Certifications buyers ask for: wood and furniture

Buyers ask for certificates to save themselves checks. Knowing what each certificate proves helps you decide which ones are worth the cost for the customers you want. This guide covers wood and furniture, the first niche on the exchange.

Where the wood comes from

• FSC and PEFC chain of custody (CoC). Proves that certified wood stays separate and traceable through your production, so you can sell products as FSC or PEFC certified. Large retailers and public buyers often require one of them. You need your own CoC certificate to make the claim; buying certified boards is not enough.
• EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR, Regulation (EU) 2023/1115). Companies that place wood and many wood products, including furniture, on the EU market must be able to show the wood was not produced on land deforested after 2020 and was harvested legally. In practice buyers will ask you for the geolocation of the harvest plots or a due diligence reference number. Check the current application dates and duties on the European Commission's EUDR page, as they have been changed before.

Is the product safe and fit for use

• General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, Regulation (EU) 2023/988). Applies to furniture sold to consumers. The product must be safe, carry your name, address and a type or batch number, and you need a technical file with a risk assessment. B2B buyers who sell on to consumers will ask for it.
• European furniture standards (EN). Test standards for strength, stability and durability exist for most furniture types, for example office chairs, tables, storage and contract seating. Buyers for offices, hotels and public tenders often require test reports from an accredited laboratory against the standard for that product.
• Formaldehyde emissions. Wood-based panels (particle board, MDF, plywood) are classed by formaldehyde emission. Many buyers require E1 or lower, and some markets have stricter limits. Keep your panel suppliers' declarations.
• CE marking. Ordinary furniture does not carry CE marking. It applies to construction products covered by a harmonised standard, such as windows, external doors, structural timber and wood-based panels for construction. If you make those, you need a declaration of performance.
• Fire safety of upholstery. Some countries and buyers (hotels, public buildings) require fire tests for upholstered furniture. Ask early: the test decides your foam and fabric.

How your company works

• ISO 9001 (quality management): shows you have a working system for consistent quality. Often a filter for larger B2B buyers.
• ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety): asked for in tenders and by large customers with supplier codes.

Other niches at a glance

• Metal fabrication: EN 1090 for structural steel and aluminium, ISO 3834 for welding quality.
• Textiles: OEKO-TEX for harmful substances, GOTS for organic textiles.
• Food: HACCP-based food safety, often IFS or BRCGS for retail buyers.

Show it on your profile

Add valid certificates to your company profile with their number and expiry date. Buyers can filter the directory by certificate, and expired certificates are not shown.

This guide is general information. Requirements change; check the current rules with the certification body or authority before you rely on them.