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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a proposed upholstered flammability rule that sets flammability performance standards. The current proposal focuses on smoldering ignition and gives two options to meet federal requirements. One would require a smolder-resistant cover fabric. The second would be the use of an interior barrier resistant to smoldering and open flame.
Testing that assures products meet the standards, and maintaining substantiating records are incorporated into the rules. This requirement that covers manufacturers and importers could impact retailers. Retailers who buy upholstered furniture directly from abroad, and are the importers of record, are considered manufacturers and will be responsible for testing of the imported products to meet U.S. standards, and keeping the proper records.
Dale Ray, upholstery flammability product manager and a senior economist for the CPSC, speaking at a late March flammability conference hosted by the American Home Furnishings Alliance said that although there is no time table, “It’s conceivable that two years from today you might have a requirement.”
For complete information on the proposed flammability standards, visit the CPSC website: http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frcom.html.