China adopts national standard for school nap desks and chairs

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has approved a national standard for midday-rest desks and chairs for primary and secondary school students, which will take effect Feb. 1, 2026. The standard sets out requirements across design, production, inspection and use to make midday-rest furniture more comfortable, safe and durable for students throughout its lifecycle.

Photo generated by AI

Key design and dimensional requirements for desks and chairs must balance the needs of classroom learning and midday rest.

Desk heights: 455 mm to 730 mm for primary school desks; and 565 mm to 790 mm for secondary school desks.

Chairs: chair seat surface must be at least 360 mm wide to help students maintain proper posture during classes. Chairs must be able to unfold into a reclining position with an overall length of no less than 1,050 mm and a backrest that reclines beyond 135 degrees.

Headrest and legrest: Headrest minimum width 180 mm and length 100 mm; legrest minimum width 250 mm and length 100 mm, enabling students to stretch comfortably during rest.

The difference between desk clear height and seat height must be at least 110 mm for primary schools, and 150 mm for secondary schools, to permit free leg movement and reduce cramped postures during naps.

Developed with students’ physical development in mind, the standard aims to standardize quality and safety for school rest furniture nationwide.