The European requirements under the Ecodesign Regulation are expected to be introduced by 2028, although there may be some extension of the deadline, as we are still awaiting the delegated act that will provide all the details regarding these requirements.
This was stated to the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) by Prof. Vasil Zhivkov of the Branch Chamber of the Woodworking and Furniture Industry.
“What we are trying to put forward as our position to the European Commission is that sustainable furniture is, above all, furniture that is used for a long time. Under the current rules, certain requirements are being imposed regarding assembly and disassembly, the possibility of repair and recycling, and the use of recycled materials. But we need to focus primarily on producing high-quality furniture that can have a long service life.
“Circular economy does not end with the designer and the manufacturer. Many subsequent measures are needed—collecting furniture that has reached the end of its useful life, repairing it, or sorting the waste and then recycling it. A well-organised system is needed, and at least for the time being, such a system does not exist in Bulgaria,” he explained.
According to him, there must be uniform rules and effective enforcement for all products entering the EU, including those sold through online platforms.
“Because if we impose strict requirements on European and Bulgarian manufacturers, requiring them to introduce new policies, while at the same time failing to do the same for furniture entering the EU, this would once again be an ill-considered move that would only deepen the crisis in the EU,” he stressed, questioning whether there is anyone to actually monitor compliance.
The materials used by Bulgarian manufacturers come with certificates, but there is no guarantee as to what materials finished furniture entering the EU is made from, Vasil Zhivkov further explained.
Investment driven by concerns surrounding the introduction of the euro had a positive impact on the furniture sector, he said. Consumers decided that it was better to buy furniture while prices were still denominated in Bulgarian leva rather than wait for the euro, when prices could potentially increase.
Zhivkov cited data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) showing that the furniture industry grew by 3.6% in the first five months of 2026.
“This indicates a cooling of the sector. It was not unexpected—last year our growth was around 15%. Unlike the industrial production index, which is showing a decline, we are still recording positive growth. This is the situation in terms of furniture production.
“Turnover in the furniture industry is still higher than in the previous year, but it is no longer growing at the same pace as it did then. If costs need to be cut, furniture is not a basic necessity, and this will inevitably have an impact,” he commented.
In Bulgaria, the main demand for furniture comes from the residential interior market, Zhivkov said, adding that the Bulgarian furniture industry is export-oriented and has achieved significant success in this area.
