France’s Décret n°2025-1100 fire safety medical furniture requirements, effective July 1, 2026, introduce mandatory reaction-to-fire classification for furnishing materials in healthcare facilities. For overseas suppliers, this means your current product certifications may no longer suffice for French projects. This article breaks down the decree’s timeline, testing obligations, and practical compliance steps you need to take before bidding on French hospital tenders.
What Does Décret n°2025-1100 Change for Medical Furniture?
The decree, published in the Journal Officiel on November 20, 2025, harmonizes fire-safety provisions across building types, including healthcare facilities. Its core impact on furniture is the mandatory reaction-to-fire classification of furnishing materials, as detailed by the LNE. This classification determines how materials contribute to fire growth, affecting everything from upholstery to casework.
Learn more about hospital furniture factory audit standards.
Previously, French fire rules for furniture in public buildings were fragmented. The new decree consolidates requirements, making compliance more predictable but also stricter. For medical furniture, the key change is that materials must now be tested and classified according to European standards (EN 13501-1) and French-specific classifications (M1, M2, etc.), depending on the application.
From a buyer’s perspective, this means you cannot assume that furniture compliant with your home market’s standards will automatically pass French requirements. You need to verify that your supplier can provide documented test reports from accredited laboratories.
Timeline: When Do the New Rules Apply?
Understanding the timeline is critical for project planning. The decree’s provisions came into force on July 1, 2026. However, a second phase begins on January 1, 2027, when workplace fire-safety design rules transfer to the Construction and Housing Code (CCH). This transfer may introduce additional requirements or clarify existing ones.
For projects under design now, you must assume the new rules apply. If your project’s construction permit was filed before July 1, 2026, you may be grandfathered under old rules, but this is not guaranteed. Always confirm with the project owner or architect.
Practical implication: if you are sourcing furniture for a French hospital project in 2026-2027, your supplier must be able to deliver test reports dated after the new standards were published. Older test reports may not be accepted.
Key Fire-Safety Requirements for Medical Furniture
The decree specifies reaction-to-fire classes for different furnishing materials. While the exact thresholds depend on the building’s risk category, medical furniture typically requires materials classified as M2 or better (or the equivalent Euroclass B or C). For example, upholstered seating must meet specific tests for smoldering and open flame resistance.
According to the FFMI, the decree affects not only the final product but also the components: foam, fabric, and even the frame. This means your supplier must control the entire supply chain, not just the final assembly.
For medical casework (cabinets, workstations), the surface materials must be non-combustible or have low flammability. High-pressure laminate (HPL) and stainless steel are common choices, but you must verify their classification.
Testing and Certification: What You Need to Ask Suppliers
The decree requires testing by accredited laboratories. In France, the main bodies are LNE and CERIB-Feu. These labs issue test reports that certify a product’s reaction-to-fire class. For overseas suppliers, you must ensure that your testing is done by a lab recognized in the EU, or that your existing test reports are accepted by the French authorities.
Key questions to ask your supplier:
- Do you have test reports from LNE or CERIB-Feu for the specific product models?
- Are the tests current (post-2025) and do they cover the exact material composition?
- Can you provide a declaration of performance (DoP) under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) if applicable?
Be wary of suppliers who claim “fire-resistant” without providing test evidence. In our experience, many Asian manufacturers have tested their products to Chinese standards (GB), which are not automatically accepted in France. You may need to budget for re-testing.
Impact on Healthcare Facility Projects in France
For hospital projects, the new decree affects not only furniture but also the overall fire-safety strategy. Architects and fire engineers will specify furniture classes in tender documents. If your furniture does not meet these classes, you risk rejection or costly delays.
According to Le Moniteur, the decree aims to simplify and harmonize rules, but it also raises the bar for materials. For medical furniture, this means more rigorous testing and documentation.
From a procurement perspective, you should:
- Include fire-safety compliance as a mandatory evaluation criterion in your RFQ.
- Request test reports at the quotation stage, not after award.
- Verify that the supplier’s materials are consistent with the tested configuration.
Compliance Steps for Overseas Suppliers
If you are a manufacturer or supplier outside France, here is a step-by-step approach:
- Assess your current products: Identify which furniture items fall under the decree’s scope (seating, casework, beds, etc.).
- Review existing test reports: Check if you have tests from EU-accredited labs. If not, plan for re-testing.
- Select an accredited lab: Contact LNE or CERIB-Feu to understand their testing procedures and costs. Budget for this in your pricing.
- Update your technical documentation: Ensure your product data sheets include fire classification and test report references.
- Communicate with your clients: Provide clear documentation to French buyers, including the test reports and a declaration of conformity.
At ZHOBAI Medical Furniture, we have seen an increase in requests for fire-test documentation from French clients. Our engineering team works with accredited labs to ensure our products meet the required classifications, and we provide these reports as part of our standard documentation package.
Comparison Table: Fire Test Standards for Medical Furniture
| Standard | Region | Typical Classification | Relevance to Décret 2025-1100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 13501-1 | Europe | Euroclass B, C, D | Primary classification system referenced by the decree |
| NF P 92-507 (M classification) | France | M0, M1, M2, M3, M4 | French national classification, often required in addition to Euroclass |
| GB 20286 | China | B1, B2 | Not accepted in France; re-testing required |
| UL 94 | USA | V-0, V-1, V-2 | Not accepted; different test method |
RFQ Checklist for Fire-Compliant Medical Furniture
Use this checklist when requesting quotes from suppliers for French projects:
- Request fire test reports from LNE or CERIB-Feu for each product model.
- Verify that the report covers the exact materials and construction of the offered product.
- Ask for the declaration of performance (DoP) if the product falls under CPR.
- Confirm that the supplier can provide samples for independent verification.
- Include a clause in the contract that allows you to reject non-compliant products.
- Plan for potential re-testing costs in your budget.
For more on material compliance, see our guide on medical furniture material compliance testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the decree apply to all medical furniture?
It applies to furniture in buildings subject to fire-safety regulations, including healthcare facilities. However, the specific requirements depend on the building’s risk category and the furniture’s location. Always verify with the project’s fire engineer.
Can I use existing test reports from other countries?
Only if the tests were conducted according to European standards by an accredited lab. Reports from other regions (e.g., China, USA) are generally not accepted.
What is the cost of re-testing?
Costs vary by product and lab. Budget for several thousand euros per product line. It is a worthwhile investment to avoid project delays.
As the January 2027 transfer to the CCH approaches, staying ahead of these requirements will give you a competitive edge. At ZHOBAI, we have already aligned our production and documentation with the new French rules, ensuring our clients receive compliant furniture without surprises. Contact us to discuss your project needs.
Understanding the Scope of the Decree for Overseas Suppliers
For overseas suppliers, the first step is to understand the full scope of Décret n°2025-1100. The decree applies to all furnishing materials used in healthcare facilities, including beds, chairs, cabinets, and even curtains. It is essential to identify which of your products fall under this regulation. Many suppliers mistakenly believe that only upholstered items are affected, but the decree covers all materials that could contribute to fire growth. Therefore, you must review your entire product range and categorize each item based on its potential fire risk.
Additionally, the decree requires that the classification be based on the final product as it will be used. This means that if you supply a chair with a removable cover, the cover must be tested in the same configuration as it will be sold. This is a common pitfall for suppliers who test components separately. To avoid issues, ensure that your supplier tests the complete assembly, including any coatings or finishes.
Practical Steps for RFQ and Supplier Evaluation
When preparing an RFQ for French projects, you should include specific questions about fire safety compliance. For example, ask for the exact test reports for each product model, including the date of testing and the laboratory that conducted it. Also, request a copy of the declaration of performance (DoP) if applicable. This document is crucial for products covered by the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
Another important aspect is to verify that the supplier’s test reports are still valid. Some test reports have a limited validity period, and if the product has been modified since the test, the report may no longer be applicable. Therefore, ask the supplier to confirm that the tested product is identical to the one being offered. If there have been any changes, request updated test reports.
Furthermore, consider conducting a factory audit to verify that the supplier’s manufacturing processes are consistent with the tested specifications. This is especially important for overseas suppliers, as there may be variations in raw materials or production methods. A factory audit can help you identify potential compliance issues before they become costly problems.
Documentation and Approval Milestones
To ensure smooth project execution, establish clear approval milestones with your supplier. For instance, require the supplier to submit fire test reports and DoPs at the quotation stage, not after the order is placed. This will help you avoid delays and ensure that the products meet the required standards from the outset.
Additionally, plan for third-party inspection of the products before shipment. This can be done by an independent inspection agency that verifies the fire classification and overall quality. Include this in your contract to protect your interests. The inspection should cover not only the fire safety aspects but also the general workmanship and compliance with your specifications.
Another critical milestone is the approval of samples. Before mass production, request samples that are representative of the final product. Test these samples for fire safety, either in your own lab or through an accredited third-party lab. This will give you confidence that the production units will meet the requirements.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements
Fire safety compliance extends beyond the product itself to its packaging and labeling. The decree may require that the fire classification be marked on the product or its packaging. Therefore, you should discuss with your supplier how they will label the products to indicate compliance. This is particularly important for products that are sold in multiple markets, as the labeling requirements may differ.
Additionally, consider the packaging materials themselves. While the decree focuses on the furniture, some packaging materials may also need to meet fire safety standards if they are left in the facility. To avoid any issues, use packaging that is easily removable and dispose of it promptly after installation. Include this in your handover procedures to ensure that the facility is left in a compliant state.
Handover Responsibilities and After-Sales Support
Finally, clarify the handover responsibilities between you, the supplier, and the end-user. The supplier should provide all necessary documentation, including test reports, DoPs, and installation instructions. You should also ensure that the supplier offers after-sales support in case of any issues with the fire safety performance of the products.
It is also advisable to include a clause in the contract that holds the supplier liable for any non-compliance discovered after installation. This will give you recourse if the products fail to meet the required standards. Additionally, consider requiring the supplier to provide a warranty that covers fire safety performance for a specified period.
By taking these practical steps, you can navigate the complexities of Décret n°2025-1100 and ensure that your medical furniture meets the highest fire safety standards for French healthcare projects.
ZHOBAI Medical Furniture
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