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Posted on 13/02/2020 in Furniture & Textiles Fire Safety Regulatory 2020
US heads for minimal national furniture fire standards

The US Congress voted on 17th December 2019 the “Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability Act” (SOFFA, H.R.2647). This must now pass the US Senate. If the bill is finally adopted, then California Technical Bulletin 117–2013 would become a US federal standard for upholstered furniture. TB-117-2013 is a smoldering cigarette ignition test, which would be a very minimal fire safety requirement. The bill would pre-empt State legislation on fire safety of upholstered furniture. It would apply to furniture, including if intended for children, but not to bedding and mattresses. The bill is supported by the US furniture industry (the American Home Furnishings Alliance) which has consistently opposed stringent fire safety requirements for its products.

US Congress Bill HR2647 https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2647

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