The mandatory technical standards for mahogany furniture, issued on August 1 last year (GB 28010-2011), commonly known as the new national standard, required that all mahogany furniture sold after February 1, 2013, must meet the updated regulations. Otherwise, it could not be legally sold. More than a month has passed since the enforcement date, but have all products on the market been properly documented? During a recent visit, reporters found that the new national standard has not yet been fully implemented in the Guangzhou market. Only a small number of major brands have started selling products with proper certifications, and only about 30% of the furniture meets the requirements.
The new national standard for redwood furniture aims to bring more transparency and regulation to the industry. The "General Technical Conditions of Mahogany Furniture" was introduced to ensure fair sales practices and protect consumer interests. It outlines product definitions, naming, dimensions, quality requirements, testing methods, labeling, and even packaging and transportation guidelines. One of the most significant features is the product quality card, which serves as an "identity card" for each piece of furniture.
This quality card includes three key sections: basic information such as product model, classification, and function; details about materials, coating processes, and decoration; and safety tips, warranty information, and manufacturer or dealer contact details. This provides consumers with clear and comprehensive information from production to sale. In addition to ensuring product authenticity and quality, the card also carries legal weight.
Many formal mahogany furniture merchants welcomed the new standard upon its release. Hu Yuanlian, general manager of Yongbotang Mahogany Furniture, noted that most consumers can hardly tell the difference between genuine and fake mahogany by sight alone. Most rely on sales staff explanations to make informed choices.
Before the new standard, product descriptions were often minimal. Labels typically listed models, origin, size, brand, and grade, but rarely provided detailed material information. This lack of clarity led to confusion and mistrust in the market. As a result, the need for a standardized, self-regulated industry rule became essential.
Qiu Zhikun, general manager of Yonghua Mahogany, believes that having an "ID card" not only helps consumers understand what they're buying but also ensures that sellers follow ethical practices. However, despite the introduction of this system, the implementation remains inconsistent.
During visits to several major mahogany furniture markets, including Flower and Bird and Fish Art World and Panyu Jisheng Weibang Mahogany Museum, few manufacturers had fully complied with the new rules. While some large brands followed the standards closely, smaller companies often ignored them. Reporters visited over ten stores and found that only about 30% of the products had proper documentation.
Even when labels were present, many businesses did not provide complete information. Relying solely on the "ID card" to regulate the market is still a challenge. For example, many stores fail to clearly specify the type of wood used, such as distinguishing between black rosewood and red rosewood. This ambiguity can mislead consumers.
As a result, it's difficult to determine the authenticity of mahogany furniture just by looking at the label. The term "mahogany" encompasses a broad range of species, making it hard for both buyers and even industry professionals to differentiate. If a dispute arises, third-party testing agencies are often needed to confirm the product's true nature and serve as the final legal reference. With the market still largely unregulated, consumer protection remains a pressing issue.
Huixian Xinwei Refractories Co. , https://www.xinweirefractory.com