Children's furniture companies face three major dilemmas

In recent months, Nankang Furniture Store has seen a growing presence of children’s furniture brands, with approximately seven to eight different labels available. Interestingly, the store attracts more customers for children's furniture than for adult furniture. At one of the brand stores on the second floor, Ms. Sun, a mother of a 5-year-old son, is in the process of purchasing a **children’s bed**. She explained that when choosing a **children’s bed**, her top priority is ensuring it is free from toxic and harmful substances. She also pays close attention to the design details, such as rounded corners and overall craftsmanship. When asked if she was aware of the new national standard for **children’s furniture**, Ms. Sun admitted she wasn’t. A random survey of other parents shopping for children’s furniture revealed that most were unaware of the updated regulations. The industry faces several challenges. First, the standards for children’s furniture are still relatively backward, leading to an unregulated market. Second, supervision is weak, and the level of product homogenization is high, with many cases of imitation and lack of innovation. Dilemma 1: Lack of clear industry standards Ms. Sun emphasized that children have weaker immune systems and are more vulnerable to environmental hazards. “We must ensure the safety and environmental friendliness of the furniture we use daily,” she said. However, the current market lacks proper regulation, allowing some small manufacturers to cut corners and produce substandard products. Yang Tao, a chairman of a children’s furniture company, added that without effective legal frameworks, many unsafe products can slip through the cracks. China recently introduced its first national standard for children’s furniture, titled "General Technical Conditions for Children’s Furniture," which will take effect on August 1st. This is a significant step forward, providing much-needed guidance for parents and addressing the long-standing issue of no standardized regulations in the sector. Zhou Dayong, a general manager in the Beijing-Tianjin region, believes that the introduction of the standard will help bring order to the chaotic market. He noted that while there are many brands, the quality varies greatly, and the new rules will promote better practices. Dilemma 2: Weak supervision and uneven industry standards Zhou also pointed out that the EU has stricter oversight of children’s furniture. For example, TUV certification is responsible for testing, and random inspections are conducted by visiting stores. If any product fails, the brand loses its certification immediately. In contrast, China’s current inspection system includes factory certificates and occasional reports, but not all batches are tested. Yang Tao stressed that the new national standard should be more rigorous than adult furniture standards, especially regarding toxic substances like lead, benzene, and chromium—substances that are strictly regulated in the EU. He urged companies to maintain ethical standards and avoid compromising safety for profit. The new standard focuses on both safety and environmental protection. It requires that children’s furniture have no sharp edges or points, with rounded corners and smooth surfaces. Additionally, it sets strict limits on 10 types of harmful substances, including formaldehyde, heavy metals, and decomposable aromatic amines. These requirements are more stringent than those for adult furniture. Dilemma 3: High homogenization and widespread plagiarism Many believe that the furniture industry suffers from a lack of originality, and children’s furniture is no exception. Some companies simply replicate adult designs and label them as “children’s” furniture. Zhou Dayong highlighted that parents today look for furniture that is safe, eco-friendly, and stylish. They want personalized options that reflect their child’s personality. Therefore, children’s furniture should not just be smaller versions of adult furniture, but designed with the unique needs of children in mind. Industry experts advise consumers to check test reports and request environmental guarantees when signing contracts. If a seller refuses, it may be best to walk away. They also recommend choosing furniture with low formaldehyde content, such as solid wood or plywood, rather than particleboard or MDF. When selecting children’s furniture, consumers should pay attention to environmental labels and avoid overly bright colors. The hierarchy of environmental protection levels ranges from MDF and particle board to solid wood and laminated wood. Being informed and cautious can make a big difference in ensuring a safer, healthier environment for children.

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