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.

Why is flammability testing important?

Flammability testing covers several different testing protocols and methods intended to measure a material’s vulnerability, including its susceptibility to an ignition source, its propensity to combust, and the rate at which it will burn when ignited.

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 is a global leader for testing and certification

TÜV SÜD’s state-of-the-art, ISO 17025 accredited flame-retardant testing labs can evaluate products and materials according to US and EU flammability requirements. We are equipped to test a wide range of fabrics and textiles, consumer and industrial garments and other apparel, as well as furniture products, furnishings and toys. Our testing services ensure compliance with applicable regulations, avoid unnecessary delays in bringing new products to market, and preclude costly enforcement actions.

Our flammability testing services

TÜV SÜD’s flammability testing services include testing for several fire-related properties, including:

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

TÜV SÜD’s global reach also enables us to support supply chain oversight efforts worldwide, and to help ensure that sourced products and materials meet flammability regulations as well as your other requirements and specifications.