Construction & Safety Standards Index
AHFA maintains this index of furniture construction and safety standards and specifications as a service to its members. Although extensive and updated regularly, the referenced standards and specifications are not represented as being exhaustive, the most recently issued or legally binding.

The index of standards and specifications is available to AHFA members only.
Go to the Standards Index >

Tip-Over/Storage Units Standard
In May 2009 ASTM International revised its tip-over safety standard for clothing storage units taller than 30 inches. It subsequently modified the revision in August 2009 by changing the language in the required warning label.
Letter from AHFA re. AB 2230 >
ASTM Tip-Over/Storage Units Standard >
AHFA Helps Educate Consumers >
AHFA Proposes Revisions >

Polyurethane Foam Standard
Published in 1994, the Joint Industry Foam Standards and Guideline is an 82-page document covering all types of foam used in upholstery construction.
Go to the Polyurethane Foam Standard >

Recliner Chair Guideline
This single-page document details the construction standard and safety language for recliner mechanisms.
Go to the Recliner Chair Guideline >

Woven & Knit Upholstery Fabrics Standard & Guideline
The Joint Industry Fabric Standards and Guidelines Committee was formed in the mid-1970s to develop standards for woven and knit upholstery fabrics. This 45-page document is the third update to the original standard. Through continuing reviews and refinements, the committee strives to keep test methods and performance criteria updated to reflect field performance of fabrics.
Go to the Fabric Standards & Guideline >

Furniture Testing Procedures
The Furniture Product Evaluation & Testing Lab at North Carolina State University's Furniture Manufacturing and Management Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, has developed a series of furniture testing procedures. Videos demonstrating these testing procedures are available to AHFA members only.
Go to the Testing Procedures >

Furniture Testing Laboratories
Website links, addresses and telephone numbers for more than a dozen laboratory and testing facilities are provided.
Go to the Directory of Testing Laboratories >

Links to Regulatory Agencies >

Upholstered Furniture Flammability
AHFA staff has invested extensive time and resources to ensure that any regulation provides meaningful safety benefits while preserving the design, comfort and affordability of upholstered furniture. The association has testified before CPSC and the U.S. Congress, spearheaded research into the toxicity of flame retardants, and educated federal officials about the fire science and economic realities behind this complex issue. Go to Flammability Documents >

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Bar Code Standard
The Bar Code Standard was developed through the work of AHFA's Bar Code Task Group and published in 1994. You do not have to be an AHFA member to view the 36-page standard.
Go to the Bar Code Standard >

Tagging Law Manual
This digest of United States and Canadian provincial labeling laws is updated every other year by the International Sleep Products Association. It covers laws pertaining to bedding, upholstered furniture and other products, but the greatest detail is provided for mattresses. It offers a concise listing of the basic licensing, registration and labeling requirements in each jurisdiction. The online manual is a members-only resource.
Go to the Tagging Law Manual >

STANDARDS WORK GROUPS

BFR Work Group
California has signed into law a phased-out ban on two brominated flame retardant chemicals that are commonly used to treat upholstery fabrics and cushioning. Recent scientific conferences have called into question additional bromine compounds, and restrictions on these too may be forthcoming. AHFA's BFR Work Group is working with the EPA's "Design for the Environment" division to evaluate emerging replacements to certain BFRs. Through this partnership, the BFR Work Group hopes to generate a document that manufacturers can use in making informed decisions with their suppliers as to which flame retardants to use, both in the selection of foam and in the back coating of fabrics.

AHFA believes it is essential that any alternatives to brominated flame retardant chemicals pose no significant risk to human health and the environment; are economically viable; do not limit manufacturers choice of fabrics; allow manufacturers to comply with the proposed national flammability standard; represent a "drop-in" solution that preserves the existing manufacturing process; and do not pose an undue burden on domestic manufacturers that compete in a global economy.

Go to BFR Work Group Project Documents >

Joint Industries Fabric Standards Committee
The Joint Industries Fabric Standards Committee was formed in the mid-70s to develop standards and guidelines for woven and knit upholstery fabrics. A standard for woven upholstery fabric was published in 1980, and a standard for knit fabrics followed in 1983. Both standards have been reviewed and updated since the original publication.

The committee continues to meet twice a year and to review and refine fabric test methods and performance criteria. In addition, various task groups have been formed to address specific issues, including the Chenille Task Group, Task Group on Plaid Repeat Changes and Task Group on Unmarked Flaws and Roll Width.

JIFSC Documents >
JIFSC Meeting Minutes >

Leather Committee
In the mid 1990s, the upholstery industry asked AHFA to develop standards and guidelines for upholstery leathers. A leather committee was formed and is working to finalize standards and guidelines. The committee consists of furniture manufacturers, leather suppliers and leather service companies (care and cleaning). Task groups from within the committee are formed to address specific problems. As solutions are proposed, these are voted upon by the full membership. The Leather Committee has also developed an educational booklet for use by retail stores and retail sales associated.

Dimethyl Fumarate & Dimethyl Formamide (DMF) >
Leather Committee Documents >
Leather Committee Meeting Minutes >
Leather Booklet >
Leather Standards >

Polyurethane Foam Committee
The Joint Industry Foam Committee was established in 1987 to foster understanding between the upholstered furniture industry and manufacturers of flexible polyurethane foam. The committee consists of furniture manufacturers, foam producers, foam fabricators and raw materials (chemical) suppliers. The committee works to identify the requirements of upholstery foam cushioning and the capability of flexible polyurethane foam manufacturers to supply foam to meet those requirements. The committee also works to review and refine test methods and/or guidelines for flexible polyurethane foam intended for use in upholstered furniture.

STANDARDS CONTACTS

Questions about the content of the Standards section of the AHFA website may be directed to:

Bill Perdue
AHFA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs

Dr. Harvey A. West
Furniture Manufacturing and Management Center Manager
Furniture Product Evaluation & Testing Lab
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.

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