Due Diligence Testing Programme
The NBF has stepped up its due diligence with its random testing programme of both member and non-member products.
The Due Diligence Testing Programme was developed by the NBF in 2018 to strengthen its Code of Practice after conducting a pilot exercise in early 2018. Up to 50 mattresses, bases and headboards annually are purchased on the open market and put through their paces against the criteria of the NBF Code of Practice.
Products are subject to flammability tests, then cut open and specifications checked against marketing claims. Textile composition labelling information is looked for and enquiries made about chemicals and other featured treatments to ensure compliance with REACH and Biocides regulations.
Although there will be a proportion of purely randomly selected products, some will be purchased for Due Diligence testing as a result of credible ‘tip-offs’ or concerns expressed
By third parties; or, in the case of NBF members, where previous Code of Practice performance has been less than A rated.
Test results are shared with all companies, both members and non-members. More serious findings could be reported to trading standards. Reports are issued periodically but companies and products aren’t specifically identified – unless the results are sufficiently serious, which may lead to informing trading standards; and, in the case of NBF members, to suspension or expulsion.
Download the Due Diligence Programme
Summary
Of 2023 Due Diligence Testing Results
All along, the NBF Code of Practice has been about reassuring customers that what they’re buying from NBF members is safe, clean and honest. They can’t look inside a mattress to see what’s there, so they have to take on trust what they’re told it contains. With our random testing programme we now go a step further towards exposing the dishonesty that so frustrates reputable traders. We want to make people think twice about what they’re buying, especially if it looks like a ‘great bargain’. We hope it gives customers even further reassurance that buying a product made by an Approved NBF Member is worth it.
Further Reading
Code of Practice
Be assured that the beds you and your customers buy are everything they say they are.
List of NBF Members
All our manufacturer members are audited; it is not a requirement for our suppliers to be audited.
Join the NBF
Become part of the trade association for the UK bed industry
