What is UKFR?
UKFR stands for United Kingdom Fire Resistant standards for upholstered furniture. It is based on British Standard BS 5852:2006, which sets strict guidelines for fire safety in sofas, chairs, and other upholstered products.
The UKFR system provides a comprehensive framework to test how materials, fillings, fabrics, and upholstery components react when exposed to potential fire hazards, such as:
- A smouldering cigarette
- A match or small flame
- Other common ignition sources found in homes or rental properties
The purpose of UKFR is to minimise the risk of fire starting and spreading, protecting both people and property. This means that sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture are designed and tested to reduce flammability, giving you peace of mind when furnishing your home or rental property.
Why it matters to you:
- Safety first: Furniture that meets UKFR standards is significantly less likely to catch fire quickly, helping to protect your family, guests, and property.
- Regulatory compliance: For landlords and businesses, using UKFR-compliant furniture is a legal requirement in the UK.
- Trusted quality: UKFR testing ensures that only products meeting stringent fire safety criteria are available on the market.
Why Does UKFR Exist?
The UKFR system exists to reduce the risk of ignition and flame spread. Regulations were introduced in 1988 and updated in 1989 and 1993 to ensure:
- All fillings meet ignition resistance requirements
- Upholstery composites are cigarette-resistant
- Covers are match-resistant (with some exceptions)
- Permanent labels are fitted to all items
- Display labels are shown at the point of sale (except for pillows or separate covers)
- Compliance records are maintained for five years
UKFR Compliance — Safety You Can Trust
Who Does UKFR Apply To
Landlords & Letting Agencies: Providing furnished accommodation
Holiday Home Owners: Offering rental properties
Businesses: Supplying upholstered furniture for public use
How We Comply at FurnitureInstore
All FurnitureInstore products are UKFR-compliant
Items carry permanent compliance labels
Display labels are available at the point of sale
All products meet BS 5852:2006 fire safety standards
1. Overview: Residential vs Commercial UKFR Standards
| Aspect | Residential Upholstery (Domestic Use) | Commercial Upholstery (Non-Domestic Use) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Regulation | The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993, 2010) | UK Fire Safety Order 2005 and BS 7176, linked to BS 5852 (Source 0–7) |
| Purpose | Protects consumers in private homes | Protects the public in workplaces or public spaces |
| Testing Standard | Domestic flammability tests (BS 5852: Part 1 – Source 0 & 1) | Commercial-grade tests (BS 7176, referencing BS 5852: Source 0–5 or Source 7 depending on risk) |
| Scope | Sofas, armchairs, mattresses, headboards, scatter cushions, etc. sold for private homes | Seating and upholstered items in hotels, offices, restaurants, schools, hospitals, etc. |
Questions About UKFR?
We warranty our sofas to residential use only and not for commercial. Landlords/Hmo and Care homes, hotels, etc come under commercial.