Loading component...
Loading component...
Loading component...
Loading component...
In July 2021, the CEN published a new European standard, EN 17191: 2021, concerning seating for children.
In July 2021, the CEN published a new European standard, EN 17191: 2021, concerning seating for children.
In accordance with the rules, European National Standard organizations bound to CEN/CENELEC shall give this European Standard the status of a national standard and conflicting national standards must be withdrawn by January 2022 at the latest.
This European standard covers seating specifically intended for children who are able to walk and sit by themselves, including both domestic and non-domestic use.
Seating in educational institutions is excluded from the scope of this European Standard, as they are already covered by EN 1729 parts 1 and 2.
Requirements of the standard aim to improve the safety of seating intended for children, taking into account the hazards listed in the Decision of the European Commission 2013/121/EU and the Commission Implementing Decision M/527 of 22.7.2014.
For the purposes of the standard, seating has been categorized into three sizes which determines the application of some specific requirements (size 1) and the level of strength, durability, and strength tests.
Informative indications on ages are given as follows, but there is no obligation to mark or limit the use of seating to any of these age limits:
The size is determined by the height of the seat, measured from the ground or any footrest.
General safety requirements are defined for all sizes such as:
Additional safety conditions are given for size 1 seating:
Strength, durability, and stability are assessed by applying a sequence of different static and cycling tests to different components of seating such as seat and backrest, armrests and legs.
Two levels of tests are foreseen which take into account the age and weight of the children the seating is intended for and referring to sizes. The forces applied however take into consideration adults or older children who may also use the product occasionally.
The required product information has been developed in order to highlight essential warnings and safety information and to ensure clear legibility for consumers.
The EU standard for seating, EN 17191:2021, can be used as a voluntary standard to show compliance to the General Product Safety Directive, and it is offered for citation into the EU Official Journal.
Please note that for the UK and EU Member State countries where national legislation exists the national legislation should be followed.
SGS offers a range of consulting, training, product development, testing, auditing and inspection services to help you demonstrate that your products are safe, high quality, and that they comply with the strict regulations that are enforced by markets around the world. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Contact us for more information or visit our website.
For inquiries, please contact:
Catherine Follin-Arbelet
International Expert – Juvenile Products
t: +33 6 28 50 25 88
© SGS Group Management SA - 2021 - All rights reserved - SGS is a registered trademark of SGS Group Management SA. This is a publication of SGS, except for 3rd parties’ contents submitted or licensed for use by SGS. SGS neither endorses nor disapproves said 3rd parties contents. This publication is intended to provide technical information and shall not be considered an exhaustive treatment of any subject treated. It is strictly educational and does not replace any legal requirements or applicable regulations. It is not intended to constitute consulting or professional advice. The information contained herein is provided “as is” and SGS does not warrant that it will be error-free or will meet any particular criteria of performance or quality. Do not quote or refer any information herein without SGS’s prior written consent.
