16 CFR 1610: CPSC Request for Information Regarding Wearing Apparel Flammability

03 May 2019 REGULATORY NEWS

16 CFR 1610: CPSC Request for Information Regarding Wearing Apparel Flammability

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is requesting information about expanding the list of exempted fabrics and information about the equipment and procedures used for testing to 16 CFR 1610. The CPSC is considering these changes to the flammability standard to reduce the costs associated with these requirements while still protecting consumers. They are looking for the following information:

By Bureau Veritas Technical Services 3 minute read

The CPSC is seeking test data from a range of fabric constructions, fabric weights and blends which include spandex. CPSC would like to receive test data of plain surface fabrics with spandex blended with one or more combination of the already exempted fibers listed in 16 CFR 1610.1 weighing less than 2.6 oz/sq yd and raised surface fabrics regardless of the weight that contains spandex with one or more combination of the already exempted fibers listed in 16 CFR 1610.1. They would also like testing costs associated with testing spandex, types of fabrics and garments and how much testing involves spandex fabrics.

The CPSC is seeking information about the currently required stop thread (No. 50 white, mercerized, 100% cotton) in regards to its availability and specifications. They are aware that this thread may be outdated or have limited availability.

For the refurbishing (drycleaning and laundering) procedure, the CPSC is looking for information in regards to costs of drycleaning and the details for alternatives to replace the perchloroethylene solvent, due to the limited availability or potential legal restrictions for the use of perchloroethylene solvent.

For the laundering procedure following AATCC 124-2006, the CPSC is asking for comments in regards to the automatic washers and dryers that are specified in the standard due to availability and seeking possible alternatives to consider.

The CPSC is also looking for input in regards to the burn test codes for reporting. They have received feedback that the codes may be confusing.

The CPSC is also asking for any other comments in regards to procedures and equipment for the testing to reduce the burden.

Comments should be submitted to CPSC by June 24, 2019


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