Flammability testing helps you ensure that your upholstered furniture complies with the many different standards and regulations established around the world to mitigate the risk and intensity of household fires. If you're looking for reliable support and guidance on upholstered product safety and compliance, our flammability experts are here to help.
Due to their materials and structure, upholstered products are particularly prone to fire risk and are linked to numerous fire-related injuries each year. Without proper testing—focused on checking the fire resistance of your furniture, cover fabrics, and filling materials—the risks of non-compliance and harm to consumers increase, with potentially severe consequences for your business.
Responsibility for compliance spans all stages of the supply chain—whether you are a supplier, manufacturer, importer or retailer. And in the absence of internationally unified testing standards, ensuring flammability compliance can be a significant challenge. It involves navigating a complex landscape of national regulations—such as the UK’s Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988, the Irish Domestic Furniture Fire Safety Order S.I. No. 316/1995, and California Technical Bulletin 117 —each with its own specific requirements for testing methods and upholstered furniture compliance.
Our experts guide you throughout your compliance journey, so you can confidently enter your target markets. We provide clarity on which legislation and standards apply to your upholstery products, build optimised testing plans, and help you stay up to date with evolving requirements.
Flammability Testing Services for Upholstery
Our global network of accredited laboratories provides comprehensive flammability testing solutions for upholstered products, including cigarette burn tests, match flame tests, smouldering and flaming screening tests, and a full range of ignition resistance assessments using ignition sources from level 0 to 7. We specialise in testing to upholstery flammability standards referenced in key national regulations—such as those in the UK, Ireland, and the USA—to help you confidently demonstrate compliance in your target markets.
Some of the upholstery flammability standards we test against include:
Upholstered Seating and Furniture
EN 1021-1 and 2 Flammability - Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture (cigarette or match)
BS 5852 part 1:1979 Methods of test for the ignitability by smokers' materials of upholstered composites for seating (cigarette or match)
BS 5852 part 2:1982 Methods of test for the ignitability of upholstered composites for seating by flaming sources (butane flames or wooden cribs)
BS 5852:2006 Methods of test for assessment of the ignitability of upholstered seating by smouldering and flaming ignition sources
BS 7176:2007+A1:2011 contract/non-domestic upholstered furniture
I.S. 254:1983 Fire safety of upholstered furniture
I.S. 419:2011 Furniture – Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture
IMO FTP Code 2010 part 8 – Upholstered furniture used in the marine environment
California TB 116 Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Upholstered Furniture Components
California TB 117 Flammability of Materials Used in Upholstered Furniture
California TB 133 Flammability Testing of Public Seating
16 CFR 1640 Standard for the flammability of Upholstered Furniture
NFPA 260 / 261 Cigarette ignition resistance of upholstered furniture and its components
Upholstered Beds and Divans
BS 6807:2006 Methods of test for assessment of ignitability of mattresses, upholstered divans and upholstered bed bases with flaming types of primary and secondary sources of ignition
BS EN 597 parts 1 and 2 Flammability - Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases (cigarette or match)
BS 7177:2008+A1:2011 Specification for resistance to ignition of mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases - Flammability Requirements (Low, Medium & High hazards)
Irish Standard I.S. 418:1988 Ignitability requirements of mattresses tested with secondary ignition sources simulating unknown bedcovers
Looking for more? Explore our flammability testing services for soft furnishings, or learn more about our broader scope of mattress testing.
Why Test your Upholstered Products for Flammability?
Flammability testing is a small investment compared to the potential costs of non-compliance and harm to consumers from fire-related incidents. Meeting fire safety regulations and standards helps you avoid costly disruptions such as product recalls, fines, legal actions, stock losses and even reputational damage. Only test reports from accredited laboratories provide the trusted proof required to demonstrate compliance.
Targeting international markets with your upholstered products? Meeting flammability safety standards is often a regulatory requirement for market entry. Demonstrating compliance with local legislation through test reports not only ensures smoother access but also helps build trust with business partners, open up new opportunities, and gain a competitive edge.
Incorporating fire safety requirements at an early stage is usually far more cost-effective than retrofitting for compliance later. Fabric selection and construction choices can significantly influence flammability performance. Early testing supports quality control, guides R&D decisions, and helps prevent delays in production or shipment. It plays a key role in streamlining your supply chain, controlling lead times, and reducing the risk of unexpected costs.
End-to-End Support for Flammability Compliance of Upholstery
Flammability testing is just one part of a broader compliance journey for upholstered furniture — and we're here to support you every step of the way. With years of specialised experience in fire safety regulations and upholstered products, our experts offer practical, reliable support that helps you navigate complex requirements with confidence.
Test Requirements and Specimens
We help you identify the specific flammability testing requirements relevant to your products and target markets. Based on your product's construction — including covers, linings, and fillings — we guide you in preparing valid test specimens (mock-ups) and advise on how to cut them to required size. We also help you determine which separate tests are required for each element of the upholstery, ensuring that testing is effective, accurate, and compliant.
Regulatory Guidance
Uncertain how your product is classified or which standards apply in your target markets? Our team can clarify regulatory requirements and provide tailored guidance. We also help you stay ahead of updates to testing standards and evolving legislation — ensuring your compliance strategy remains current and effective.
Supporting Documentation
We support you in preparing the documentation required to demonstrate compliance and due diligence — whether it's for regulatory submissions, technical files, or client assurance. We can also assist in reviewing supplier documentation to help build a strong compliance file throughout your supply chain.
