BFC Executive Meeting (7 May 2024)
The BFC Executive met on 7 May 2024 and discussed the latest developments in flammability regulations, and the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries Scheme. The BFC agreed to continue collecting evidence regarding the furniture industry’s exclusion from the scheme.
The Executive then discussed a letter sent to the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG) Chair from Robbie Moore MP, Minister for Water and Rural Growth at DEFRA, on carpet recycling. The Executive also discussed the recent Public Affairs Advisory Committee (PAAC) meeting, composed of Trade Association heads and key members.
On flammability regulations, the Executive discussed Caroline Darby, Chair of the FW/6 Committee, upcoming offer to speak at the upcoming APPFIG meeting. The FW/6 is the BSI Committee responsible for flammability performance and fire tests for furniture.
Lastly, the BFC agreed to conduct a joint survey to inform a manifesto that would set out the key policy asks that will support growth in the furniture industry.
APPFIG Meeting (15 May 2024)
The All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG) met on 15 May 2024. The Group discussed updates from the Public Affairs Advisory Committee (PAAC), insight on the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETIIs) scheme, and the letter from Robbie Moore MP.
The Group also heard from guest speaker Caroline Darby, Product Compliance Manager at John Lewis and Partners, and Chair of the FW/6 Committee. Ms Darby was joined by colleague Daniel Mansfield, Head of Policy Engagement at BSI.
Public Affairs Advisory Committee (2 May 2024)
The BFC’s newly formed Public Affairs Advisory Committee (PAAC) convened for its inaugural meeting on Thursday 7 March and the second meeting took place on 2 May 2024. On 7 March, the PAAC discussed the tools that can be used to engage with government, and covered background briefings and the scope of the Committee. The second meeting on 2 May was used to examine policy issues affecting the industry with the aim of producing comprehensive industry asks for government.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
At the APPFIG meeting on 7 February, Carpet Recycling UK (CRUK) raised policy challenges impacting carpet recycling. Following the meeting, CRUK worked with the APPFIG’s Secretariat to draft briefing material for the Group’s Chair, Mark Eastwood MP, that he could use to raise the issue with Robbie Moore MP, the Minister for Water and Rural Growth. Mr Eastwood wrote to Mr Moore who responded via letter and this response was discussed at the BFC Meeting on 7 May and the APPFIG Meeting on 15 May. Following the General Election, it was agreed that a follow-up letter would be sent to the relevant minister.
Manifesto and BFC Survey
The BFC has agreed to conduct a survey to put to members of the trade associations that sit on the BFC. This data will be included in a manifesto-style document that will set out a plan for growth for the new government to consider.
Ongoing engagement with Government Departments
The BFC has continued to liaise with Civil Servants in the Department of Business and Trade to ensure that industry concerns and issues are brought to the immediate attention of government ministers. These have included labour shortages, business rates relief, the future of skills and training, the cost of energy, increases in freight charges following recent events in the Red Sea, and supply chain challenges.
Flammability Regulations
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993 and 2010) are UK law and designed to ensure that upholstery components and composites used for furniture supplied in the UK meet specified ignition resistance levels. On 2 August 2023, the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Department for Business and Trade published a consultation document entitled “Smarter Regulation: Fire Safety of Domestic Upholstered Furniture.”
The consultation proposes changes in various aspects of fire safety regulations for domestic upholstered furniture, including scope, essential safety requirements, conformity assessment, labelling, technical documentation, implementation timeline, and measures to reduce chemical flame retardants. The consultation closed on 24 October 2023. The BFC Executive submitted a response on behalf of the furniture industry to the consultation.
The BFC was expecting a response from the Government by the Autumn but the General Election may impact on when the response will now be issued by the new government and timings of when legislation will be revised.
Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETIIs) scheme issue
The BFC Executive has discussed the role of SIC Codes in deciding on what parts of the UK industry gain support to reduce energy costs. The furniture industry has been left out of the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETIIs) scheme due to their use of ineligible SIC Codes. The BFC Executive raised this at the APPFIG Meeting on 7 February 2024. Jonathan Hindle also raised this matter with Kevin Hollinrake MP at the event organised by Mark Eastwood MP on 9 February. The BFC is currently compiling a concise briefing on the issue.