Furniture testing and inspection

The role of furniture in our world is evolving. Our homes double as workspaces and trends like 'New Work' are redefining conventional offices. The demand for high-quality, functional, and innovative furniture,  such as electrified furniture, is on the rise.

This means that users expect furniture that fulfils not only the staples of product safety, quality, design and longevity, but also other criteria such as electrical safety and sustainability. Furniture needs to be tested thoroughly to ensure that they meet consumer expectations and market regulations. 

TÜV SÜD provides active support to manufacturers and distributors, facilitating efficient navigation through the complexities of furniture testing. Our furniture testing services expedite the path to both national and international markets, assuring mandatory product safety. We stay abreast of the shifting landscape of normative and legal requirements, offering comprehensive furniture inspection services for manufacturers. 

Safety is a paramount concern for users of furniture. Every piece of furniture must demonstrate robust stability to prevent toppling or collapsing. 

Various global markets have thus introduced extensive regulations to ensure furniture safety. As a manufacturer or distributor of furniture, you need to comply with these regulations to access global markets. 

In the case of children’s furniture, there are even more potential risks, and therefore even more regulations. You need to eliminate additional hazards such as trapping points for children’s heads or other body parts. 

TÜV SÜD has extensive furniture testing experience and up to date knowledge of furniture regulations worldwide. Our years of experience ensure a timely and cost-effective certification process. 

We provide a full range of furniture testing services. We also offer expert guidance throughout product development and the entire product life cycle. This includes considerations such as the weight of furniture and furniture sustainability. 

By validating safety and ergonomic considerations of furniture, we minimise potential hazards and enhance customer confidence.

Our furniture inspection service includes testing, inspection and certification of children’s furniture, outdoor furniture, home furniture, and more.

This includes:

• Mechanical safety
• Electrical safety
• Chemical testing
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing
• Functional safety
• Environmental testing

Children’s furniture 

Parents are naturally concerned about the safety of their children when in close contact with furniture. Therefore, strict standards govern the specifics of children’s furniture. These may include the size and spacing of openings, holes, and even the latches on children's beds. 

Regulators and customers expect manufacturers and distributors to meet stringent requirements for fall protection so that they pre-empt potential accidents. This is particularly relevant for items like bunk beds, changing tables, and high chairs. 

Our team at TÜV SÜD is well-versed in these safety prerequisites and offers comprehensive support in the testing of children's furniture. We facilitate swift market access and guarantee customer satisfaction through our thorough furniture inspection service. 

Outdoor furniture

We evaluate outdoor furniture according to EN 581-1, EN 581-2, and EN 581-3 standards. These standards cover the full range of safety requirements for outdoor furniture. 

• Part 1 tackles general safety elements such as shearing and crimping points and general safety.
• Part 2 outlines specific guidelines for seating furniture like chairs, armchairs, and loungers.
• Part 3 provides guidelines for ensuring the stability, strength, durability, and special functionalities of tables, including features like parasol support. 

These furniture testing standards make distinct considerations for different uses, such as camping, residential use (like balconies, terraces, or gardens), or commercial settings (like outdoor eateries, beer gardens, or beach clubs). Furthermore, public street furniture such as park benches has its own set of specific requirements, all of which are part of our TÜV SÜD test program.

Home furniture 

Each type of home furniture (such as chairs, tables, bathroom fixtures, or beds) has its unique set of regulations. Additionally, there are separate standards for items such as slatted frames and mattresses. 

We test all of these under our domestic furniture testing services. Furniture with electromotor drives falls under the purview of the Machinery Directive. These include height-adjustable tables, hanging cabinets, automated slatted frames, and box spring beds. They may also be subject to other relevant guidelines and regulations. 

Through our living furniture testing services, you can be confident that your products comply with all necessary standards and regulations. Our globally recognised furniture and mattress test marks assure your consumers about your product's high quality and safety. 

Other furniture 

We also test: 

• Office furniture 
• Laboratory furniture 
• Object furniture 
• Industrial furniture 
• Furniture for educational institutions 
• Mattresses