Regulatory News

New Hampshire Restricts Flame Retardants in Upholstered Furniture

Sep. 17 2019

The US State of New Hampshire enacted a law that prohibits the sale or import of upholstered furniture containing in its fabric or other covering or in its cushioning materials a flame retardant or a mixture that includes flame retardant chemicals more than 0.1%. The law does not specify any particular flame retardants and instead has a broad definition that includes any chemical or chemical compound with a functional use to resist or inhibit the spread of fire, including but not limit to: halogenated, phosphorus-based, nitrogen-based and nanoscale substances flame retardants.

This state law was effective on September 3, 2019. However, this does not apply to new upholstered furniture which is manufactured before January 1, 2020 and imported or purchased by a retailer or wholesaler for sale or distribution in the state before January 1, 2021.

In addition, certain exemptions of the law also include:

  • Used upholstered furniture including antique upholstered furniture
  • Upholstered furniture purchased for public use in public facilities
  • Upholstered furniture which includes electronic or electric components
  • Mattresses

The attorney general may request the manufacturer of upholstered furniture to provide a certificate of compliance. Within 30 days of receipt of request, the manufacturer shall provide a certificate declaring the product is in compliance or notify retailers who sell the non-compliance product and submit the names and addresses of those notified to the attorney general.

Click to view the law

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