CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

USA Adopts the California’s TB 117-2013 as Federal Flammability Standard for Upholstered Furniture

JANUARY 2021 - HARDLINES, SOFTLINES

On 27 Dec 2020, the President of USA signed the Bill H. R. 133 on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021¹, which includes the ‘Title XXI – COVID-19 Regulatory Relief and Work from Home Safety Act’ adopting the California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 as the federal flammability standard for USA.

The Title XXI – COVID-19 Regulatory Relief and Work from Home Safety Act will become effective from 25 Jun 2021.

According to this law, upholstered furniture as defined in the law (including children’s furniture) must fulfil the following requirements:

• Must comply with the California flammability standard Technical Bulletin 117-2013
• Must include a permanent label located on the product containing the statement, ‘‘Complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability’’ 
• However, the General Conformity Certificate is not required for this flammability standard.

The definition of upholstered furniture does not include outdoor furniture and the Act also excludes following product from its scope:

• mattress;
• a foundation;
• any bedding product; or
• furniture that is used exclusively for the purpose of physical fitness and exercise.

This is to be noted that this Act does not affect the existing California’s requirements for upholstered furniture under the Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Act and Rules and Regulations². Therefore, upholstered furniture intended to be sold in California must comply with the requirements of both Federal and California.

[1]  Bill H. R. 133 on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

[2]  Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Act and Rules and Regulations