Update to fire safety regulations for upholstered furniture in the UK


Iain Hoey
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UK Government progresses fire safety review of upholstered furniture
The UK Government has released an update on its review of fire safety regulations for domestic upholstered furniture, as reported by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
The review will amend the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (FFRs), reflecting evolving product innovation and evidence about chemical flame retardants (CFRs).
According to the Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, the changes aim to maintain fire safety standards while reducing the use of potentially harmful chemicals.
The policy paper, published on 22 January 2025, outlines planned amendments to the FFRs, including updated product compliance requirements and changes to labelling regulations.
It also sets out next steps, which include further stakeholder consultation and the publication of new British Standards to support compliance.
Planned removal of children’s products from scope of fire regulations
Among the immediate actions, the Government plans to remove certain baby and children’s products from the scope of the FFRs.
This change addresses concerns about children’s exposure to CFRs and is based on evidence suggesting that the fire risk posed by these products is lower than the potential chemical risks.
Products to be excluded include mattresses under specific dimensions, car seats, playpens, and prams.
A complete list of excluded items is included in Annex A of the policy document.
The Government will monitor the impact of these changes to ensure the safety of exempted products.
Transition to new compliance and labelling requirements
The Government intends to simplify labelling requirements by replacing display labels with a single permanent label.
This change aims to enhance traceability across the supply chain without compromising consumer safety.
Stakeholders expressed broad support for this move, citing potential cost savings for businesses.
In the long term, new product compliance regulations will emphasise robust safety requirements, including final item testing and representative sample testing.
The Government has acknowledged challenges related to bespoke and made-to-order products and will engage with stakeholders to ensure the new requirements are proportionate and practical.
Support for re-upholstery and second-hand markets
The review also addresses the re-upholstery and second-hand furniture sectors, with proposals to clarify and streamline compliance obligations.
Initial changes include removing display label requirements for second-hand items.
Further discussions with small businesses and microenterprises in the upholstery sector will aim to develop proportionate reforms that protect consumers while supporting traditional and sustainable practices.
Future regulations will also examine how to balance consumer safety with reducing reliance on CFRs in re-upholstery, particularly through the use of alternative materials and methods.
Stakeholders raised concerns about the current regulatory burden on small businesses, prompting further review of proposed changes.
Furniture fire safety reform: summary
The UK Government has outlined a plan to modernise furniture fire safety regulations through amendments to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
Immediate actions include removing specific baby and children’s products from regulatory scope and replacing display labels with a permanent label system.
The Government will work with stakeholders to refine proposals, address compliance challenges, and ensure new requirements support businesses while maintaining consumer safety.
The amendments are expected to be introduced later this year, with a six-month implementation timeline following parliamentary approval.