Flammability + Flame Retardant Regulations

Hightower values being up-to-date on all industry standards and regulations. California has long been a pioneer in advancements around sustainability, particularly as it pertains to flammability and flame retardants in furniture. The various regulations can be difficult to navigate, so we have outlined key information below, including information about fabric selection.

Overview

CAL TB 133

CAL TB 117-13

SB 1019

SF 211-17

AB 2998

Flammability Standard

Flammability Standard

Labeling Requirement

Flame Retardant Ban

Flame Retardant Ban

Flammability & Labeling Standards

CAL TB 133

  • California Technical Bulletin 133
  • Repealed effective January 22, 2019

CAL TB 117-13

  • California Technical Bulletin 117-2013
  • Passed in 2013, replacing the old version of the 1975 standard, CALTB117
  • Allows upholstered furniture to meet flammability requirements without the use of flame retardants
  • Does not prohibit the use of flame retardants

SB 1019

  • Senate Bill 1019 - labeling requirement
  • Effective January 1, 2015 in California
  • Requires manufacturers complying with CAL117-13 to include a label disclosing whether the furniture contains flame retardants

Flame Retardant Bans

SF 211-17

  • San Francisco Ordinance 211-2017
  • Effective January 1, 2019
  • Prohibits the use of flame retardants in upholstered product at levels above 1,000 ppm (0.1%)
  • Required labeling compliant with SB 1019

AB 2998

  • Assembly Bill No. 2998
  • Effective January 1, 2020 in California
  • Bans the sale of upholstered furniture products containing flame retardants at levels above 1,000 ppm (0.1%)
  • Excludes electronic components (this differs from 211-17)
  • Required labeling compliant with SB 1019

What about Fabric?

Fabric is considered separately from our products, in most cases.

  • For products to meet CAL117-2013, SF 211-17, or AB-2998 a compliant fabric must be specified
  • We are working to support our clients in guiding them towards compliant fabrics

For more information, please contact our Sustainability Manager, Michaela Shaw.
[email protected]
484.366.3667