UK’s flammability regulations for furniture and furnishings?
Furniture and furnishings for use in a domestic environment MUST comply with the legal document entitled 'The UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations'.
Flammability Standards also exist for contract and office furniture and, although not covered by the above-mentioned regulations, are no less important. Compliance with these Standards is essential and will, in the majority of cases, be a requirement of tender documentation.
FIRA carries out flammability testing for items that are destined for both the domestic and contract markets. Read more about Flammability Testing Services
View the Flammability Guides produced by the Furniture Industry Research Association.
What is due diligence?
Due diligence is defined as ‘reasonable steps taken by a person to avoid committing an offence’ so carrying out testing and keeping a record of test certificates from a recognised test house for each product will form part of your due diligence. Responsibility for due diligence is at each stage of the supply chain.
In the UK and Europe all consumer products are required to meet the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). In addition, upholstery products for domestic use, must also pass the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. This means that a product should present no, or minimal risk of injury to the user. One of the best ways for a manufacturer to ensure they have completed their risk assessment is to have it tested to the latest British or European Standards by an accredited test house."
Howard James, Operations Manager - Testing Services