Export Office Chair Standards

Office chairs exported to the EU must comply with the EN 1335 standard, which is divided into three parts covering dimensional, safety, and ergonomic requirements, as well as material durability verification. Note that electrical safety and chemical substance restrictions are governed by other directives.

EN 1335-1: Dimensional and Static Strength Benchmarks

This section defines the basic parameters of office chairs to ensure they accommodate users of different body types.

• Dimensional Classification: The 2020+A1:2022 version categorizes chair types into four classes (Ax, A, B, C), measuring parameters such as seat height, backrest height, and seat depth using CMD specialized equipment. For example, the seat height adjustment range must cover 38 cm to 51 cm, with thresholds for classes A, B, and C determined by user height percentiles.
• Scope of Application: Applies only to adult office chairs, excluding children's seats. The old version has been replaced by the new one, with more precise testing methods.

EN 1335-2: Safety Requirements

Specifies over ten testing methods to ensure the chair remains stable and reliable during use.

• Stability Testing: The chair is placed on a platform tilted at 10 degrees, with an 80 kg load applied to the seat, requiring no tipping.
• Durability Testing: The seat undergoes 100,000 cycles of sustained pressure impact to simulate long-term use; chair wheels must pass resistance tests to prevent uncontrolled sliding.
• Structural Safety: The 2018 version integrates the original EN 1335-2:2009 and EN 1335-3:2009, with core requirements including pinch and sharp edge prevention, reliable locking of adjustment mechanisms to avoid accidental loosening.

EN 1335-3: Ergonomic Evaluation

Combines subjective experience with objective data to assess dynamic comfort.

• Design Rationality: Checks whether the seat inclination aligns with the body's natural curves and if the armrest height allows the forearms to relax naturally.
• Deflection Testing: Uses measuring instruments to record the chair's deflection under specific loads, determining if excessive deformation affects the user experience.
• Version Updates: EN 1335-3:2009 has been replaced by the 2018 version's second part and EN 1728, with testing methods focusing more on real-world usage scenarios.

Material and Durability Verification

• Seat Fatigue Life: A 50 kg rigid hemisphere is dropped freely from a height of 20 cm onto the seat center for 10,000 cycles to test structural strength.
• Surface Abrasion Resistance: Fabrics or leathers must pass over 20,000 cycles of friction testing to ensure no damage occurs during long-term use.
• Armrest Testing: Lateral loads are applied to the armrests to verify their resistance to deformation.

Additional Considerations

EN 1335 does not cover electrical safety (e.g., electrically adjustable chairs must comply with the Low Voltage Directive) or chemical substance restrictions (e.g., REACH Directive regulates hazardous substances). Exporting companies must also meet these relevant regulatory requirements.