ACCC Urges Businesses to Review Card Surcharges and Pricing Practices

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is reminding businesses — including those in the furniture industry — to ensure their card payment surcharges and pricing practices comply with Australian Consumer Law. The Australian Furniture Association...

Trade Wars. Tariffs. Furniture. What the Data Shows

The recent presentation on Container movements through Melbourne Port paints a very interesting picture on Australia’s international trade. The Australian Furniture Association was interested to learn how the changing tariff environment might affect your business?...

BNPL Reforms Are Coming and Furniture Retailers Must Be Ready

By Mark Lazarus, Director, Lazarus Legal, Legal Partner of the Australian Furniture Association The Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) model is now embedded in Australian furniture retail. For an industry defined by high-value discretionary purchases, BNPL has helped bridge...

Navigating Sustainability in the Library: A Greener Future

Cheap furniture might save money today – but it could cost a library its credibility tomorrow. In a time when libraries are stepping up as champions of literacy, inclusion, and community well-being, the choices made in these spaces speak volumes. The Australian...

Simplex Waste Solutions Slashes Costs

At the Australian Furniture Association, we’re committed to supporting our members with practical, cost-effective solutions that drive both profitability and sustainability. We’re excited to announce our newest partnership with Simplex Waste Solutions, a leading...

Furniture Suppliers: Non-Compliance Will Cost MILLIONS

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has introduced the Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard 2024, a significant measure aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities caused by unstable furniture. This mandatory standard came into...

The Australian Furniture Association – Why belong?

The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is the national peak body representing the Australian furniture sector. Our members include residential and commercial furniture manufacturers, cabinet makers, suppliers, retailers, allied associations, and key stakeholders...

Strengthening Sustainability: AFA, AFISC & GECA Join Forces

The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furniture Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) have announced a strategic partnership with Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA)—Australia’s only not-for-profit, multi-sector ecolabelling program. This...

Wage theft laws in force for intentional underpayment of wages

Wage theft involves underpaying an employee’s rightful wages and other entitlements. It robs workers of their income and undermines the fundamental principles of fair work. In response to these issues, the Commonwealth government has introduced laws to criminalise the...

Support for Australian made Products Crucial Amid U.S. Trade Tariffs

As the United States enforces a minimum 10 per cent tariff on all Australian exports, the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is calling on Australians to actively support local industries and choose Australia first by purchasing genuine Australian made products....

Mandatory Toppling Furniture Labels and Swing Tags from 4 May 2025

The Australian Consumer and Competitions Council (ACCC) Toppling furniture MANDATORY information standard will apply from 4 May 2025 A mandatory information standard has been introduced to ensure suppliers provide safety warnings to consumers about the dangers of...

The New Privacy Laws: What They Mean for the Furniture Industry

A law passed in 2022 is about to bring big changes in 2025. The Privacy Act amendments introduce tougher rules on how businesses collect and handle customer data. What used to be a concern mainly for large corporations is now something every furniture business, big or...

AFA Architects and Specifiers Guide to Furniture Video

The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) proudly announces the release of The Architects and Specifiers Guide to Furniture (Version 1) – March 2025.  This comprehensive guide is designed to help manufacturers and suppliers directly engage with architects, interior...

AFA Announces Strategic Partnership with Tender Plus

The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is proud to announce the EXCLUSIVE partnership with leading tender and grant support consultancy, Tender Plus. Set to provide AFA Members with discounted, expert services designed to enhance their ability to secure government...

Greenwashing Crackdown: What It Means for the Furniture Industry

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling misleading sustainability claims, naming greenwashing enforcement a top priority in its 2025-26 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities Update. With consumers and...

Thanks, Captain Obvious!

The Australian Furniture Association is often supporting industry in relation to ‘bidding for work’. The AFA receives a flurry of emails whenever we provide advance notice of Tender opportunities, requesting ‘AFA Support Letters’ and it is OBVIOUS that we don’t always...