SG 17/24
In October 2023, the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finalized the rulemaking process to amend the Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles outlined in 16 CFR part 1610. This updated standard will become effective on April 22, 2024.
The final rule adopted proposed amendments, made revisions for clarity, expanded permissible equipment and materials for testing, and updated equipment requirements to replace those that were outdated. These modifications address three main areas, including burn code classification, stop thread specifications and refurbishing requirements.
According to the CPSC, the recent amendments do not modify testing or criteria. The standard for assessing fabric flammability and its suitability for use in clothing is unchanged. Instead, modifications aim to enhance the precision of testing and classifications by implementing the following adjustments:
- Clarification of the burn code for surface flash base burn (SFBB) has been provided in the regulation. The code for SFBB serves as the fundamental criterion for categorizing raised surface fabric into Class 2 and Class 3
- Sewing thread has been revised to 3-ply, white, mercerized, 100% cotton with a Tex size of 40 ± 5, instead of the previous No. 50, white, mercerized, 100% cotton specification
- Hydrocarbon solvents have been introduced in the refurbishing options alongside the existing choice of perchloroethylene solvents
- As part of the refurbishing conditions, the washing/drying procedure has been revised to align with AATCC LP1-2021. However, under 16 CFR 1610.40, the existing AATCC TM124-2006 standard remains an acceptable option
Reference:
Final rule - Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles
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