GPSR
Compliance
For Book
Publishers
- Suvitha is an experienced content strategist who creates engaging and informative content for Euverify. With a strong background in digital media and a deep understanding of UK & EU regulatory frameworks, she develops content that helps businesses navigate complex compliance requirements.
- May 2, 2025Industry InsightsWindsor Framework Trade Compliance: What It Means for UK-EU Trade
- May 2, 2025Industry Insights10 Reasons for a Clothing Ban in the EU and UK and How to Avoid Them
- April 4, 2025Industry InsightsCompliance and Toys: How to Avoid Bans in the EU
- March 21, 2025Industry InsightsJewellery and Compliance: What You Need to Know to Avoid Bans in the EU
Furniture Business in EU - Common Reasons for Bans
If you’re selling furniture in the UK or EU, you need to be aware of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). This law applies to all consumer products, including furniture – whether new, second-hand, or refurbished. It ensures that products are safe for use, preventing hazards like unstable structures, toxic materials, and fire risks.
But don’t worry because GPSR for furniture business isn’t as complicated as it sounds. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you need to do to keep your furniture business compliant and risk-free from furniture ban in EU.
What is GPSR Compliance for Furniture?
Under GPSR, all furniture must meet basic safety standards before reaching the market.
That means:
- Safe Materials: No toxic substances like lead or high-formaldehyde wood.
- Structural Integrity: Products must be stable, durable, and able to handle normal use.
- Fire Safety: Upholstered furniture must comply with fire resistance standards.
- Clear Labelling: Include manufacturer details, safety warnings, and usage instructions.
- Risk Assessments & Testing – Identify and address potential hazards before selling.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, product recalls, and legal action. In severe cases, non-compliant products may face a furniture ban in the EU, preventing them from being sold in the market.
Key Safety Requirements for Furniture Sellers + Real Life Examples of Non-Compliant Furnitures
Material Safety
- Use non-toxic materials free from harmful chemicals such as lead, phthalates, and formaldehyde.
- Upholstered furniture should comply with fire safety standards like EN 1021 (EU) for seating or the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (UK).
Example: In Sweden, a white lace PVC tablecloth was pulled from the market on 15/09/2024 after tests revealed dangerously high levels of harmful phthalates, including DEHP (12.4%) and DBP (1.1%), which pose serious reproductive health risks. In a separate case in Ireland, a wooden bed frame sold by Soho Home (Belsa Bed) was flagged on 01/11/2023 for fire risks because its velvet inserts could easily catch fire when exposed to a naked flame. To address this, the manufacturer chose to repair the product instead of withdrawing it, applying a flame-retardant treatment to make the bed compliant with fire safety standards. Both cases highlight how failing to meet material safety standards can lead to market removal or corrective actions, emphasizing the need for strict compliance to protect consumers.
Structural Safety
- Test durability—furniture should withstand everyday use without breaking.
- Follow standards like BS EN 12520 for seating and BS EN 1730 for tables.
Example: A light brown plastic chair, sold under the brand Florya Garden (Milas Armchair Eco), was withdrawn from the market in Bulgaria due to safety risks. Tests showed that the armrest could easily break, posing a risk of injuries to users. The product failed to comply with the General Product Safety Directive and European standards EN 581-2 and EN 1728, leading to its market withdrawal on 16/10/2024. Similarly, a wooden table with a metal base, imported from Türkiye, was withdrawn from the market on 30/10/2023 after it was found that the metal construction of the table could break, posing a risk of injury. This product also failed to comply with the General Product Safety Directive, prompting its removal from the market.
Stability & Design
- Tall furniture like bookshelves or dressers should comply with ISO 7171 to ensure stability and prevent tipping accidents.
- Children's furniture should avoid sharp edges, protruding parts, or hazardous designs and comply with EN 71-1 for mechanical and physical safety.
- Step stools and similar products should meet EN 14183 to ensure stable steps, slip resistance, and safe landing areas, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Example: A folding deck chair sold under the brand Nature Garden was recalled from consumers on 22/09/2023 due to serious safety risks. The chair, made in China, was found to be unstable and could easily deform during use, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, the moving parts posed a finger entrapment hazard. The product failed to meet the safety requirements of the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), prompting the importer to issue a full product recall to protect consumers.
Similarly, a white step stool branded Minik Basamaklar and imported from Türkiye was blocked at the border in Bulgaria on 29/11/2024. Tests revealed the stool had inadequate step and landing areas and lacked slip resistance, posing a high risk of falls and injuries. The product did not comply with the GPSD or EN 14183, leading authorities to prevent it from entering the market to ensure consumer safety.
Compliance Through Safety and Documentation
Risk Assessment & Testing for Furniture
- Identify potential hazards before selling.
- Follow safety testing standards like BS EN 16122 for storage units.
Documentation & Labelling for Furniture
- Keep compliance records, including Declarations of Conformity (UKCA or CE).
- Label products with manufacturer details, batch numbers, and safety instructions.
Practical Guide to GPSR for Furniture
A helpful guide that provides a comprehensive overview of GPSR compliance for Furniture.
Selling Second-Hand or Antique Furniture? Here’s What You Need to Know
GPSR and Second-Hand Furniture (Commercial Sales)
- Must be safe for use (no unstable parts, toxic finishes, or fire risks).
- Any refurbishments should maintain or improve safety.
- Provide clear safety information for items like cribs, bunk beds, or electrical components.
Private individuals selling second-hand furniture occasionally (e.g., through online marketplaces or garage sales) are NOT subject to GPSR.
GPSR and Antique Furniture (50+ Years Old)
- Doesn’t need to meet modern safety standards but must still be safe for its intended use.
- Hazardous materials (e.g., lead-based paint) should be disclosed or removed.
- If not structurally safe, label it as "For display purposes only.
Avoiding GPSR Non-Compliance Risks for Furniture Business
What happens if you don’t comply?
- Fines & Legal Action – Authorities can impose penalties or ban sales.
- Product Recalls – Unsafe furniture may be pulled from the market, causing financial losses.
- Reputational Damage – Negative reviews and customer complaints can hurt your brand.
Following GPSR helps protect your business and build trust with customers, avoiding furniture ban in the EU.
How to Stay GPSR Compliant (Step-by-Step) for Your Furniture Business
- Understand the Rules – Check if you need UKCA (UK) or CE (EU) compliance..
- Appoint a Responsible Person – If you’re selling in the UK or EU but based elsewhere, you may need an authorised representative .
- Conduct a Risk Assessment – Identify safety risks before selling.
- Compile Technical Documentation – Keep records of materials, tests, and compliance certifications.
- Label & Track Products – Include manufacturer details, batch numbers, and safety warnings.
- Monitor & Report Issues – Track customer feedback and report safety concerns to authorities(e.g., RAPEX in the EU, OPSS in the UK).
Technical Files Checklist & Risk Assessment Template
For Furniture
- Ensure Compliance
- Reduce Risk
- Streamline Documentation
- Supports market access
Get it now for just £40!
How Euverify Can Help with GPSR for Furniture
GPSR compliance can be overwhelming, but Euverify simplifies the process. By ensuring your products meet safety standards, you can avoid the risk of a furniture ban in the EU and keep your business running smoothly.
Here’s how we can help.
- Step-by-Step Compliance Guidance – Walks you through risk assessments, testing, and documentation.
- Automated Document Generation – Quickly create UKCA/CE Declarations of Conformity.
- Authorised Representative Service – Get a UK/EU-based compliance contact.
- Centralised Compliance Dashboard – Store and manage all compliance records in one place.
By using Euverify, you can focus on running your furniture business while we handle the compliance side. Stay compliant, avoid risks, and prevent a furniture ban in the EU — so you can keep selling with confidence.
Get in touch today to ensure your furniture business meets GPSR standards!
Appoint Your EU Representative & Ensure GPSR Compliance for Your Furniture
- Stay compliant with EU regulations
- Hassle-free representation for furniture manufacturers
Related Resources
Compliance
Industry Insights
Compliance
Industry Insights
Compliance
Industry Insights
Compliance
Industry Insights
Compliance
Compliance News & Updates
