16 CFR Part 1630 & 1631 Carpet Flammability Testing

The 16 CFR 1630/1631 safety flammability tests for carpetsare an important product certification standard. This test is designed to evaluate the fire resistance of carpet materials to ensure they do not cause fires or exacerbate flames during use. The TEUM platform requires carpet products to provide CPC Certification; lacking this certification may result in the product being delisted.

Applicable Standards

16 CFR 1630 – Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs

Standard for the surface flammability of carpets.

16 CFR 1631 – Standard for the Surface Flammability of Small Carpets and Rugs

Standard for the surface flammability of small carpets.

Standard Description

16 CFR Part 1630 – Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs

Test standard for the surface flammability of carpets and travel rugs.

16 CFR Part 1631 – Standard for the Surface Flammability of Small Carpets and Rugs

Test standard for the surface flammability of small carpets and travel rugs.

Scope of Application

1. 16 CFR Part 1630applies to carpets intended for use in homes, offices, or hotelsthat are not mechanically fastened(e.g., nails). These carpets have a single dimension exceeding 1.83 metersand a surface area greater than 2.23 square meters.

2. 16 CFR Part 1631applies to carpets also intended for homes, offices, or hotelsthat are not mechanically fastened, but have a single dimension not exceeding 1.83 metersand a surface area no greater than 2.23 square meters.

Testing Method

1. Prepare 8 carpet samplesmeasuring 22.86 × 22.86 cm.

2. Before testing, place the samples in a drying oven at 105°C for 2 hours.

3. Place each sample on a test framemeasuring 22.86 × 22.86 cm, with a thickness of 6.35 mm, and a 20.32 cm (8 in) central opening.

4. Place a lit standard igniter (tablet)at the geometric center of the sample.

5. The test ends when either of the following occurs:

 1. Flames or glowing combustion appear on the sample; or

 2. Flame or glowing combustion spreads to within 2.54 cm of the test frame edge.

Evaluation Criteria

(a)If the char length of the sample does not exceed 2.54 cm from the edge of the test frame(i.e., measured from the center, the longest side of the burned area is no more than 3 inches), the sample meets the test requirements.

(b)If at least 7 out of 8 samplesmeet the test requirements, the sample is considered compliant with the regulation.

Tracking Label:

Carpets and mats for children must include a tracking label or other obvious permanent marking. Where feasible, the tracking label should be permanent and prominently displayedon both the product and outer packaging. It must include basic information, including product source, production date, and batch informationsuch as batch number or serial number.

Certification Process

1. Fill out the application form.

2. Provide samples.

3. Arrange testing.

4. Draft test report issuedif the samples pass.

5. Confirm issuance of the official certificate.

Certification Cycle

5 working days