Guarantee the quality of your products
Guarantee the quality of your products
Furniture testing evaluates the durability, safety, and performance of furniture products against recognised industry standards. It includes structural strength tests, stability checks, flammability assessments, and material quality inspections. Testing ensures compliance with regulations and enhances consumer safety and product reliability.
Our comprehensive furniture inspection services ensure that your products meet the highest safety and quality standards. With decades of expertise and state-of-the-art testing technologies, we test the durability and safety of your furniture. In this way, you show your customers and business partners that quality and reliability are your top priority.
For some furniture types (e.g. office furniture), testing and certification by an independent testing institute such as TÜV SÜD is essential for market entry.
Learn more about our tailor-made furniture testing and set new standards in the furniture industry.
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All service and testing services from a single source
Furniture testing – testing and certification with TÜV SÜD
TÜV SÜD's portfolio of furniture testing services includes mechanical and electrical safety tests, chemical tests, service ability and environmental simulation tests, as well as prototype and ergonomic tests. Additional services include flammability testing and customised testing according to your requirements.
TÜV SÜD offers important test marks such as the GS mark for tested safety, a "tested for harmful substances" mark and a "ergonomics tested" mark, which help you as a manufacturer to meet the highest quality and safety standards and increase the market acceptance of your products.
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Electrified furniture has become an indispensable part of everyday life. From adjustable beds to standing desks and illuminated cabinets, these products offer comfort and innovation. But as a manufacturer, you have to comply with numerous European regulations. Is your product affected? Are you sure it meets all relevant regulations?
Has the new product safety regulation been implemented for your electrical furniture?
The new Product Safety Regulation requires furniture manufacturers to carry out a comprehensive hazard analysis and risk assessment for their products. For electrified furniture, this means identifying mechanical, electrical and thermal risks and implementing risk mitigation measures.
Is your electrified furniture a machine or an incomplete machine?
Electrically powered furniture are considered "machines," while control and drive components are classified as "incomplete machines." These fall under the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and, from 19/01/2027, under the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. A conformity assessment procedure is required.
What other directives and regulations can become important?
In addition to the Machinery Directive, depending on the equipment, there are also:
Take advantage of TÜV SÜD's furniture inspections and give your products a clear advantage in terms of safety, quality and market acceptance. Our comprehensive range of services covers the entire product lifecycle from development to production and conformity assessment. In this way, we check at every stage and ensure that your furniture meets the highest standards.
Excellent quality through state-of-the-art technology
With our many years of expertise and the use of state-of-the-art test methods, we guarantee the highest precision and reliable test results. Our pursuit of innovation and quality ensures your products not only meet current regulatory requirements, but also exceed future standards. This minimises the risk of product recalls and strengthens trust in your brand in the long term.
Reputation and trust through high integrity
TÜV SÜD stands for high quality and integrity. Thanks to our furniture inspections, you can be confident that your products meet the relevant standards and consumer requirements. Through our test marks and as a notified body, we confirm the quality of your products and thus strengthen your reputation. Together, we set new standards in the furniture industry and make your vision of quality and safety a reality.
Furniture inspections are tests used to evaluate the safety, quality, and durability of furniture. They are necessary to ensure that furniture meets legal standards, minimises risks for consumers and increases market acceptance of products.
The advantages of furniture testing are:
Safety and quality: Furniture inspection ensures that furniture meets the highest safety and quality standards.
Market: Furniture inspection helps to meet legal requirements for entering domestic and international markets.
Customer satisfaction: Furniture testing strengthens consumers' trust in the brand through tested and reliable products.
Risk reduction: Furniture inspection reduces the risk of product recalls and legal consequences.
Competitive advantage: Furniture testing helps to differentiate oneself from competitors through proven product quality and safety.
TÜV SÜD tests a wide range of furniture types to ensure their safety and quality. The most important categories are:
• Children's furniture: The safety of children's furniture is a top priority. These tests ensure, among other things, that furniture is stable, does not tip over and does not pose any hazards such as traps for body parts. In addition, we check whether the furniture is free of harmful chemicals.
• Outdoor furniture: Outdoor furniture is tested for safety and reliability to minimise risks. Directives such as the EN 581-1, -2, -3 series of standards set out the safety requirements for various outdoor furniture items, from seating to tables and park benches.
• Home furniture: This category includes a wide range of products such as all kinds of seating, tables, beds, and shelves. There are specific standards for each type of furniture, including special requirements for furniture with electric motor drives.
• Office furniture: This furniture is tested for ergonomics, stability, and safety to meet the needs of work environments.
• Contract furniture: This includes furniture for public areas and commercial use, which must withstand special loads.
• Furniture for educational institutions: The tests ensure that this furniture is robust and safe for use in kindergartens, schools and universities.
• Laboratory furniture: This furniture must meet special requirements in terms of chemical resistance and safety.
• Industrial furniture: Furniture used in industrial environments must withstand high loads and be safe.
• Mattresses: During the mattress test, various criteria such as freedom from harmful substances, durability and comfort are tested.
Special tests tailored to the requirements of different industries:
• Dimensions of office swivel chairs (CMD according to EN 1335-1): Testing of the dimensions and ergonomics of office swivel chairs according to specific standards
• Prototype tests: Tests on prototypes to verify design and functional quality before mass production
• Ergonomics tests: Evaluations of the ergonomic properties of office furniture and work desks to ensure user comfort
• Flammability tests: Tests to verify the fire resistance of furniture and materials
• Mattress tests: Comprehensive tests to evaluate the quality, durability and absence of harmful substances of mattresses
• Partial and component tests according to customer requirements: Tailor-made testing of specific parts and components according to requirements
• Workshops (online or in the lab): Training and workshops to support product development and testing
• Development-related tests: The early involvement of TÜV SÜD in a new development prevents cost-intensive product changes later on.
Electrified furniture is tested by TÜV SÜD for various aspects to ensure its safety, quality and compliance:
• Electrical safety: Verification of compliance with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) to ensure electrical safety and prevent electric shocks and short circuits
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): Tests according to the EMC Directive to ensure that the furniture does not cause electromagnetic interference and is itself protected against such Machine safety:
• Evaluation of motorised components according to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and the Machinery Regulation EU 2023/1230 to ensure mechanical safety and reliability of the drives
• Chemical testing: testing for contaminants and chemical safety to ensure that no harmful substances are used
• Functional safety: verification of the correct functioning and reliability of all electrical and motorised parts, including controls and sensors
• CE marking: Examination of the conformity assessment procedure and support to manufacturers aiming for CE marking
TÜV SÜD's experts are familiar with the specific standards and requirements for different types of furniture and use chemical testing to ensure that the products do not contain any prohibited harmful substances.
For example, furniture is tested for pollutants such as formaldehyde, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium), plasticizers (phthalates), flame retardants, pesticides, organotin compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
You can obtain the following test marks for furniture:
GS Tested Safety (as Notified Body)
Type tested, TÜV SÜD test mark
Ergonomics tested
Mobile working / home office
Tested for harmful substances
Mattress test mark "Quality tested"
Manufacturers prepare the CE declaration of conformity themselves.
It makes sense to carry out furniture tests during product development. At the latest, before market launch, an independent testing institute should be engaged to ensure that the product complies with the Product Safety Act and, if necessary, the mandatory guidelines and regulations.
Regular inspection during series production is useful to ensure that the furniture continues to meet the requirements. This also applies to significant changes or further developments.
In the case of certification, regular monitoring of the manufacturing facility is an integral part of the certification process
The perfect time for furniture inspection is during the prototype phase and before series production to ensure early on that all safety and quality standards are met.
The procedure for the furniture inspection is as follows:
The cost of furniture testing varies depending on the type and scope of the tests and typically starts at several hundred euros, but can also be several thousand euros. For a more detailed assessment, please contact us. We will be happy to send you a quote.
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