US sustainability certification for furniture

BIFMA level® is a US programme for the sustainable certification of furniture. The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) developed the programme in 2006 with many other parties based on the guidelines of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Certification is carried out by various accredited bodies (including SCS Global Services) in accordance with the current ANSI/BIFMA e3-2019 standard. The programme distinguishes between performance levels 1, 2 and 3, with level 3 containing the highest requirements. The certified products are listed in a separate database.

At the end of 2016, the BIFMA level® programme was included in the guidelines and recommendations for public procurement requirements at US federal level.

Since the revision from version e3-2014 to e3-2019, the Low Emitting Furniture Credit has been a basic requirement. The respective pieces of furniture that comply with this standard must also fulfil the ANSI/BIFMA X7.1 standard for emissions.

Further ANSI/ BIFMA standards/methods

Subject to change; last updated on 1 August 2024