The AS/NZS 4790:2006 (R2016) standard is an adoption of ISO 7170:2005 Furniture – Storage units Determination of strength and durability. One shortcoming of this standard is the absence of stability testing, which has now been rectified in the latest ISO.

A proposal to adopt ISO 7170:2021 with some modification as an updated AS/NZS 4790 has now been approved by Standards Australia. The proposal also intends to cover elements of AS/NZS 4935:2009 Domestic furniture – Freestanding chests of drawers, wardrobes and bookshelves/bookcases – Determination of stability.

Stability, under the banner of “toppling furniture” is very much front of mind by the likes of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Standards Australia, government bodies, the furniture industry and many consumers – and an updated standard is required.

A working group under the direction of Standards Australia Technical Committee CS-088 will undertake the project.

_{March 2026}