Furniture businesses are being reminded that how products are described matters just as much as what is being sold. Recent enforcement action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission against a furniture retailer highlights a broader compliance issue for the sector: misleading claims can expose businesses to serious penalties.
In May 2025, Bedshed paid $39,600 in penalties after the ACCC issued infringement notices alleging the business made false or misleading representations to consumers.
The ACCC alleged that Bedshed’s claims suggested the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had permitted or approved certain mattresses, furniture and bedding accessories, when no such approval framework exists. This included website content and Google Ads referring to products as “NDIS approved” and “NDIS permitted”.
While this case centres on NDIS-related claims, the underlying message applies across the furniture industry: any implication of third-party approval, endorsement, compliance or eligibility that cannot be substantiated is misleading under Australian Consumer Law, regardless of intent.
In a recent report examining consumer issues affecting NDIS participants, the ACCC found that deceptive advertising practices continue, including where suppliers imply endorsement or approval of a product. Ensuring that all product and marketing claims comply with ACCC guidance is a fundamental obligation for furniture businesses, regardless of the market segment.
Although the enforcement action relates to NDIS claims, the compliance lesson is much broader.
For the furniture industry, similar risks arise wherever businesses imply:
- approval or endorsement by a government body or third party
- compliance with standards without evidence
- eligibility for funding, procurement or rebates
- suitability for specific environments such as healthcare, aged care or disability settings
In every case, the same rule applies: if a claim is being made, it must be accurate, clear and verifiable.
What this means for the Furniture Industry
For our industry, the message is straightforward:
- Do not claim or imply endorsement, approval or permission that does not exist
- Ensure staff understand what can and cannot be said at point of sale
- Only make claims you can substantiate, including statements about performance, compliance or suitability
AFA and AFISC position
As the peak body for Australia’s furniture and furnishings sector, the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) encourage members to ensure all claims made about product suitability, compliance and funding eligibility are accurate, evidence-based and clearly explained.
Clear, truthful communication is essential to protecting consumers, particularly people living with disability, and to maintaining trust across care, procurement and commercial markets.
The ACCC has made it clear that misleading claims will not be tolerated, regardless of intent.
As scrutiny increases across disability, care, sustainability and procurement markets, furniture businesses should take this opportunity to review product descriptions, advertising and sales practices to ensure claims are precise, defensible and aligned with consumer law.
If you need support or further guidance, please feel free to reach out to care@theafa.asn.au.