Minnesota Expands Scope of Flame Retardant Law and Bans PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foams
Minnesota expands its flame retardant rules by extending their scope and prohibits the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams.
- (1888PressRelease) June 29, 2019 - The US state of Minnesota’s governor has signed into law bill HF 359, which will expand the scope of existing flame retardant rules. In addition, they have prohibited the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals) in Class B firefighting foams.
Minnesota’s previous law was signed in 2015, covering four organo-halogenated flame retardants (OFRs) in children’s products and upholstered residential furniture.
Signed on May 22, 2019, bill HF 359 strengthens these existing rules by:
• Expanding scope to include:
o Products for children under the age of 12
o Upholstered residential furniture
o Mattresses (previously not included)
o Residential textiles (previously not included)
• Covering all organo-halogenated flame retardants (previously, Deca-BDE, HBCDD, TCEP and TDCPP)
The requirement remains the same: ≤ 1000 ppm for each organo-halogenated flame retardant.
The following items are exempted:
• Children’s products, mattresses, upholstered residential furniture, or residential textiles where a federal flammability standard exists
• Electronic components of children’s products, mattresses, upholstered residential furniture, or residential textiles or associated casings
• Components of an adult mattress other than foam
• Previously owned products containing OFRs
• Threads or fibers for stitching mattress components
The requirement for products for children under the age of 12 also exempts:
• Consumer electronics and outdoor sports equipment (section 116.0405 Clauses 10 and 11)
• Food, beverages, dietary supplements, biological or pharmaceutical products
• Medical devices, public assembly tents (section 325F.03), tents and sleeping bags (section 325F.04)
• Toys subject to ASTM F963
The new law will become effective in two phases:
1. July 1, 2021 - manufacturers or wholesalers
2. July 1, 2022 - retailers
Stakeholders are advised to now check their products comply with Minnesota’s latest flame retardant laws.
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Utilizing a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, SGS delivers dedicated fire and flammability testing services to customers around the world. Covering a range of consumer products, from building materials to furniture and toys. SGS has the capabilities in place to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions to your flammability testing needs. Learn more about SGS’s Flammability Testing Services. [www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/hardgoods/home-furnishings-and-houseware/testing/flammability-tests]
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Minnesota, USA, Strengthens Flame Retardant Law and Bans PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foams SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2019/06/safeguards-08419-minnesota-usa-strengthens-flame-retardant-law-and-bans-pfas-chemicals-in-foams]
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