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Furniture Inspection Checklist and Template

Furniture is an essential part of our lives, providing comfort and functionality to our homes and workplaces. It encompasses various subcategories such as sofas, tables, chairs, and beds, each serving a specific purpose. When sourcing furniture from Asian manufacturing countries like China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, quality and user experience become crucial factors to consider. While Asia is known for its cost-effective production, there are potential quality risks involved. Thorough Quality Control and Due Diligence are essential to ensure that the furniture meets the desired standards and specifications. By prioritizing quality, buyers can enjoy durable and aesthetically pleasing furniture that enhances their living or working spaces.

What to look for when inspecting furniture?

Wood quality check
Surface finish check
Joint strength check
Hardware (screws, bolts) quantity check
Assembly check
Stability check
Scratches/dents
Color consistency check
Upholstery/fabric check
Logo (position, colors, appearance)
Packaging integrity check
Smell test
Function check

32+ Checkpoints for inspection used by top retailers.

Step-by-step instructions for performance and mechanical tests

99.7% fully satisfied customer with over 200+ clients

George Fang

Operations Director at QCADVISOR based in Hangzhou, China. With extensive hands-on experience and a strong mechanical and electrical background, George excels in developing accurate and practical inspection standards, ensuring detailed quality controls for mechanical and electrical products.

General Inspection Process

Check for any visible damage or scratches on the surface of the furniture.
Inspect the joints and connections to ensure they are secure and properly aligned.
Look for any signs of wear or tear on the upholstery or fabric.
Check the stability of the furniture by applying gentle pressure and ensuring it does not wobble or tip over.
Examine the legs or base of the furniture to ensure they are level and not damaged.
Inspect any drawers or compartments to ensure they open and close smoothly.
Check the hardware, such as handles or knobs, to ensure they are securely attached.
Look for any loose or missing screws, bolts, or other fasteners.
Examine any moving parts, such as reclining mechanisms or adjustable features, to ensure they function properly.
Check the overall dimensions of the furniture to ensure it will fit in the desired space.
Inspect the finish or paint for any inconsistencies or blemishes.
Look for any signs of insect infestation or damage.
Check for any unpleasant odors or smells.
Examine the upholstery for any stains or discoloration.
Test any electrical components, such as built-in lighting or power outlets, to ensure they work properly.
Check for any sharp edges or corners that could pose a safety hazard.
Inspect the packaging for any signs of damage or mishandling during transportation.
Look for any labels or tags that provide information about the materials used or care instructions.
Test the weight-bearing capacity of the furniture to ensure it can support the intended load.
Finally, step back and visually assess the overall appearance and aesthetic appeal of the furniture.

Compliance & Lab Standards for Furniture

When importing Furniture from suppliers in China, Asia, or other global regions, making sure your products meet the right compliance standards and lab testing requirements is critical. Failing to comply with U.S., EU, or international regulations can result in customs delays, product recalls, or serious damage to your brand reputation. As your boutique QC partner, we help you think ahead.

Below are the key mandatory and recommended standards to keep your shipments compliant, safe, and trusted.

United States

Mandatory

CPSIA: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act for children’s furniture safety.
California Proposition 65: Warning requirements for products containing harmful chemicals.
CARB ATCM: Airborne Toxic Control Measure for formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products.
Flammability Standards CFR 16 Part 1633: Flammability requirements for mattresses and mattress pads.

Recommended

ANSI/BIFMA: Voluntary standards for office furniture performance and safety.
ASTM International Standards: Performance and safety testing for various furniture types.

European Union

Mandatory

REACH Regulation: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals for chemical safety.
EN 71: Safety of toys, applicable for children’s furniture.
General Product Safety Directive (GPSD): General safety requirements for consumer products.
EN 1021: Flammability testing of upholstered furniture.

Recommended

ISO 7173: Performance testing for seating furniture.
EN 12520: Strength, durability, and safety testing for domestic seating.

United Kingdom

Mandatory

UK REACH: UK-specific chemical safety regulations post-Brexit.
Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988: Flammability safety for upholstered furniture.
General Product Safety Regulations: Ensuring product safety in the UK market.

Recommended

BS 4875: Strength and stability of furniture testing standards.
BS EN 1728: Furniture seating durability and safety testing.

Canada

Mandatory

CCPSA: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act for general consumer product safety.
Hazardous Products Act: Compliance for hazardous materials in furniture.
Upholstered and Stuffed Articles Regulation: Flammability and safety requirements for upholstered furniture.

Recommended

CAN/CGSB Standards: Voluntary performance and safety standards for furniture.
CSA Group Standards: Testing standards for electrical components in furniture.

Australia

Mandatory

Trade Practices Act: General safety standards for consumer products.
AS/NZS 3744: Flammability requirements for soft furnishings.
Furniture Safety Standard AS 4688: Safety requirements for domestic furniture.

Recommended

Australian Standards AS/NZS 4438: Height adjustable office chairs safety and performance.
AS/NZS 4386: Domestic kitchen assemblies and furniture safety standards.

Gulf Countries

Mandatory

Gulf Conformity Mark (G Mark): Safety and quality compliance for consumer products.
SASO Standards: Saudi Arabian standards for product safety and performance.

Recommended

ISO 9001: Quality management systems for manufacturers.
GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) Standards: Regional compliance for product safety.

Singapore

Mandatory

Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations: General product safety standards.
Singapore Fire Safety Guidelines: Fire safety requirements for upholstered furniture.

Recommended

SS 485: Specifications for furniture safety and durability.
SPRING Singapore Standards: Additional voluntary standards for product safety and quality.

Hong Kong

Mandatory

Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance: General safety requirements for consumer products.
Fire Services Department Requirements: Flammability standards for furnishings.

Recommended

GS Mark: Voluntary product safety certification.
Hong Kong Standards and Testing Centre (STC) Standards: Voluntary safety and quality testing.

Need more details on Furniture Checklist?

What is inside this checklist

Stability test
Durability test
Load capacity test
Finish quality test
Dimensional accuracy test
Material strength test
Assembly test
Surface hardness test
Colorfastness test
Upholstery quality test
Carton drop test

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