Office chairs

What Do BIFMA, ANSI and CAL 117 Labels on an Office Chair Mean?

Published · By Ergocrew · Specs and guidance as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 is a test standard for general-purpose office chairs; a listing that says only BIFMA does not identify which standard was used or prove that a model passed it. None is a personal fit rating. California's TB 117-2013 addresses smolder resistance, and the federal upholstered-furniture rule adopts it for furniture within its scope. Before relying on any claim, match the standard number, tested model and supporting report to the chair you would buy.

ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 and what it tests

BIFMA, the furniture industry body that publishes these standards, describes ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 as "designed to evaluate general-purpose office chairs." Its standards overview lists the kinds of seating in scope: "executive/management chairs, side/guest chairs, folding chairs, stools and chairs with tablet arms."

The ANSI prefix identifies an American National Standard. It does not mean ANSI has individually approved the chair. Ask for the complete standard number when a listing says only BIFMA or ANSI BIFMA; BIFMA publishes standards for several furniture categories.

The standard evaluates the chair itself. It does not measure the person sitting in it, so it cannot tell you whether the seat, backrest or armrests match your body.

Other BIFMA standards you may see

BIFMA publishes more than one standard, and each covers a different type of furniture or a different property. The number after "BIFMA" is what identifies it, and a listing that says only "BIFMA" leaves open which standard the maker means, and whether the claim covers that exact model.

Chair listings also mention standards from other bodies. ProtoArc, for example, pairs BIFMA X5.1 with BS EN 1335, a European standard name. Read a second standard as a separate claim from a separate body.

CAL TB 117-2013 and the federal rule

California's TB 117-2013 is adopted by the federal upholstered-furniture standard, 16 CFR Part 1640. CPSC states that the mandatory federal standard took effect June 25, 2021. The rule applies to upholstered furniture within its definition that was manufactured, imported or reupholstered on or after that date.

This is a smolder-resistance requirement for upholstery materials. It does not establish frame strength or adjustability, and it is not a claim that a chair is fireproof. CPSC's explanation distinguishes smoldering ignition from a general promise of protection against fire.

Because the federal rule applies to all furniture in its scope, a CAL 117 mention marks a legal requirement for that category. It does not set one chair apart from another.

What the labels do not tell you

None of these labels describes fit. Take Sihoo's product page for the Doro C300 Pro V2. Sihoo claims it is "Tested to BIFMA, SGS, and TÜV standards." The same page lists a seat depth of 16.9" to 18.5" and a user height range of 4'11" to 6'3". Those figures, not the certification line, are the ones to compare with your own measurements. Our guide to choosing an office chair covers which measurements to take.

Claim or standardSource of standardWhat it concernsWhat it does not establish
ANSI/BIFMA X5.1BIFMAEvaluation of general-purpose office chairsWhether the seat depth, height or arms fit you
BIFMA with no numberBIFMA standards, as cited by the makerDepends on the standard the maker meansWhich standard, or which model was evaluated
CAL TB 117-2013California, adopted in 16 CFR Part 1640Smolder resistance of upholstery materialsFrame strength, durability or adjustability
BS EN 1335European standards bodies, as cited by the makerA separate standard from BIFMA'sHow it relates to X5.1 results

A weight rating is a different figure from a certification, and our guide to big-and-tall chairs covers how to read one.

Reading a certification claim on a listing

Compare the wording on these three dated listings:

The price gap between the two Sihoo chairs, $429.99 - $259.99 = $170, is not explained by their certification wording. Both name BIFMA. If your workplace requires X5.1, the ProtoArc EC200 Pro at $249.99 at ProtoArc's US store, checked 2026-10-13, is an example whose listing names that standard. Ask ProtoArc for the applicable model/version and supporting test report before treating the wording as proof of compliance.

If a claim matters to your purchase, for example because an employer or facility requires X5.1 seating, ask the maker three things. Which standard number does the claim refer to? Was this model, in this version, the one evaluated? Can you see the test report or certificate? "Tested to" a standard and "certified" to it can mean different things. Match any report or certificate to the product version and the scope of the test, rather than relying on a logo.

Browsing for one? Browse chairs in the feed →

Related guides

Sources

  1. CPSC, New Federal Safety Standard for Upholstered Furniture Fires Goes into Effect
  2. BIFMA, Standards Overview
  3. eCFR, 16 CFR Part 1640 Standard for the Flammability of Upholstered Furniture
  4. Sihoo, Doro C300 Pro V2 Ergonomic Office Chair
  5. Sihoo, B300 Pro Ergonomic Office Chair
  6. ProtoArc, EC200 Pro Ergonomic Office Chair

We have not tested these products. Specs and guidance are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; the manufacturer's page for your model has the current details.

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