Buyer Guide
Swiss Venue Requirements: Fire Classification, Cantons and Three Languages
Fire behaviour of materials is classified RF1–RF4 under the VKF/AEAI fire protection guidelines, from tests to EN or VKF standards. Venues and cantonal fire authorities decide what applies to a temporary installation. For the supplier that means the question is never "do you have the certificate" in the abstract, but "what does this venue require for this material" — and the answer comes from the venue or the cantonal fire authority, not from a catalogue. German, French and Italian are official languages at federal level; Romansh is also used officially in Romansh-speaking areas. Approval files should match the language of the canton or venue.
By InflatCraft Product Team • Last updated
How fire classification works here
Fire behaviour of materials is classified RF1–RF4 under the VKF/AEAI fire protection guidelines, from tests to EN or VKF standards. Venues and cantonal fire authorities decide what applies to a temporary installation.
Two things follow. First, the requirement is set per venue and per installation, so a class that satisfied one hall does not automatically satisfy the next. Second, it is a property of the material, which means it has to be settled before the material is cut, not after the piece exists.
Send the venue's wording to the supplier verbatim at the briefing stage. A requirement that arrives after production has started is a rebuild, not an amendment.
What the supplier can put in the file
A scaled drawing with the inflated dimensions and footprint. The material specification: Double-layer PVC for general construction, 0.5 / 0.6 / 0.7 mm PVC mesh where the structure carries load or spans further.
The air system as numbers rather than a word: the 650 W electric pump moves 1,600–2,000 L/min at 2.0 psi; the 1600 W electric pump moves 4,800–5,200 L/min at 4.5 psi. Both run on 110–240 V, 50–60 Hz, which matters because Swiss sockets are Type J and the plug is confirmed on the order.
How the piece is secured, with the anchor or ballast points shown on the drawing.
Three official languages, and which one to file in
German, French and Italian are official languages at federal level; Romansh is also used officially in Romansh-speaking areas. Approval files should match the language of the canton or venue.
In practice that means a Zurich venue and a Geneva venue may want the same document in different languages. Ask which one before the drawing is finalised; preparing it twice costs nothing at the drawing stage and is awkward afterwards.
Outdoor sites and the weather plan
Above roughly 1,200–1,500 m, winter precipitation falls mainly as snow and can cover the ground for weeks or months. Foehn, a warm dry wind, occurs in Alpine valleys; southerly foehn is most frequent in April and May.
For an outdoor installation, the venue will usually want to know what happens when conditions turn: who deflates the piece, how quickly, and where it is stored. Agree that plan with the organiser and put it in writing rather than leaving it to the day.
What to send for a quote
The venue and canton, the venue's own requirements if you have them, indoor or outdoor position, target size, artwork, quantity and the installation date. For an Alpine or winter site, say so: it changes both the material discussion and the access planning.
Verified Specifications
Figures this guide is written against.
Material specifications
| Specification | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Double-layer PVC | General construction for custom advertising inflatables | The default build for most promotional structures. |
| 0.4 mm PVC | Large-format projects | Used on delivered large-format orders. |
| 0.5 / 0.6 / 0.7 mm PVC mesh | Engineered structures | Specified where the structure carries load, spans further, or faces sustained wind exposure. |
Air system specifications
| Pump | Airflow | Pressure | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 650 W electric pump | 1,600–2,000 L/min | 2.0 psi | Smaller spheres, compact displays and short-duration indoor installations |
| 1600 W electric pump | 4,800–5,200 L/min | 4.5 psi | Large-format structures, arches and continuously inflated outdoor displays |
Both pumps cover 110–240 V at 50–60 Hz, so the same air system suits 110 V and 220–240 V markets. Confirm the plug type for the destination country.
Sourcing and Ordering Guides
More on quoting, terms and shipping.
Swiss Event Calendar and Ordering Timeline
Art Basel, the 1 August national day, OLMA and the Advent markets, turned into artwork approval dates you can put in a project plan.
Importing Custom Inflatables into Mexico
What a Mexican import of a custom inflatable actually involves: the importer register, the customs broker, 16% IVA, and where the schedule usually slips.
Mexican Event Permits for Inflatable Installations
Who signs off an inflatable installation in Mexico City, what a Programa Especial de Protección Civil involves, and what the supplier has to provide.
Mexican Retail Calendar and Ordering Timeline
Independence Day, Día de Muertos, El Buen Fin and the trade fair calendar, converted into artwork approval dates for a Mexican campaign.
Compare sizes, materials and air systems on the custom advertising inflatable product range page before sending an RFQ.
Relevant Product Pages
Compare specifications before submitting an RFQ.
Buyer FAQ
Additional specification questions.
Where to order
Order direct from the manufacturer.
Published by InflatCraft, operated by Tianjin Mufeng Trading Co., Ltd., a custom inflatable manufacturer founded in 2005 and based in Tianjin, China. We export to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.
Request a quote
Send the brief and get a specification-based quotation.
MOQ and lead time
What sets the minimum order and where the time goes.
Sourcing from China
Brief, approval, Incoterms, freight and import, in order.
Verified specifications
Materials, air systems and lead time this site quotes against.
Export planning by country: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy.
