Flammability testing

What is flammability testing?

Flammability testing determines how easily a material or finished product will ignite or burn when exposed to or used near fire or heat. Failure to meet flammability testing requirements is not only a considerable risk to public safety, but it also restricts market access and can lead to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities.

Importance of flammability testing

The vulnerability of a material, including its susceptibility to an ignition source and its propensity to combust is determined by various procedures and methods, covered by flammability testing.

The US, European Union (EU) and other countries have introduced regulations establishing minimum flammability requirements for many types of materials and finished products to reduce deaths and injuries associated with fires.

Compliance with these requirements is generally demonstrated through reports of flammability testing conducted by independent third-parties in flammability testing labs. Jurisdictions also usually require specific warning labels regarding a product’s intended use. Failure to comply with these requirements can prevent market access, or lead to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities.

TÜV SÜD’s global expertise for testing and certification

Our state-of-the-art laboratories are ISO 17025, flame-retardant testing facilities that can evaluate products and materials in accordance with US and EU flammability requirements. Our capability to test a wide range of fabrics and textiles, consumer and industrial garments and other apparel ensures compliance with applicable regulations, avoids unnecessary delays in bringing new products to market, and mitigates costly enforcement actions.

Our flammability testing services

• Ignition susceptibility
• Burn rate
• Flame spread
• Combustibility
• ‘Flash over’ point

With an extensive reach worldwide, we are also equipped to support supply chain oversight efforts, thus ensuring that sources products and materials meet flammability regulations.