Minnesota to Strengthen Limits for Flame Retardants in Consumer Products

Minnesota has introduced proposals to restrict a number of flame retardants in a wide range of consumer products. The enforcement date is dependent on the nature of the economic operator and would start in July 2017.

Bills SF 1215 and HF 1100 Strengthen Consumer Products Safety

In February 2015, the US state of Minnesota introduced bill SF 1215 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=SF1215&version=1&session=ls89&session_year=2015&session_number=0) (companion bill HF 1100 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF1100&version=0&session=ls89&session_year=2015&session_number=0)) to restrict 10 flame retardants in children’s products, upholstered furniture and residential textiles. The companion bill HF 1100 does not include residential textiles in the scope of restriction. The two bills will have to be reconciled before enactment. Under the proposal, a restricted flame retardant cannot be substituted by a chemical that can cause cancer, genetic damage or reproductive harm (CMR) or has an adverse impact on the environment.

Enforcement to Begin in 2017                                            

If approved, the new law will take effect on the day following final enactment. The enforcement dates will be

- 1 July 2017 for manufacturers and wholesalers

- 1 July 2018 for retailers

Highlights of the proposals Minnesota bill SF 1215 (1st Engrossed) and bill HF 1100 as well as definitions are summarized within the latest Safeguards bulletin (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-05115-us-minnesota-strict-limits-flame-retardants-a4-en-15.pdf)

About SGS Testing and Safety for Consumer Goods

Throughout its global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a range of services, including analytical testing and consultancy, for flame retardants in upholstered furniture (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Hardgoods/Home-Furnishings-and-Houseware.aspx) and children’s products for the US and international markets.

Please do not hesitate to contact an SGS representative for further information.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services

Kris Wan
Senior Manager, Global Softlines Development Office
SGS Hong Kong
t: +852 2765 3695

HingWo Tsang
Global Toys and Juvenile Products Information and Innovation Manager
SGS Hong Kong Limited
1/F On Wui Centre
25 Lok Yip Road
Fanling, N.T., Hong Kong, China
t: +852 2774 7420

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.