When sourcing solid wood upholstered furniture from China, one of the top concerns for importers in the EU and U.S. markets is compliance with strict safety, quality, and environmental standards. Fortunately, many Chinese factories — especially those with international experience — have significantly upgraded their production systems to align with global certification and testing requirements.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Chinese manufacturers ensure their solid wood upholstered furniture meets EU regulations (like EN standards) and U.S. requirements (such as California Proposition 65 and CARB), giving retailers and wholesalers peace of mind.
1. Use of Certified Materials: FSC, CARB, and Low-VOC Standards
Leading factories in China now source FSC-certified wood to meet sustainability goals. For the U.S. market, solid wood components and plywood used in furniture must meet CARB Phase 2 standards, which restrict formaldehyde emissions in composite wood.
- EU Focus: FSC, PEFC, REACH compliance
- U.S. Focus: CARB Phase 2, TSCA Title VI, Prop 65-safe finishes
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2. Compliance with Fire Safety and Flammability Regulations
For upholstered furniture, fabric and foam must meet flammability standards depending on the destination:
- United Kingdom / EU: BS 5852, EN 1021
- United States: TB117-2013 (California), ASTM standards
Many Chinese factories use flame-retardant foam and upholstery certified by OEKO-TEX® or CertiPUR-US®, ensuring the furniture is both safe and comfortable.
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3. Lead-Free and Non-Toxic Finishes
To comply with U.S. Proposition 65 and EU REACH regulations, coatings and finishes must be free of harmful substances such as lead, cadmium, or phthalates. Factories committed to export compliance use water-based or low-VOC finishes that are safe for both users and the environment.
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4. Testing and Quality Assurance Protocols
Reliable Chinese factories regularly conduct in-house or third-party load-bearing tests, moisture content checks, seam strength tests, and surface abrasion resistance evaluations. They often work with organizations such as:
- SGS
- TÜV Rheinland
- BV (Bureau Veritas)
These tests help ensure that each product meets not just visual and comfort expectations, but also structural safety and durability benchmarks required by Western markets.
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5. Labeling, Traceability, and Documentation
To meet customs and legal requirements in the U.S. and EU, Chinese factories provide:
- Clear product labeling (materials, origin, compliance marks)
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets)
- COC (Certificate of Conformity) and test reports
- REACH declarations and Prop 65 disclaimers where applicable
These documents are critical for importers, especially when selling through large retailers, online platforms, or to public sector projects.
6. Custom Compliance for OEM/ODM Projects
For custom projects, experienced manufacturers offer tailored compliance solutions based on the target market. Whether you need fire-rated foam for hotel projects in the U.K. or CARB-compliant panels for U.S. retailers, Chinese factories can adapt materials and construction to meet your needs.
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Conclusion: Compliance Is the Key to Long-Term Partnerships
Chinese solid wood upholstered furniture factories have made significant progress in meeting the stringent demands of EU and U.S. regulations. Working with a professional supplier that prioritizes safety, quality, and certification ensures smoother customs clearance, higher customer satisfaction, and fewer product risks.
Looking for a compliant and export-ready supplier?
Our factory near Shanghai produces fully certified solid wood upholstered furniture for international buyers. Contact us for test reports, certifications, or to request a quote.
