A new consultation on product regulation and fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture is now open, with final views being sought on the comprehensive reform of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988
Following on from a January 2025 policy paper, this latest consultation details how the government intends to reform furniture regulation, reducing the use of chemical flame retardants in domestic upholstered furniture without compromising on maintaining a “high level of fire safety”.
In particular, the consultation focuses on three areas: introducing new furniture fire safety requirements based on a smoulder test; putting into place pragmatic testing solutions to facilitate innovation; and making proportionate scope adjustments.
The government looks to end open-flame testing requirements and introduce new regulations underpinned by a smoulder test that aligns with international approaches. A robust monitoring and evaluation plan, with mechanisms to assess the impact of the changes, will also be implemented. Businesses will be allowed to choose between conducting composite or component testing to support innovation without compromising certain business models. Additionally, the government will work closely with the British Standards Institution (BSI) to ensure that standards are available to support compliance.
As part of its plans to ensure that regulatory requirements are proportionate, the government will also remove re-upholstery and repair and second-hand furniture from the scope of future furniture fire safety regulations.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) add that these proposals will remain subject to review and may change as a result of the evidence and responses provided by stakeholders as part of the consultation.
In July 2025, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 received Royal Assent, giving powers to introduce new measures to “strengthen protections for consumers, clamp down on unscrupulous sellers, and clarify business responsibilities”.
With this in mind, the consultation on the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture was launched alongside two other consultations: the UK’s new product safety framework and market surveillance and enforcement framework.
In a press release from 31 March 2026, Kate Dearden MP, Minister for Consumer Protection, said: “These reforms are about making our product safety system fit for the modern world – shutting loopholes, clamping down on unsafe online sales, and giving responsible businesses the certainty they need to grow.
“People need to trust the products they buy and use every day, so I’m urging consumer groups, businesses and the public to have their say and help us build a safer future.”
The open consultation, Product regulation: fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture, will close on 23 June 2026. The government is expected to publish a response setting out a comprehensive policy position, including addressing labelling and technical file requirements and a timeline for implementing changes and transitioning to the new regime.
More details about the consultation and how to respond can be found here.