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USA: Rhode island aligns flame retardant limit for residential upholstery

JULY 2019- Relevant for: Hardlines, children's products

On 8 July 2019, the Governor of Rhode Island signed bill H5119¹ to amend the limit of non-polymeric organohalogen flame retardants from 100 ppm to 1000 ppm, effective 1 January 2020.  The amendment will align the restriction with other State laws as it once was the most stringent requirement.

Starting from 1 January 2020, no manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer may manufacture, knowingly sell, offer for sale, or distribute for use any residential upholstered bedding or furniture in the state. This also applies to these products intended for children.

Organohalogen flame retardants include any chemical containing the element bromine or chlorine bonded to carbon that is added to a plastic, foam, fabric, or textile.

The amendment does not apply to products sold or in use prior to 1 January 2020. Internal electronic components used in the residential upholstery are exempted from this restriction. 

[1] Bill H5119