New Version of Non-Domestic Seating Standard BS EN 16139 Published

The updated version of BS EN 16139:2025 – Furniture. Safety, strength and durability. Requirements and test methods for non-domestic seating was published yesterday (31 July 2025).

This standard outlines the safety, strength, and durability requirements for non-domestic seating, and includes updated test methods to reflect current industry needs and innovations.

What’s New in BS EN 16139:2025?

This latest edition introduces several significant technical changes compared to the 2013 version:

• New definitions and requirements for single column seating.
• Reordering of annexes: Normative annexes now appear before informative ones.
• Updated recommended dimensions in Annex G (informative).
• New “side-to-side” durability requirements and test method for single column seating in Annex D (normative).
• New rationale for single column seating in Annex H (informative).
• New test methods for finger entrapment, shear, and compression in Annex A (normative).
• Removal of rolling resistance requirements for unloaded chairs.
• Suppression of Annex G (informative) on rolling resistance.
• New static and durability requirements for leg rests, including a dedicated test method in Annex C (normative).
• Introduction of a backward fall test requirement.
• New method for determining seat loading points for seating with suspended flexible material in Annex D (normative).

This update is particularly relevant for manufacturers, designers, and specifiers working with non-domestic seating, ensuring products meet the latest safety and performance expectations.

For further information about testing to this new standard, please contact the service provider to The Research Association, FIRA International.