16 CFR 1633is a federal safety standard established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), primarily targeting the flame retardant performanceof mattresses and mattress sets. This standard has been mandatory since JULy 1, 2007, aiming to REDuce deaths and injuries caused by mattress fires. Unlike the earlier 16 CFR 1632, 1633 focuses on open flame ignitionresistance testing.
The regulation requires manufacturers to conduct standardized flame retardant tests on mattresses before market release. Below are common questions and answers regarding this standard.
The two standards are complementary, and mattresses must comply with both. The differences are:
① 16 CFR 1632: Primarily tests mattress resistance to smoldering cigarettes.
② 16 CFR 1633: Requires mattresses to limit heat release and flame spreadwhen exposed to an open flamewithin specified limits.
Yes. 1633covers open flame testing, while 1632addresses smoldering cigarette testing. Mattresses must meet both standards.
Mattresses covered under 16 CFR 1633include products made of elastic materials or composites encased in ticking, intended for sleeping. Examples:
① Adult mattresses
② Children’s mattresses
③ Infant mattresses
④ Bunk bed mattresses
⑤ Sofa bed mattresses
⑥ Waterbeds with filler structures
⑦ Airbeds
⑧ Futons
⑨ Foldable sofa pads
① Sleeping bags
② Pillows
③ Bed frames
④ Waterbeds or airbeds without filler
⑤ Sofas without removable cushions
⑥ Recliners
⑦ Car mats
⑧ Cradle mats
⑨ Baby carriers
⑩ Changing table pads
⑪ Stroller pads
⑫ Infant crib bumpers or playpen mattresses
After conditioning the sample under controlled temperature and humidity, the test (as shown in sample photos) exposes the mattress to two T-shaped burners:
① Top burner flame duration: 70 seconds
② Side burner flame duration: 50 seconds
③ Test duration: 30 minutes
1. Peak Heat Release Rate (HRR)within 30 minutes ≤ 200 kW
2. Total Heat Release (THR)within the first 10 minutes ≤ 15 MJ
If a mattress is found non-compliant, the CPSC can:
① Order a stop sale
② Enforce a product recall
③ Impose significant fines
④ In severe cases, initiate criminal investigations
Non-compliance also severely impacts brand reputation and market access, as consumers and distributors may lose trust. Compliance is therefore critical not just to avoid penalties, but to maintain competitiveness in the mattress market.
By enforcing strict testing and compliance, 16 CFR 1633 pushes the mattress industry to improve flame retardancy, minimizing fire-related injuries and fatalities. For manufacturers and importers, 1633 compliance is a basic requirement for entering the U.S. market, making documentation and quality control essential.
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