Furniture CE Certification EN 1022:2018 Testing

How strict are the EU's stability requirements for furniture seats? A chair that fails the EN 1022:2018 test could lead to huge claims or even a full-channel recall due to tipping risks! Whether it's a home dining chair, office chair, or public seating, the EN 1022 standard within CE certification is the core basis for the "stability test." This article explains the full process of EN 1022:2018 certification in 5 minutes, helping you avoid tipping risks and securely dominate the European market!

What is EN 1022:2018 Certification?

EN 1022:2018 is a mandatory EU test standard for the stability of household seating, falling under the CE certification framework. It aims to assess a seat's ability to resist tipping during normal use.

Regulatory Status: Based on the EU General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and Construction Products Regulation (CPR), it is the entry requirement for seating products into the EU market. It must be combined with other standards such as EN 1728 (strength test) and EN 16139 (fire safety standards) for complete CE certification.

Core Objective: Prevent tipping caused by unbalanced weight distribution or external forces to protect users (especially children and the elderly). It verifies that the product design meets ergonomic and stability requirements.

Note: Since 2023, platforms like Amazon require sellers to provide an EN 1022 test report; otherwise, their products will be forcibly removed!

Detailed Explanation of EN 1022:2018 Test Requirements

The standard simulates real-life usage scenarios to test the stability of seats in forward, lateral, and backward directions. The core test items include:

1. Forward Stability Test

 Testing Method: A horizontal force is applied at the front edge of the seat's seat surface, gradually increasing until the critical value (household chairs ≥600N, office chairs ≥800N).

 Judgment Criteria: The seat should not tip over, and at least three legs must maintain contact with the ground.

 Applicable Products: All chairs with a backrest (e.g., dining chairs, office chairs).

2. Lateral Stability Test

 Testing Method: A horizontal force (usually 200N) is applied to the side of the seat, simulating a user leaning sideways or an accidental bump.

 Judgment Criteria: The tilt angle should be ≤15°, and the seat must not tip over.

 Target Products: Armchairs, bar stools, etc., with designs prone to tipping sideways.

3. Rearward Stability Test

 Testing Method: A backward force is applied to the top of the chair's backrest (household chairs ≥350N).

 Judgment Criteria: The seat must not tip backward, and the base must remain fixed.

 Typical Products: Rocking chairs, reclining chairs, etc.

4. Document Requirements:

 - Product design drawings (including dimensions and center of gravity location).

 - Test report (issued by an EU-accredited laboratory).

 - Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and CE label (must include the notified body number).

Full CE Certification Process (EN 1022 Specialization)

EN 1022 certification must be completed in conjunction with other CE standards. The core steps are:

1. Confirm Certification Scope: Determine the type of seat (household/commercial/public space) and required accompanying standards (e.g., EN 1728, EN 16139).

2. Select Certification Body: Choose an EU Notified Body or authorized laboratory (e.g., China JJR Laboratory).

3. Sample Testing: Provide 2-3 finished product samples, and the laboratory will perform forward, lateral, and rearward stability tests as per EN 1022. If testing fails, base design adjustments are needed (e.g., adding weights or adjusting support point distances).

4. Prepare Technical Documentation: Includes test reports, risk assessments, user manuals (EU language version), and production quality control records.

5. Sign DoC and Apply CE Marking: The manufacturer or EU authorized representative signs the declaration of conformity. The CE marking must be permanently affixed (height ≥5mm), and stickers cannot be used.

Certification Cycle and Costs

- Testing Time: 5-7 working days (without rework).

- Document Review + CE Marking: 1-2 weeks.

- Cost:

- Single test fee: Varies by chair complexity.

- Comprehensive certification service (including EN 1728, etc.): Varies by chair complexity.

Pitfall Alert: Products with overly light bases or excessive support point distances are likely to fail the test. It is recommended to pre-install weight blocks. Some laboratories only test in one direction, so ensure coverage of all three directions (front, side, rear)!

Which Products Require EN 1022 Certification?

1. Household Seating:

 - Dining chairs, bar stools, vanity stools

 Testing Focus: Forward + lateral stability

 Exemption: None

2. Office Chairs:

 - Conference chairs, height-adjustable chairs, guest chairs

 Testing Focus: Forward + rearward stability

 Exemption: None

3. Public Seating:

 - Theater chairs, school chairs

 Testing Focus: Lateral + rearward stability

 Exemption: Must also meet fire safety standards

4. Children’s Seating:

 - Children’s dining chairs, study chairs

 Testing Focus: Forward stability (≥400N)

 Exemption: Must comply with EN 14988

5. Outdoor Leisure Chairs:

 - Camping chairs, beach chairs

 Testing Focus: Lateral stability (simulated sand test)

 Exemption: Must comply with EN 581 outdoor standards

Note: Fixed benches (e.g., park benches) are usually exempt but should be assessed against other standards!

Common Questions from Businesses

Does EN 1022 testing require sample destruction?

A: No! The tested sample can be reused, but the structure must remain intact.

How is the stability of office chairs with casters tested?

A: The casters must be locked, and the seat is tested as a fixed chair. Some models may require additional evaluation of caster brake performance.

Does CE certification require factory audits?

A: EN 1022 does not mandate factory audits, but if ISO 9001 or CPR regulations are involved, quality system reviews may be required.