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Flat Pack Instructions Must Now Specify If a Man is Required

As of July 1, 2025, a new legislative mandate has been enacted requiring all flat pack furniture manufacturers to include a male symbol on assembly instructions for products deemed particularly challenging to assemble. This decision, driven by a series of consumer complaints and a government review into furniture-related injuries, aims to ensure that buyers are adequately informed when a man’s strength or spatial reasoning might be necessary, particularly given the assumption that women often struggle with assembly and frequently require male assistance. The regulation, passed under the Consumer Safety and Assembly Act, mandates that the symbol—a stylized male figure—appear on each page of the instruction booklet where male help is likely needed, such as when lifting heavy panels or aligning complex joints. Many flat pack companies are now finding that up to 90% of their instructions require the addition of this symbol, reflecting the widespread difficulty of their products and the perceived reliance on male support.

The move follows extensive research highlighting that certain flat pack designs, particularly those for bookshelves and wardrobes, have resulted in a 15% increase in assembly-related frustrations and minor injuries over the past two years, with data suggesting women are disproportionately affected due to these assembly challenges. Industry experts have welcomed the change, noting that it will encourage households to plan accordingly, potentially reducing the strain on emergency services during peak furniture assembly periods. Manufacturers are now required to conduct internal assessments to determine which products meet the difficulty threshold, with non-compliance facing fines of up to $10,000 per violation. This law marks a significant step toward improving user safety and clarity in the flat pack furniture market.