What Certifications Are Required for Office Chairs
Office chairs require different certifications depending on the export market, as detailed below:
EU Market: Office chairs must meet the requirements of CE Certification and comply with standards such as EN 1335 (General Requirements for Office Chairs) and EN 12520 (Strength, Durability, and Safety of Office Chairs). These standards specify requirements for the stability, strength, durability, and flame resistance of chairs. If the office chair contains leather or textiles, it must also comply with the restrictions on chemical substances under the REACH Regulation. For office chairs with gas springs, they must pass the EN 12549 standard test to ensure safety.
US Market: Office chairs need to pass BIFMA Certification, with BIFMA X5.1 being the primary testing standard, covering indicators such as stability, strength, durability, and safety. Additionally, they must comply with the restrictions on hazardous substances under California Proposition 65 (Prop 65). For office chairs with wheels, they need to pass the carpet test under the ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 standard. Meanwhile, office chairs must also comply with relevant regulations from the CPSC (US Consumer Product Safety Commission), especially those concerning child safety. Furthermore, BIFMA has introduced the BIFMA LEVELยฎ Sustainability Certification and the BIFMA COMPLIANTยฎ Product Compliance Registration Program, providing certifications in terms of sustainability and product compliance, respectively. The BIFMA LEVEL certification uses the standard ANSI/BIFMA e3-2019, which audits products, production facilities, and corporate organizations in three aspects: environmental impact, physical and mental well-being, and social responsibility. The certification is divided into three levels: SILVER (32 - 48 points, at least 5 product points), GOLD (49 - 68 points, at least 16 product points), PLATINUM (69 - 111 points, at least 26 product points).
Japanese Market: Office chairs are primarily certified according to the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and must comply with the JIS S 1021 (Office Chairs) standard, which specifies requirements for the stability, strength, durability, and safety of chairs. Additionally, they must comply with the requirements of the Household Product Quality Labeling Act, labeling information such as product material, dimensions, and load-bearing capacity. Office chairs containing chemical substances must also comply with the requirements of the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). To obtain an eco-label, they must pass the Eco Mark Certification.
Australian Market: Office chairs are primarily certified according to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4438 (Safety Requirements for Height Adjustment Devices of Office Chairs), which specifies requirements for stability, strength, durability, and safety. Additionally, they must comply with the requirements of the Australian Consumer Law and the restrictions on hazardous substances under the Australian Dangerous Goods Act.
