The Meaning of Certifications & Standards Seen On Our Website

Here are the meanings of standards and certifications, including California Proposition 65, that you will find on our site.

1. ANSI/BIFMA: This represents standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA). They focus on the safety, durability, and sustainability of commercial furniture. Compliance with ANSI/BIFMA standards indicates furniture is built to withstand the rigors of office environments while ensuring it is environmentally responsible and safe for users.

2. TAA Compliant: The Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance indicates that a product has been manufactured or substantially transformed in the United States or a country with which the U.S. has a trade agreement. TAA compliance is crucial for products being sold to the U.S. government, ensuring that government purchases are made from countries that have fair trade relations with the United States.

3. Greenguard Gold Certified: This certification indicates that a product has met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. The Greenguard Gold certification includes additional criteria to ensure that products are acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities, focusing on more sensitive individuals like children and the elderly.

4. FM Approved: This certification comes from FM Global, a large insurance company, and indicates that a product or service has been tested and adheres to high property loss prevention and safety standards. Products that are FM Approved are recognized for reducing property risk and ensuring they meet rigorous loss prevention standards.

5. ISTA Certified: The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) certifies packaging that has passed specific tests to ensure it can protect its contents from damage during shipping. ISTA certification helps companies design and select packaging that will ensure products are delivered safely to consumers, reducing product damage and loss.

6. Proposition 65: Officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, Proposition 65 is a California law that requires warnings to be provided to California consumers when they might be exposed to chemicals identified by California as causing cancer or reproductive toxicity. Products bearing a Proposition 65 warning have been determined to contain chemicals on the State of California’s list of known carcinogens and reproductive toxins. The law is intended to help Californians make informed decisions about protecting themselves from exposure to these chemicals.

These certifications and standards are essential across various industries, indicating compliance with health, safety, environmental sustainability, and risk management criteria.