Code of Practice

The NBF Code of Practice Version 5/2023 covers 10 key areas of business:

1. Flammability
2. Cleanliness & Re-use
3. Trade descriptions
4. Labelling & composition of textile products
5. Timber legislation (UK & EU)
6. Chemical legislation (UK & EU, REACH, POPs, Biocides)
7. Evidence of Health & Safety compliance
8. Evidence of Process Controls / Procedures
9. Evidence of Product Safety Management
   – Evidence of PAS 7100 – Corrective actions – Product Safety Incident Plan (PSIP)
   – Awareness of PA 7050 – Bringing safe products to market – Product Safety Management Plan (PSMP)
10. Evidence of reporting under Modern Slavery Act 2015 (where obligated)

We’re not saying that only NBF members are reputable, of course. But we’ve got to start somewhere and that means putting our own house in order first. Our members want this. They want to say loud and clear to their customers, “we do it how it should be done.”

Basically, we want the trade and the public to know that, if they buy a product from an NBF member they can buy with confidence, knowing that safety standards are being met and that they are buying what it says it is!

Essentially, we’re taking the hard work out of responsible sourcing for retailers. Honest trading has become a hot issue and the media is constantly highlighting transgressions (the horsemeat scandal being the most high profile).

As a result, third party auditing is becoming more and more commonplace, particularly by larger retailers, who are more on the front line when it comes to media attention and consumer awareness. Smaller retailers don’t have those resources and have to take what they’re told by companies on trust. Sadly, that trust is not always respected.

Retailers should also remember that they are equally responsible for ensuring the products they source comply with the required laws. Ignorance isn’t an excuse and it is YOUR business, along with the supplier’s, which could face court action and financial penalties (or worse) and the consequential loss of face and long term business damage.

Judging from the feedback from our members– they are pretty vigorous!

We work with SATRA, – so while the NBF has set the parameters of the audit, SATRA determines if those parameters are being met to a satisfactory level and sets appropriate methods and timescales for coming up to scratch if need be.

Some companies may need to make minor adjustments or corrections; others might need to take more drastic remedial action to meet the criteria.

We’re not out to catch members out and punish them; we’ve put the system in to encourage best practices and help members achieve acceptable standards.

However if a member is unable or unwilling to meet the required standards within a reasonable time frame, then they will no longer be able to remain an NBF member.

The frequency of auditing is in part determined by the auditors – some companies will be visited more often if it is felt they need more support to fully meet the criteria on an ongoing basis. Ultimately, we aim to be auditing members every two years.

Yes – all companies wishing to join the NBF will need to be audited and meet the code’s criteria before their application will be considered.

NBF members use the ‘Made by an Approved Member’ logo on product labels and a wide range of marketing materials. The NBF uses both PR and advertising to raise awareness of the Mark and what it stands for.

The NBF works proactively with trading standards to identify and put a stop to those in our trade who deliberately flout product regulations which are there to protect the consumer.

So, if you come across some dodgy practices or have your doubts about whether a product meets UK requirements for fire resistance, cleanliness, trade descriptions or you have any other concerns, please contact us!