Established in 2006, the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) is the trusted, single voice of the UK’s furniture and beds, furnishings, and flooring (FFF) sector. The sector contributes approximately £40 billion to the UK economy, and supports over 230,000 jobs across more than 30,000 businesses.
The BFC operates as an umbrella body, bringing together leading FFF trade associations and working closely with the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers (WCoFM). It also provides the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG).
The sector is aware of the consultation on proposed reforms to the regulation of fire safety for domestic upholstered furniture. The BFC, its member organisations, and their members – including those represented on the BFC’s Public Affairs Advisory Council (PAAC) – are carefully reviewing the proposals.
Products placed on the UK market must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations, as well as relevant chemical safety legislation, including REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) and POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants).
We remain firmly committed to maintaining the highest standards of fire safety, while supporting proportionate, evidence-led reform that enables innovation – including technologies that could reduce reliance on chemical flame retardants. We look forward to working constructively with UK policymakers.
It is essential that this debate is grounded in robust facts and figures, with a clear understanding of both safety and sustainability impacts, to ensure a balanced outcome that protects consumers, supports businesses, and provides long-term certainty for the FFF sector.