Certificates and standards

Vitra has stringent demands when it comes to the longevity of its products. To achieve these, we carry out extensive tests that simulate 15 years of use.

The products are also certified by independent institutes. There are many national and international labels focussing on such topics as health, safety or environmental impact as well as those with a global approach to some or all of these issues.
Vitra decides which norms and certifications are relevant for each individual product in regard to its applications and usage.
GS seal (Tested Safety)
The GS seal is issued to products that fulfil product safety regulations based on national and international norms as well as current technical standards. It ascertains that a product will not cause any damage while being used and assesses whether its components pose any health hazards. Vitra tests all products except accessories according to the GS standard.

For office swivel chairs:
The DIN EN 1335 standard, which is the basis for the GS certificate, allows for user weights of up to 110 kg.

For visitor and task chairs:
The European standard DIN EN 16139 'Seating for non-residential use' allows for user weights of up to 110 kg.
BIFMA
BIFMA is the North American equivalent of the European GS seal and certifies the excellent safety, durability and sustainability of furnishings.

For office swivel chairs:
The BIFMA standard allows for user weights of up to 125 kg.
EPD
EPD is a report based on a life cycle assessment (LCA). It is used to communicate information about the potential impact of a product on the environment and human health; it also indicates what a product is made of and how it affects the environment throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to waste disposal. Vitra issues EPDs for its most important products.
GREENGUARD Gold
The internationally recognised label GREENGUARD was developed in 2001 by the 'GREENGUARD Environmental Institute'. Its aim is to protect human health and quality of life by reducing exposure to pollutants and improving indoor air conditions. GREENGUARD Gold-certified products can contribute to the environmental certification of buildings. Vitra's major products are GREENGUARD Gold-certified.
REACH, RoHS and TSCA
The European chemicals regulation REACH promotes environmental protection. In support of this goal, Vitra sources its materials almost exclusively in Europe and subjects itself to testing by external institutes.

RoHS stands for the 'Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment' and aims to protect human health and the environment through the avoidance of certain substances.

The California regulation TSCA Title VI focuses on restricting potentially hazardous emissions of formaldehyde in products that are purchased in California.