Government Update on Fire Safety Regulations for Upholstered Furniture

The Government has released an update on its ongoing review of fire safety regulations concerning domestic upholstered furniture.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has shared a progress report from the Minister for Employment Rights, Competition, and Markets regarding this review.

The recently published policy paper details the initial amendments planned for the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (FFRs) and outlines the next steps in the process.

Originally introduced to address the rising number of fire-related fatalities linked to furniture, the FFRs now require modernisation to align with advancements in product design and manufacturing.

Additionally, research since 1988 has raised concerns about the health and environmental risks posed by chemical flame retardants commonly used to meet fire safety standards.

The policy document introduces the Government’s proposed regulatory framework, identifies key areas where stakeholders are in agreement, and highlights remaining challenges that need to be addressed.

Moving forward, OPSS will collaborate with businesses, industry groups, and other relevant stakeholders to refine and finalise critical aspects of the revised policy.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-of-domestic-upholstered-furniture

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