SG 170/24
The revision of the standard EN 12520:2015 on domestic seating was approved in September 2024. This updated standard sets new requirements for the safety, durability and performance of seating, replacing the earlier version. It aims to ensure that furniture products are tested using the latest state-of-the-art techniques and meet current safety norms.
Publication and implementation
The revised standard must be adopted as a national standard by all CEN member states by May 2025, either through direct publication or by endorsement. Conflicting national standards must be withdrawn by the same deadline to ensure consistency across Europe.
Significant technical changes
The changes introduced by this revision may influence the conformity of products. Major changes include:
- Finger entrapment: updated to incorporate finger entrapment requirements as per CEN/TR 17202, along with an Annex that provides detailed test methods
- Single column seating: new definition for single column seating introduced, alongside specific durability test methods and requirements. This category includes, but is not limited to, chairs with gas elevators
- Test method applicability: table 1 revised to outline the applicability of various test methods based on the seating type – e.g. arm rest downwards static load test shall be carried out with a force of 750N, instead of 700N
- Seat impact test: now includes requirements that vary depending on the adjustability of the seat height – five drops in both highest and lowest position
- Durability of electrically operated seating: New testing requirements introduced, with a requirement for 5,000 cycles in accordance with standard EN 13759:2012
- Seat loading point: clarifies the location of seat loading points for seating with suspended flexible materials by adding Annex D. The seat loading point shall be determined by using a cylinder with a mass of 1 kg and a diameter of 70 mm
This comprehensive revision reflects current technical advancements and market needs, ensuring seating products are safe and fit for purpose.
By adhering to these updated standards, manufacturers and suppliers can be sure their products fulfill the latest European safety and quality requirements.
Further Information
If you have any questions about your product, our international team of experts is on hand to guide you.
SGS Solutions
SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that your products comply with the regulations. We offer training, safety/risk assessment, technical documentation check, labelling review, testing according to harmonized standards, SVHC screening, inspections and audits. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
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