16 CFR Part 1610 Clothing Flammability Testing

Every year, clothing items are recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to the potential risk of causing burn injuries to consumers. In response to this, the CPSC established the 16 CFR Part 1610 standard, which sets clear requirements for the flammability of clothing textiles. Clothing exported to the United States that fails to meet this standard may be detained by customs or banned from sale. The following introduces the main content and testing methods of the standard.

Introduction to the 16 CFR Part 1610 Standard

16 CFR Part 1610 is a flammability standard for clothing textiles used to evaluate the flame spread rate and burning characteristics of textiles. 16 CFR Part 1610 specifies the test methods for clothing flammability and classifies clothing fabrics into Class 1 (Normal Flammability), Class 2 (Intermediate Flammability), and Class 3 (Rapid and Intense Burning). 16 CFR Part 1610 applies to the vast majority of adult and children's clothing and is a mandatory market entry requirement for the United States.

Scope of Application for 16 CFR Part 1610

• Applicable to: All fabrics made of natural or synthetic fibers, whether treated with any kind of finish or untreated, as well as clothing made from these fabrics.

• Not applicable to: Hats, gloves, footwear, and interlining fabrics.

16 CFR Part 1610 Testing Methods

(1) Sample Preparation

The test requires 5 samples with dimensions of 2 inches × 6 inches (approximately 50mm × 150mm). The original state samples, as well as samples that have been subjected to dry-cleaning and laundering treatments, are tested separately.

(2) Sample Treatment

For raised-surface fabrics (such as chenille, fleece, terry cloth, etc.), a brushing treatment is required before testing.

After the samples are oven-dried and cooled in a desiccator, they are placed in the testing chamber and mounted at a 45° angle to the horizontal plane.

(3) Testing Steps

The lower surface (non-edge) of the test specimen is exposed to a gas flame for 1 second. Observe the flame spreading upward until it burns through the stop thread, at which point the timer stops recording the time. If the flame goes out midway, the corresponding results are recorded.

5 specimens are tested for each sample. If the average flame spread time is:

• Less than 3.5 seconds for plain-surface fabrics

• Less than 4 seconds for raised-surface fabrics

• The specimen does not burn at all

• Only one specimen has a recorded burn time

Then, a second set of 5 specimens must be additionally tested, and the average value of all 10 specimens is taken as the final result.

16 CFR Part 1610 Classification Standard

Based on the flame spread time, 16 CFR Part 1610 classifies fabrics into three classes:

• Class 1: Exhibits normal flammability and is acceptable for use in clothing manufacturing.

• Class 2: Applicable only to raised-surface fabrics. Exhibits intermediate flammability and can be used for clothing, but should be used with caution because the test results for this type of fabric may fluctuate.

• Class 3: Burns too rapidly and intensely. It is unacceptable for manufacturing clothing and is prohibited from being imported into the United States.

JJR LAB can provide 16 CFR Part 1610 clothing flammability testing services. If you have any needs, please feel free to consult us.