Blog
No Responses October 3, 2024

Exporting furniture to the United States involves adhering to a series of specific standards and regulations that primarily address safety, environmental, and material quality. Here are the key standards and certifications to consider when exporting furniture to the U.S.:

1. CPSC Standards (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

  • The CPSC oversees consumer safety regulations. Furniture exported to the U.S. must comply with these safety standards, especially for children’s furniture and upholstered furniture.
  • Children’s Furniture Standards: Items like cribs, children’s beds, and play furniture must meet strict safety requirements to prevent hazards such as suffocation and tipping.
  • Labeling Requirements: Certain furniture must include clear warning labels to inform consumers about potential safety risks, especially for children’s products and those with folding components.

2. CARB Certification (California Air Resources Board)

  • CARB Standards: Wooden furniture, particularly products made from engineered wood (like MDF and particleboard), must meet formaldehyde emissions standards set by the California Air Resources Board. CARB certification is widely recognized across the U.S.
  • TSCA Title VI Regulations: Effective since 2018, the EPA introduced TSCA Title VI, which has similar requirements to CARB regarding formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products. Furniture exported to the U.S. must comply with this standard.

3. Flammability Standards

  • TB117-2013 Standard: Upholstered furniture, such as sofas and chairs, must meet California’s flammability standards (TB117-2013). This standard requires that furniture performs adequately when exposed to a flame, reducing the risk of rapid ignition.
  • TB603 Standard: For furniture containing mattresses, compliance with the TB603 standard is necessary to ensure flammability performance.

4. ASTM Standards

  • The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has established various safety and quality standards for furniture. Notable standards include:
    • ASTM F2057: This standard applies to dressers and chests, requiring them to have anti-tip mechanisms for units taller than 30 inches.
    • ASTM F963: This standard governs safety requirements for children’s toys and furniture, ensuring they do not present suffocation, choking, or other health risks.

5. Labeling Requirements

  • Furniture exported to the U.S. must meet federal and state labeling requirements. Labels should clearly indicate:
    • Product material composition
    • Country of origin (e.g., “Made in China”)
    • Warnings or usage instructions
  • For upholstered furniture, labels must disclose the materials used in stuffing (e.g., foam, cotton) and information regarding their flammability.

6. Environmental Requirements

  • FSC Certification: If using wood, obtaining Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is advisable to demonstrate that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests. This can enhance marketability, especially among environmentally conscious consumers.
  • EPA Regulations: Imported furniture must also comply with EPA regulations regarding hazardous substances, including limits on volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

7. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

  • TSCA regulates chemical substances sold in the U.S., so any harmful chemicals in furniture, such as lead, cadmium, or mercury, must be within specified limits. Furniture with finishes (paints or coatings) should particularly adhere to these limits.

8. Packaging and Transportation Requirements

  • The U.S. requires that imported furniture packaging complies with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations to prevent the introduction of harmful pests. Wooden packaging materials must meet the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) standards, which require treatment and marking.

Conclusion

Exporting furniture to the U.S. entails navigating stringent safety, environmental, and quality standards. Ensuring compliance with CPSC, CARB, ASTM, and other relevant standards, along with meeting flammability, formaldehyde emission, and labeling requirements, is essential for successfully entering the U.S. market. Preparing for the necessary certifications and testing in advance can help avoid issues during customs clearance.

Are you planning to export furniture to the U.S.? Would you like assistance in finding testing agencies or more information on specific standards?