A review into the validity of interface pressure mapping to assess perceived comfort: Guidelines for best practice

CEN TC 207 Furniture Standards meeting report

Scope of committee to include 'circular economy'; changes to bunk bed standard EN 747

'The future of the office and office workers' report

BCFA reveals seismic change in the way we work now is here to stay

Association welcomes new members

7 new Members for the Furniture Industry Research Association

Environment (Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020

Amendments to environmental laws

Brexit information from ECHA

Guidance in the event of a 'no deal'

Consumer attitudes to fire safety information on furniture

Results from The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) research

FIRA International launch new portal to simplify testing

Designed to give customers more control over their testing

OPSS: 'a new approach to the FFFSR'

Key change is the entire time scale has been extended by about a year

Role changes at our service provider, FIRA International

Key promotions in order to better serve members

Domestic flammability regulations are the focus of a new training session

Includes requirements, responsibilities, testing and labelling

Movement of Goods - new customs rules

Important information if you trade with the EU

'Home Working Solutions' from our service provider

New 'Home Working Solutions' package to help employers fulfil their duty of care

New guidance for employers of home workers

Employers have same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers

British furniture industry launches campaign to save jobs

‘Buy the Best, Buy British, Save Jobs’ campaign aims to make people aware of the jobs at stake in the wake of COVID 19

Internal Market Bill update

Insights for members on the bill

Latest quarterly standards update published

Members can now access all the updates

Brexit support

Guidance on goods regulations and chemicals; imports and customs

Focus on EUTR compliance for third recorded training session

This session joins the recently released training on REACH and biocides

Work on ISO standards

Updates on 10 ISO standards

Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended

Due to Covid-19 OPSS have been revising their timetable and does not expect to have new regulations ready until 2022

Research Association release second recorded training, with focus on biocides

The new training forms part of a suite of 5 sessions being released weekly

‘More than a test house’ - FIRA International hosting webinar to inspire and take attendees on a vir...

The interactive session plans to give delegates a number of ‘I didn’t know that’ moments

EN 16139: 2013 – Strength, durability, and safety – requirements for non-domestic seating

Your chance to feedback on a revision

Update on EN 1335-1: 2020 Office work chair – Dimensions -determination of dimensions

Published by CEN 207 in April, adopted by BSI in May, the older version of EN 1335-1; 2000 was withdrawn

New recorded training on key topics

First session, ‘Introduction to REACH Regulations’, is now available

Humanscale’s foot rocker acknowledged for its Ergonomics Excellence

The foot rocker encourages users to get their legs and feet moving

Covid-19 SME Cyber survey

SME experiences of working from home and dealing with organisational cybersecurity

Support for small businesses to survive and thrive beyond COVID

Small Business Leadership Programme and Peer Networks Programme launch

‘Perceived comfort’ is latest focus for the Research Association

Can pressure mapping be used as a tool to assess comfort?

Implications of providing office/contract chairs for employees who are working at home

Clarification from OPSS: do office chairs in the home need to comply with the FFFSR if they've been tested to BS 7176: 2...

Recovery Advice for Business scheme

Access free support from experts and help your business recover from the impact of Coronavirus

Ergonomic Café receive Ergonomics Excellence accolade from FIRA International

Ergonomics Excellence Award for the 'TIO Laptop & Tablet Support’

‘Toolkit’ to assist conformity with CE marking Directives

To help users navigate the sometimes complex ‘technical file’

REACH update report - July 2020

Total of 209 chemicals now on the SVHCs

Beyond 100 days of home working

Guides on the ergonomics of home working, full practical tips for any new, or a seasoned home worker

Expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirus

Updated to include information about PPE

Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020: notice

Updated to reflect the change in the 2m social distancing rule

Latest performance of the furniture industry for 2019

Decline in exports subdues overall positive growth performance by manufacturers

Government provides further halt to business evictions

New code provides support to shops and local firms planning their future recovery

Reopening safely during coronavirus

New tool to help businesses identify whether they can reopen safely

New FIRA International brochure

See all the services in one place

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar

Taking place Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June

Latest Standards Update released

Confirms the publication of three new standards

Provide insight and analysis to BEIS

Input on measures needed to support economic recovery

Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund

Support for small and micro businesses in England

Small Business Commissioner updates

Late payment support through the coronavirus virus

Apprenticeships during COVID-19

Guidance for apprentices and employers

UK Global Tariff and Anti-Dumping Measures

New UK Global Tariff search available

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time

FIRA Service Technicians to resume customer visits

The resumption will be in line with Government guidelines

Personal support grants

The Furniture Makers Company increasing help available

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) webinars

How to make your workplace COVID-secure

Impact of COVID-19 on the Furniture and Furnishings Industry

All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG) report

ECHA releases SCIP database

Information on substances of concern

FIRA Service Technicians operations resuming

Resumption of service planned in June

Coronavirus business support blog

New case studies from businesses making their workplaces COVID-secure

Trade Credit Insurance intervention

New Q&A available

ISO TC 136 furniture standards meeting reports

Covers storage, children’s furniture, seating, tables and mattresses

Job Retention Scheme extended

Extended for four months until the end of October 2020

Trade Credit Insurance guarantee

Government will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions

BS EN 1335-1: 2020 Office furniture

Implementation of new standard delayed

FIRA International - continuing to operate safely

Strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place

Working safely during coronavirus

Covers factories / warehouses. homes, offices, shops, vehicles

Government COVID-19 recovery strategy

The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap

Coronavirus webinars and playbacks

Topics include tax, loans, grants and wage support

New Standard for educational furniture published

BS EN 13150: 2020 immediately replaces the 2001 version

Standards meeting report - hardware for furniture

Despite lockdowns the development of European Standards continues

New Standard for office furniture published

BS EN 1335-1: 2020 Office Furniture. Office work chair. Part 1 Dimensions – Determination of dimensions

Government depts are hosting free webinars

Helping businesses understand the Covid-19 support available

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin

Sign-up to receive Government alerts

Inquiry on the impact of COVID-19

Video conference on 30 April.

Latest Standards Update

Includes two new standards

France issues update to childcare standards

References NF EN 1130: 2019 Childcare furniture: Cradles - Safety requirements and test methods

FIRA International supporting NHS Nightingale Hospitals with testing

Testing materials to BS 7175:1989

Secretary of State: letter to retailers and manufacturers

Support to keep supply chains moving

Supporting with COVID-19 knowledge

New central resource for COVID-19 information

Social distancing in the workplace

BEIS publishes advice applicable to furniture sector

Furniture Makers’ Company welfare grants

Support during the coronavirus pandemic

BSI releases suite of best practice standards

Risk and business continuity standards publicly available

FAQs: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

How the Scheme fits within employment law

Industry charity reaches out to affected employees

Welfare support for those affected by coronavirus

BFC: COVID-19 activity review

Letter to the Chancellor, engagement with BEIS, APPFIG work

Standards meeting report - Safety of child use and child care products

Meeting covered changing units, safety barriers cots and bedding

Children's Highchair standard amended

BS EN 14988: 2017 +A1: 2020 - Children's Highchairs

BFC Briefing on COVID-19 Business Assistance

Support the Government has made available for businesses

Standards meeting report – Test methods for furniture

Development of technical report for testing seating used by people weighing over 110kg; review of EN 1022: 2018

Standards committee report – Bunk beds

Preparation of draft revision of EN 747-1: 2012 + A1: 2015 Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds

Standards meeting report: non-domestic furniture

Suggested priority standards for development within CEN TC207 during the current pandemic

Interim enforcement policy for mattresses and mattress pads

CPSC’s Office of Compliance is revising the Interim Enforcement Policy

COVID-19 - Coronavirus update

Business Readiness Bulletin – 11th March 2020

UK furniture fire safety regulations – revision process commences

OPSS outlined its aims of maintaining (or increasing) the current level of fire safety

Standards meeting report – Motorised furniture

Key areas to address are stability, strength and durability and entrapment.

Revision to REACH - Update on SVHC - January 2020

Latest update report concerning (REACH) Regulations

Fellowes’ Levado™ Height Adjustable Desk recognised for ergonomics excellence

The award follows evaluation by FIRA International’s ergonomics experts

New experts join FIRA International

FIRA International, our service provider, has welcomed two new colleagues to its consultancy team

Latest Club Green Member's Newsletter - January 2020

Keeping you up-to-date with environmental legislation

Furniture Industry Research Association share updates to standards and other key matters

One of the main headlines is the publication of a new standard

California AB2998 and ASTM E05 Fire Committee

California regulation prohibiting flame retardant chemicals in upholstered furniture

New European standard for childcare furniture published

BS EN 1130: 2019 Children’s furniture. Cribs

Furniture Fire Safety​

Key point: upholstered furniture has a significant impact on domestic house fires

SBFI receive third FIRA International Ergonomics Excellence Award

Their range of Aspect Trading Desks are recognised for excellence

Positive vote for a new standard for electrical furniture

​IEC 60335 Part 2 -116 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-116

Standards meeting report – Domestic furniture

covered a range of topics including motorised furniture, swivel chairs, foldaway beds and more...

Baby Products Association technical meeting report - November 2019

Key topics covered at this latest meeting included the possible revision of BS 1877 Part 10

Standards meeting report – Non-domestic furniture

Meeting covered work on amendments to EN 15372 and EN 16121

Standards meeting report – Test methods for furniture

Meeting covered issues related to motorised furniture, foams and mattresses and seating

Furniture Industry Research Association help organisations embrace ‘Industry 4.0’

Details the potential for Industry 4.0 to improve productivity

Erich Keller acknowledged with Ergonomics Excellence Award

F-Com Height Adjustable Trading Desk is quick to adjust and allowed users to move between sitting and standing

Humanscale recognized for Ergonomics Excellence

It's range of movement would meet the needs of the 5th-95th percentile of the population

Second FIRA Gold Certification for Salice

Silentia+ soft-close hinges now certified

First office furniture Remanufacturing Standard

Covers office and contract chairs / seating, office and contract tables / desking, office and contract storage units

HMRC accelerates registration of firms onto simplified import procedures

The scheme will make importing after Brexit on 31 October much simpler

New standard for bariatric beds

Specifies safety, strength and durability performance requirements

Sylmar Technology Ltd expands FIRA Gold Certification through new décor offerings

Four new décor offerings included in Certification

New FIRA Gold Certification for Claremont Centre

Certification for ‘Brae Sit Stand Desk’

Brexit events and webinars

The Government hosting events and webinars to help with Brexit

Standards Meeting Report - PAS 7050 Steering Group

Development of new specification for bringing safe products to market

European Standards meeting – outdoor furniture

The meeting focused on potential revisions of two standards - EN 581-1 and EN 581-2

Latest Club Green Member's Newsletter - August 2019

Keeping you up-to-date with environmental legislation

Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life

Statement on the publication of the EAC's 'Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life'

Office of Product Safety & Standards Publishes Latest EUTR Enforcement Activity

Have you fulfilled your obligations under the legislation?

DecaBDE as a barrier to the Circular Economy

UK produces 1.6m tonnes of bulky waste, 42% is furniture and mattresses

Furniture Industry Research Association publish Brexit guidance

‘Brexit – the importance of planning ahead’

New standard for furniture hardware published

BS EN 15939: 2019 Hardware for furniture

Public consultation on Machinery Directive

Feedback period runs until 30 August 2019

Furniture Industry Research Association share updates to standards and other key matters

Three new standards

Westbridge recognised as ‘certified company’ under fire compliance scheme

Three of Westbridge’s UK production sites were assessed during audit process

Standards Meeting Report – CEN TC207 Plenary

Standards expected to be published in the coming years

FIRA International continues expansion programme

Members receive preferential rates on FIRA International testing

Two additional FIRA Gold Certifications for Recticel

Foamflex Comfort seat and Foamflex Reversible seat achieved FIRA Gold after vigorous testing

Standards Report – Common test methods

Topics include motorised furniture, mattresses, seating and more

Standards meeting report – Suspended seating workshop

Possible test methods for suspended seating

Standards meeting report – seat loading template

Discussion on the seat loading point when testing stability

Standards meeting report – foldaway beds

Potential revision of EN 1129 Parts 1 & 2 Furniture - Foldaway beds - Safety requirements and testing

Standards meeting report – Non-domestic furniture

Committee merger and revision to EN 15372

Summary of EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 16th May

Information businesses need to prepare for EU Exit

Confirmation of standard for cot mattresses

European standard BS EN 16890: 2017 Children’s furniture – Mattresses for cots and cribs

New standard for office desks

BS EN 527-2: 2016 + A1: 2019 Office furniture. Work tables. Part 2

EU Exit – Update for exporters

Guidance explaining changes for exporters in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal

FIRA compliance scheme sees Alstons attain ‘Certified Company’ status

Alstons achieved Certified Status after passing an independent audit

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 11th April

The forum aims to share the information businesses need to prepare for EU Exit

Ergonomic Cafe receive 4 Ergonomics Excellence Awards

Award recognises those who design/manufacture ergonomically outstanding products

Importing and exporting preparations in the event of a no-deal Brexit

Webinar summary - importing and exporting preparations to take in the event of no-deal Brexit.

Andrew Story from Moores Furniture Group joins Council

Kitchen sector bolstered on the Research Association Council

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum Q & A update

Q&A's from meetings on 21 March and 28 March

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 28th March

An update on all the latest Brexit discussions

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 21st March

Focus on digital and data

Standards Meeting Report - hardware for furniture

Draft standards for corrosion performance of hardware and also star bases for swivelling chairs

France issues update to list of reference standards under Childcare Decree 91-1292

For the prevention of risks arising from the use of childcare articles

Assured Advice on labelling

Herts Trading Standards offer advice on labelling.

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 14th March

Covering regulations and standards – REACH, goods, product safety

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 7th March

Updates and slides from the sixth forum

European Standard for Cots amended

Corrigendum published modifying requirements for footholds

Standards meeting report – Storage furniture

Meeting covered issues identified during the drafting of the revised standard ISO 7170

​Standards meeting report – outdoor furniture

Includes three main standards for outdoor furniture (EN 581 Parts 1, 2 & 3)

BREXIT - placing goods on the UK and the EU market in no-deal scenario

Government guidance documents on placing goods in a no-deal scenario

Further UKAS accreditation for FIRA International

Accreditation cover BS EN 1022:2018 and BS EN 1335-2:2018

EU Exit - Guidance for no deal scenario - update 13 March 2019

Research Association guidance document - scenario of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 28th February - Public Procurement and Changes to EU fun...

Summary notes from meeting and Government information

Standards meeting report – kitchen furniture

International Standards committee responsible or looking at standardising the sizes of kitchen furniture

​Standards meeting report – Electrical furniture

Task Group meeting to liaise with IEC TC61 who have been developing an electrical standard for furniture

Standards meeting report – Beds

Developing the standard ISO WD 23769 Furniture-Mattresses-Test methods for the determination of functional characteristi...

HMRC urges business owners to make sure they are ready for no deal

Steps to ensure businesses can continue to trade with the EU if the UK leaves without a deal

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 21st February covering Workforce & People and Intellectu...

Summary notes from meeting and Government information leaflets on EU exit business readiness

Latest Club Green Member's Newsletter - February 2019

Keeping you up-to-date with environmental legislation

Standards meeting report – Tables

Development of ISO 19682 Furniture — Tables — Test methods for the determination of stability, strength and durability

Government update - Letters on no deal Brexit advice for businesses only trading with the EU

Standards meeting report – Seating

Key topic for discussion was ISO 7173 Furniture — Chairs and stools — Determination of strength and durability

Implications for business and trade of a no deal exit on 29 March 2019

Government update

Baby Products Association technical meeting report - February 2019

Key topics included possibility of new Standard for mattresses used in moses baskets and carrycot.

HMRC impact assessment for the VAT treatment of low value parcels

Impact of changes

DEFRA Guidance on F gas: guidance for users, producers and traders

guidance to industry in the event of a “no deal BREXIT scenario

Help and support for traders if the UK leaves the EU with no deal

Videos about trading after 29 March

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum meeting on 14th February covering data and organisational complianc...

Summary notes from meeting and Government information leaflets on EU exit business readiness

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum 7th February 2019

Meeting notes available from the second forum

‘Statistics Digest for the UK Furniture Industry’

£17.5 billion consumer spend on furniture and furnishings

‘Electrical accessories incorporated into furniture - a guide to the UK regulations’

Third guide concerning electrical components in furniture

FEMB Technical Committee Meeting Report - January 2019

Development of a European Standard for Sustainable Office Furniture Products.

No deal Brexit advice: changes for timber importers and exporters

Businesses importing timber will have to carry out checks from day one of EU Exit.

Standards Meeting Report – domestic furniture

Insights from CEN TC 207 WG1 (the committee responsible for developing European Standards for domestic furniture)

New standard for office furniture published

ANSI-BIFMA X5.9: 2019 Storage units

Revision of the Machinery Directive

The European Commission would like to hear your views

EU Exit - Guidance for no deal scenario

Research Association guidance document - scenario of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

Herman Miller receives FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award

Four chairs within the Cosm range are included in the award

EU Exit Business Readiness Forum 31st January 2019

The forum is likely to be hosted on a weekly basis until March 2019

UKAS accredited flammability testing

Our service provider, FIRA International, has expanded their facilities

The UK Government’s Resources and Waste strategy for England paper published

The Government Resource and Waste strategy forms part of the 25 Year Environment Plan

California TB 133 Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies

California TB 133 has been repealed effective January 22

DEFRA guidance on trading in CITES listed species in the event of a no-deal BREXIT

Club Green environment manual updated

Comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of environmental management

Interim policy for mattresses and mattress pads

Policy for mattresses subject to 16 CFR part 1632

Government White Paper on Immigration

Single immigration system, ending free movement

Final standards update for 2018

Details of new standards and updates to others

Furniture inspection and repair - a year in review

Service improvements, new colleagues and more

Furniture Industry Research Association summarise final quarter activity

Standards, new guidance, Brexit and more.

REACH EU exit guidance

Seven different scenarios are covered.

Office and contract furniture technical forum update

Resources are now available to members.

Standards meeting report – Hardware for furniture

The working group discussed two new draft standards.

New document for surface finish assessment published

PD CEN/TR 17292: 2018 Technical report regarding precision data for various standards

New European Standard for Office Seating published

BS EN 1335-2: 2018 Office furniture. Office Work Chair. Safety Requirements

‘Electrically powered office furniture - a guide to the UK Regulations’

Details powered office furniture falling within certain Directives.

FIRA International unveils new look and investment programme

New brand identity follows acquisition by Element Materials Technology

Vietnam-EU legal timber agreement signed

The EU has signed an agreement to support the Vietnamese government.

New standard for seating published

A new European Standard for assessing the stability of seating has been published.

Buoyant Upholstery gain ‘Certified Company’ status under fire compliance scheme

“Compliance and Safety is always at the forefront at everything we do"

PEFC Annual Stakeholder Event Report October 2018

Stakeholder meeting to discuss sustainable forestry and receive an update on PEFC scheme

Standards meeting report – domestic furniture

A meeting of CEN TC207 WG1, the European standards committee tasked with producing standards for domestic furniture

Standards meeting report

CEN TC 207 WG9, the European Standards committee that develops common test methods for furniture standards

BA recognised with second FIRA Gold certification at their BA Clic Components factory in Rotherham

This follows on from a previous Gold certification awarded in 2010.

Furniture Industry Research Association release their latest Standards Update

The September update confirms the publication of a number of new standards across the furniture sector.

New Assured Advice from Hertfordshire Trading Standards

Latest Assured Advice on whether arm caps are within regulations.

FIRA International sees extension to UKAS scope

FIRA International, has received an extension to their UKAS scope to now include high chairs.

​G Plan Flair power recliner sofas and armchairs receive Ergonomics Excellence Award

The new range of Flair power recliner sofas and armchairs from G Plan has received an Ergonomics Excellence Award from F...

FIRA International unveil latest Ergonomics Excellence Award recipient

​The ‘Ollin’ monitor arm range by Colebrook Bosson Saunders is the latest product to receive the FIRA Ergonomics Excelle...

​CMD recognised for their ergonomics excellence

FIRA International have recognised CMD with an Ergonomics Excellence Award for their ‘Reach Spring Assisted Monitor Arm’...

British Furniture Confederation aims to kickstart stalled review on furniture flammability regulatio...

​​The British Furniture Confederation is hoping to kick start the stalled review of Britain’s flam regs with a proposal ...

​New Standards for children’s furniture published

Four revised standards for children’s furniture have been published. The standards have been produced by the Furniture I...

​Standards meeting update

CEN TC207 WG9, the European Standards committee responsible for developing test method standards, and chaired by FIRA’s ...

FIRA Quarterly Standards Update Report - September 2016

Even though the summer months are traditionally quieter, standards making, both at an International and European level, ...

​​Consultation on updating Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations

FIRA was informed yesterday that the Government has re-started the consultation into a potential revision of the fire sa...

​British Standards for kitchen furniture to be revised

At a recent meeting at BSI in London it was agreed that the two main British Standards for kitchen units are to be updat...

FIRA Gold for Wade Spring

Leading manufacturer of spring based seating products for the Furniture industry, Wade Spring Ltd has achieved FIRA Gold...

​New Standards Meeting Report from Europe

A meeting of the Standards Committee responsible for producing furniture standards, CEN TC207, was recently held in Pari...

​FIRA Invests in Testing Division

FIRA International has recently completed two investment projects, totalling £50,000 as part of its ongoing plans to upd...

​New Furniture Design Toolkit for Domestic Furniture now available

The Furniture Design Toolkit for the domestic sector is the only design resource to contain this highly valuable informa...

​Report into current and alternative flame retardant technologies for furniture and furnishings

Cause for concern over the potential toxicity of some flame retardant chemicals has prompted the UK's largest furniture ...

Mind the Gap conference tackles skills shortage

​The biggest challenge facing the furnishing industry over the next decade is a skills shortage, and to ensure our indus...

Standards

Furniture Retail Quality Group - Industry Standard Children’s Domestic Furniture - General safety re...

FIRA Standard created due to the absence of any British or European Standards applicable to children’s domestic and camp...

About membership

Benefits of membership and how we support the industry

Furniture Retail Quality Group - Industry Standard Furniture - Children’s Domestic Furniture – Seat...

FIRA Standard created due to the absence of any British or European Standards applicable to children’s domestic and camp...

Furniture Retail Quality Group Industry Standard Furniture - Children’s Domestic Furniture - Tables ...

FIRA Standard created due to the absence of any British or European Standards applicable to children’s domestic and camp...

Furniture Retail Quality Group - Industry Standard Furniture - Children’s Domestic Furniture – St...

FIRA Standard created due to the absence of any British or European Standards applicable to children’s domestic and camp...

Furniture Retail Quality Group Best Practice Guide 2017 - Glass in Furniture

The guide has been developed in conjunction with the Furniture Retail Quality Group, whose members include technologists...

FIRA Standard - Performance and Dimensional Requirements for Bariatric Seating

This FIRA Standard specifies safety, strength and durability performance requirements for the structural safety and stab...

FIRA Standard - Performance and Dimensional Requirements for Bariatric Beds

This FIRA Standard specifies safety, strength and durability performance requirements for the structural safety and stab...

Standards meeting reports archive

Quarterly Standards Update Reports

These quarterly reports reflect the changes to furniture related standards notified to the Research Association

Standards Update Report - June 2019

Details of new standards and standards in development

Standards Update Report - March 2019

Details of four new standards and standards in development

Standards Update Report - September 2018

Details of new standards, changes and standards in development

Standards update report - June 2020

Summary of changes, new standards and standards in development

COVID-19

Ensuring that we play a responsible role in supporting the containment of the pandemic

Technical and consultancy services

Our experts can provide support on a wide range of topics, tailored to the needs of your organisation

Ergonomic services

Our highly qualified experts can help you maximise the comfort, safety and efficiency of your products

FIRA International Ergonomics Excellence Award Holders

Companies awarded by FIRA International for their design and manufacture of ergonomically excellent products

Standards Update Report - March 2020

Summary of changes, new standards and standards in development

Standards Update Report - September 2019

Details of new standards and standards in development

Standards Update Report - December 2019

Summary of changes, new standards and standards in development

Standards Update Report - December 2018

Details of new standards, changes and standards in development

Standards Update Report - June 2018

Details of new standards, changes and standards in development

Standards update report - September 2020

Summary of changes, new standards and standards in development

Sustainability services

We can help you meet your environmental responsibilities through our sustainability certification and management systems

Club Green

Health, safety and environmental legislation service for the furniture industry

Club Green Member Newsletters

Environmental updates,

Club Green Members Manual

Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme

Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability through independently verified scheme for the furniture industry

The European Timber Regulation - your legal responsibility

Helping you comply with the European Timber Regulation

Chain of custody and timber procurement

Our experts can help you implement a chain of custody systems

Flammability services

Our experts can help you deal with product safety issues, meet all the necessary regulations and protect your brand

​Business Process Improvement

Our experts can work with companies optimise processes to achieve more efficient results

FIRA Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture

Flammability - Show your commitment to compliance with the fire safety Regulations

​Childcare product classification

Identifying the difference between a toy and an item of furniture correctly, as the standards and test methods applicabl...

Leather types, characteristics and maintenance

Leather types and characteristics, the benefits of testing and care and maintenance of leather upholstery

​Specifying leather for furniture

Identifying which standards and properties are relevant to leather performance

Standards applicable to the sale of childcare (furniture) products in the UK

A summary of some of the products and standards relating to the manufacture, specification and sale of furniture and rel...

UV Pine lacquer free colouration

Adding colour to pine the natural way

What do I need to know to sell highchairs in the UK?

Summary of highchair testing and specification requirements taking account of the current standards and possible introdu...

A guide for manufacturers seeking to claim compliance with BS 7176

Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non-domestic seating

BFC Manifesto for the Furniture Industry 2019

The BFC Manifesto has been developed in response to an industry-wide survey it conducted soon after the EU referendum wa...

Statistical Digest for the Furniture Industry 2019

In-depth analysis of the latest data sourced from Government bodies

Testing services

Use our comprehensive testing services to evaluate the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of your product

Flammability testing

UKAS accredited flammability testing on all types of upholstery, fabrics, foams, feathers and fillings

Statistical Digest for the Furniture Industry 2018

This Digest reveals continued growth in demand for furniture and furnishings with consumer expenditure at £17.5 billion.

Upholstery testing

Upholstery tests focus on fabric, foam, flammability and structural.

Chairs and seating

Strength and stability testing of all types of seating, to ensure fitness for purpose

Statistical Digest for the Furniture Industry 2017

Furniture industry statistics, including facts, figures and commentary covering furniture production and international t...

Beds and mattresses

Beds, mattresses and components (springs, toppers, foams)

Tables and desks

We test tables (including glass) and desks for safety, stability, strength and durability

Statistical Digest for the Furniture Industry 2016

Furniture industry statistics, including facts, figures and commentary covering furniture production and international t...

Storage furniture

Our experts can test all types of storage furniture and components for safety, strength and durability

Kitchen testing

Kitchens must be fit for purpose, our tests replicate regular use and even occasional misuse

Recorded training sessions

Helping members navigate regulations, directives and standards

Children’s furniture testing

We can test a wide range of childcare product including pushchairs, high chairs, changing units, cots and beds

Balustrade testing

Ensuring they meet domestic or commercial regulations

Test equipment

Need some in-house test equipment? Our experts can design and build equipment to your specification

Competitiveness of the UK furniture manufacturing industry

UK furniture manufacturing makes a significant contribution to the UK economy. Factory gate sales of over £8.3 billion p...

Guide to Health and safety management for the woodworking and furniture industries

Fulfilling the legal requirements, implementing processes and maintaining documented systems

Improving UK Productivity and Industry 4.0

Details the potential for Industry 4.0 to improve productivity

Mind The Gap - Skills and Training in the Furniture Industry

This report aims to fuel the development of industry wide initiatives to ensure that the skills agenda is fully addresse...

National Furniture Specifications - A Guide for Specifiers

Guide to assist specifiers in the tender process when acquiring contract or domestic furniture and a guide for manufactu...

​Report on 'Real-life' UK kitchen study findings

Three year study into the way UK consumers use kitchens

Product Selection for the furniture supply chain

How to manage the product selection process from initial brief to placing your product on the market, working with your ...

FIRA Standard - Remanufacturing

FIRA Standard which specifies the requirements for the remanufacture of office and contract furniture including seating,...

Remanufacturing for the Circular Economy

Report summarising the finding of a project which compares the potential of remanufactured furniture versus brand new pr...

DecaBDE as a barrier to the Circular Economy

Whether an analysis of the impact of decaBDE being added to the UNEP POP list for the UK furniture industry is viable an...

Sustainable Forestry & PEFC scheme updates​ - January 2017

These are notes from a Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) workshop

Study into the Feasability of Benchmarking Carbon Footprints of Furniture Products 2011

This study shows that the carbon footprinting of products is a complex subject, with a number of difficulties that need ...

Improved Performance for Businesses Implementing ISO 14001:2015

This article is a simple, beginners guide to performance measurement.

Introduction to REACH Regulations training

Recorded training session to give members of the Research Association a high level overview of REACH so they can underst...

Introduction to Biocidal Products Regulation training

Recorded training session to give high-level guidance on the EU Biocides Regulation (528/2012)

Introduction to EUTR training

This European Union Timber Regulation to help Members who first place timber or timber products onto the European Market...

FIRA Guide to European Biocidal Products Regulations

This guide will help companies and their suppliers to comply with the obligations they may have under the Biocidal Produ...

REACH - Guide to the Regulations

Introduction to REACH and substances which affect the furniture industry

Sustainability Hotspot Analysis for the Furniture Industry

The Furniture Industry Research Association presents the wide ranging aspects of a sustainability hotspot analysis by re...

Biomass Subsidies and their impact on the British Furniture Industry

This report focuses on the Renewables Obligation woody biomass subsidy and the detrimental effect it is having on Britis...

REACH Update July 2020 - SVHC

New substances added to the SVHC list

BREXIT - The Importance of Planning Ahead

64 page guide for the furniture sector

Furniture inspection and repair

Use our experienced technicians to support your customer care programme and meet all your inspection and repair needs

Our Technicians

Trained in-house to the highest standard, our technicians are based throughout the UK

Commercial sector furniture repairs

We work across all commercial sectors covering office, educational, hospital, retail and hospitality furniture

Consumer services

For furniture consumers who need a repair

Consumer frequently asked questions

How our furniture repair service works and questions you may have as a consumer

Furniture Care

Independent inspection service

For furniture consumers who need a repair

For retailers and manufacturers

Our Service Technicians can meet all your furniture inspection and repair needs

Reporting suite

Warehouse services

Furniture Inspection and repair

Office Furniture Inspection and repair

We can carry out repairs on all types of office furniture

Frequently asked questions

Furniture repair videos

See our selection of videos showing how our experts carry out repairs

Upholstery repairs

See how our experts restitch upholstery

Scratch repairs

Bringing a cabinet 'back-to-new'

Paint repairs

Undertaking a paint repair to a wardrobe

Leather repairs

How our experts repair leather upholstery

Gold Certification

Our Gold Product and Installation Certification will help you stand out from the competition

FIRA International Gold certification holders

Furniture Product Certification, Furniture Installation Certification, FIRA Gold

Cabinets

Choose cabinet furniture that's right for you

Kitchen buying guide

What to consider for kitchen purchases

Mattress buying guide

What will be the best mattress for you?

Outdoor furniture

Options and advice on aftercare

Upholstery buying guide

Foams, fillings, fabrics and more

Furniture Design Toolkit for Domestic Furniture

Guide to assist designers and manufacturers of bedroom, living room, dining room and home office furniture

Furniture Design Toolkit - Office and Contract Furniture

Guide to assist designers and manufacturers of office and contract furniture

Kitchen Layout Design Guide

Guide to assist designers and manufacturers across the kitchen sector

Implications of providing office/contract chairs for employees who are working at home

Clarification from the OPSS (Office for Product Safety Standards) via the Hertfordshire Trading Standards Office (TS), t...

Flammability

BFC Proposal for updating UK Flammability Regulations - June 2017

Summary of the British Furniture Confederation’s Proposed Revision of Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regula...

Introduction to the Domestic Flammability Regulations training

Recorded training session to help you understand the Furniture & Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations for household f...

Current and alternative flame retardants for upholstered furniture

The use of flame retardants in furniture and furnishings is of great significance, especially in the UK, where fire safe...

Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the contract and non-domestic sectors - a guide to the U...

The fire safety of upholstered furniture supplied into the non-domestic market is more complex. It is heavily influenced...

Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the home - A Guide to the UK Regulations

Any filling material, whether foam or non-foam, intended for use in furniture, must meet specified ignition tests. This ...

Furniture Retail Quality Group best practice guide - flammability testing

Advice for upholstery component manufacturers and suppliers to help identify the requirements for different upholstery c...

The potential impact of flame retardants on the 'end of life' of upholstered furniture and furnishin...

This report investigates the impact of the presence of flame retardants on the furniture industry in relation to the dis...

Cable Management Systems– Understanding BS 6396

Guide to help you understand the requirements for electrical systems in office and educational furniture

Electrical accessories incorporated into furniture - a guide to the UK Regulations

For designers and manufacturers of furniture with electrical features, covering applicable EU Directives and CE marking ...

Electrically actuated furniture for the domestic market - a guide to the UK Regulations

Guide to the Application of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Edition 2.1 in relation to domestic furniture

Electrically powered office furniture - a guide to the UK Regulations

The 62 page guide identifies the relationship with powered office furniture products such as sit / stand desking and oth...

Furniture and the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) 93/42/EEC - Guidance and CE marking requirements.

How to classify your products based on their intended usage, including Guidance on what all products must be subject to ...

The General Product Safety Directive, furniture industry guide to legislation

43 page guide to support the furniture industry in understanding the GPSD

CE Marking Toolkit

To support members in meeting the strict requirements of CE Marketing Directives