UK - Consultation on the New Approach to the Fire Safety of Domestic Upholstered Furniture

This notification intends to alert Members to a UK Government public consultation for views on a proposed new policy to maintain and improve the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture and furnishings. 

The new policy will replace the existing policy, which is implemented by the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

The new policy proposes new obligations on manufacturers, importers and further suppliers of products in scope. 

The proposals include essential safety requirements that all products must meet, replacing mandatory testing requirements. 

They include requirements relating to labelling to support product traceability and enforcement, and to provide information about the use of chemical flame retardants to consumers and waste disposal operators. 

It proposes a new approach to conformity assessment, new technical documentation requirements to support enforcement, and a flame-retardant technology hierarchy to encourage manufacturers to prioritize chemical free solutions. It also clarifies and amends the scope and sets out obligations for re-upholsterers and suppliers of second-hand products. 

There is also a proposal for a transition period, supporting businesses to transition from complying with the 1988 Regulations (the existing policy) to the new policy, and an extension to the period of time enforcement officers can institute legal proceedings for a breach of the regulations. Full details are provided in the notified document.

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Final date for comments: October 24, 2023