Amendment to Prohibits Maine's Sales Prohibition on Upholstered Furniture Treated with Flame-retardant Chemicals

Introduction
The state of Maine has approved an amendment to a current law.  The Act, titled H.P. 1233, Act Regarding Maine's Sales Prohibition on Upholstered Furniture Treated with Flame-retardant Chemicals which was introduced January 1, 2019.  

General Requirements 
With this approval the definition in 38 MRSA §1609-A, sub-§3, Sec 1 B is updated “Upholstered furniture purchased for public use if the product or components in public facilities, including, but not limited to, schools, jails and hospitals, that is requires testing  by the State of California to meet the flammability standard in California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Technical Bulletin 133, "Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies," dated January 1991.”  

Another amendment included exemptions under 38 MRSA §1609-A, sub-§3, D, “Electronic components and associated electronic component casings of upholstered furniture that is subject to the prohibition in subsection 2” are exempted. 

In addition, an amendment under 38 MRSA §1609-A, sub-§3, A, the retailer may return upholstered furniture to the vendor for a full refund, including shipping and other related costs, if flame retardant chemicals are found and are prohibited. 

Additional Information http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1233&item=3&snum=130

https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec1609-A.html

Previous Maine Updates:
• Maine Restricts Flame Retardants in Furniture  (August 2017, 17NB-029)

• Maine Finalizes New Reporting Rule for Two Flame Retardants (May 2017, 17NB-015)

How Does this Impact You? Contact Us to Discuss
If you have any questions about these proposed revisions, please contact your customer service representative or email: info@us.bureauveritas.com