Certification and Registration
16 CFR 1610 Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles
Category:
CPC
What is the purpose of the general flammability standards for apparel?
This regulation prohibits the commercial sale of hazardous flammable textiles and apparel. It specifies test methods for flammability and classifies fabrics into three ratings based on burn rate. Class 3 textiles are the most hazardous – they burn rapidly and intensely and are unsuitable for apparel.
Applicable Standards
16 CFR 1610 Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles
What does wearable clothing include?
Apparel includes any garment worn by individuals. This standard applies to all textiles used in adult and children’s apparel, though most children’s sleepwear must meet stricter requirements. Exempted items include most hats, gloves, footwear, and fabrics used as linings or interlinings.
How are fabrics or garments tested for flammability?
The following is a general overview; for detailed procedures, refer to the regulation or contact SATISFY.
Five specimens (2" × 6") are tested before and after dry cleaning and washing. They are mounted and placed in the test cabinet. Textiles with raised‑fiber surfaces (e.g., chenille, velour, terry) are brushed before testing. After conditioning (oven‑dried and cooled), each specimen is placed at a 45° angle, and the underside is exposed to a gas flame for one second. The flame burns upward; stop time is recorded when the flame reaches the stop line or extinguishes.
The average flame‑spread time is calculated from the five specimens. If the time is <3.5 seconds for smooth fabrics, or <4 seconds for raised‑surface fabrics, or if no specimen ignites (or only one does), a second set of five is tested. The final time is the average of all ten specimens.
The regulation defines three levels of flammability based on the duration of flame spread:
Class 1 – flame‑spread time: smooth fabrics ≥3.5 seconds; raised‑surface fabrics >7 seconds (or 0–7 seconds with no base ignition or melting, often "surface flash"). Normal flammability – suitable for apparel.
Class 2 – applies only to raised‑surface fabrics. Time: 4 to 7 seconds (inclusive), with base fabric ignition or melting. Moderate flammability – suitable but use caution.
Class 3 – smooth fabrics <3.5 seconds; raised‑surface fabrics <4 seconds with base melting or burning away. Rapid and intense burning – hazardous; not for use in apparel.
Examples of Class 2 or 3 fabrics include sheer rayon or silk, rayon chenille, cotton/cotton‑blend velveteen or seersucker, and certain cotton terry.
Fabrics consistently meeting the standard
Years of testing show the following consistently meet Class 1 and are exempt from reasonable‑and‑representative testing:
1.Plain‑weave fabrics weighing ≥2.6 oz/yd², regardless of fiber content; and
2.All fabrics made entirely of acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, or wool (or combinations thereof), regardless of weight or surface texture.
How to ensure compliance?
Manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers can:
1.Purchase fabrics or apparel made from the exempt fabrics above.
2.Conduct reasonable and representative tests on fabrics (before cutting/sewing) or finished garments.
3.Obtain a supplier warranty demonstrating compliance – the supplier must test each covered item and maintain records (except for exempt fabrics). SATISFY advises verifying that the supplier actually tests and periodically reconfirms ongoing compliance.
For more information, please contact SATISFY customer service. SATISFY offers one‑stop apparel and textile testing – including preliminary assessments, documentation preparation and submission, end‑to‑end monitoring of testing and certification, compliance labelling, and post‑testing support.
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