On European office projects, EN 1335 and EN 16139 cover different chairs. EN 1335 is the standard for office work chairs: Part 1 sets dimensions and Part 2 sets safety, strength and durability requirements. EN 16139 covers other non-domestic seating, including office visitor chairs, and its scope expressly excludes office work chairs. A seating schedule therefore needs the right standard on each line, and a report for one standard does not stand in for the other.
This guide explains what each standard covers, what changed in EN 16139:2025, and how to write the evidence requirement for each chair type. For the manufacturer side, see our office seating and ergonomic chair manufacturer guide.
What Does EN 1335 Cover?
EN 1335 is a multi-part standard for office work chairs. The Estonian Centre for Standardisation, which publishes the European standards nationally, lists these parts as current:
- EN 1335-1:2020+A1:2022 (Dimensions): applies to office work chairs and specifies dimensions of three types of chair, together with the test methods for determining them.
- EN 1335-2:2018 (Safety requirements): specifies safety, strength and durability requirements for office work chairs, based on use for 8 hours a day by persons weighing up to 110 kg. It does not apply to other seating in the office area, for which other European standards exist.
In practice, EN 1335-1 answers “does the chair have the adjustable dimensions required for a workstation?” and EN 1335-2 answers “is the chair safe and durable for full-day office use?”
What Does EN 16139 Cover?
BSI lists BS EN 16139:2025 as published on 31 August 2025. Its scope covers the safety, strength and durability of all types of non-domestic seating intended for adults weighing not more than 110 kg, including office visitor chairs. It does not apply to ranked seating, office work chairs, chairs for educational institutions, outdoor seating or links for linked seating, for which other European standards exist.
The scope also lists what it does not include: durability of upholstery materials, castors, reclining and tilting mechanisms and seat-height adjustment mechanisms; resistance to ageing, degradation and flammability; and electrical safety. Those points need their own requirements if the project asks for them.
What Changed in EN 16139:2025?
FIRA’s announcement of the new edition lists these changes compared with the 2013 version:
- New definitions and requirements for single column seating, with a new side-to-side durability test in Annex D.
- New test methods for finger entrapment, shear and compression in Annex A.
- New static and durability requirements for leg rests.
- Removal of rolling resistance requirements for unloaded chairs.
- Updated recommended dimensions in the informative annex and reordering of annexes.
A report issued against the 2013 edition does not show these newer tests. Our earlier explainer on EN 16139 for contract furniture covers how the standard is used on hospitality and commercial projects.
Sourcing office seating for a European project?
Send us the seating schedule. We will assign the standard and edition to each line and check every report against the quoted model.
Which Standard Applies to Each Chair on the Schedule?
| Chair type | Standard to name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Task or work chair at a desk | EN 1335-1 and EN 1335-2 | State the chair type from Part 1 required by the design |
| Visitor chair in an office | EN 16139 | Named in the EN 16139 scope |
| Meeting, breakout or lounge seating | EN 16139, unless the design brief sets another route | Check whether the item is a work chair in use |
| Auditorium or fixed ranked seating | Not EN 16139 | Excluded from its scope; separate standard |
| Outdoor terrace seating | Not EN 16139 | Excluded from its scope; separate standard |
What Should Each Test Report Show?
- Standard and edition: the exact edition, for example EN 16139:2025 or EN 1335-2:2018.
- Model identity: model number, photographs and the components tested, such as base, mechanism, gas lift and castors.
- Chair type: for work chairs, the EN 1335-1 chair type assessed.
- Result per clause: not only a summary page.
- Construction match: the quoted chair uses the same frame, mechanism and components as the tested sample.
A report for one chair does not cover a variant with a different base, mechanism or arm unless the report says so. Fire performance of upholstery sits outside both standards and is set by the destination’s own rules.
How FBM Sourcing Handles European Office Seating
FBM Sourcing is a Guangzhou-based China sourcing agent and project procurement service. We assign the correct standard and edition to each line of the seating schedule, send the same specification to suitable production lines and check each returned report against the quoted model’s construction.
When bulk production is finished and before shipment, our own team carries out one inspection against the approved specification, covering quantities, dimensions, components, labels and packing, with photos and video. Clients are welcome to join that inspection.
Sourcing office seating for a European project?
Send us the seating schedule. We will assign the standard and edition to each line and check every report against the quoted model.
FBM Furniture
If your package is mainly office furniture, see office furniture on fbmfurniture.com, the site of FBM Furniture, the furniture sourcing line of FBM Sourcing Limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EN 16139 cover office task chairs?
No. The EN 16139 scope excludes office work chairs; they are covered by EN 1335.
What is the current edition of EN 16139?
BSI lists BS EN 16139:2025, published 31 August 2025, which replaced the 2013 edition.
What is the difference between EN 1335-1 and EN 1335-2?
Part 1 sets the dimensions of office work chairs; Part 2 sets their safety, strength and durability requirements.
Which standard applies to office visitor chairs?
EN 16139. Its scope names office visitor chairs.
Do these standards cover upholstery fire performance?
No. Flammability is outside EN 16139’s scope, and fire requirements are set by the destination market.
About FBM Sourcing
FBM Sourcing manages China procurement for overseas construction and commercial projects. Send the seating schedule through our China building materials and FF&E procurement service.
