[Title 16 CFR 1615]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2002 Edition]
[Title 16 - COMMERCIAL PRACTICES]
[Chapter II - CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION]
[Subchapter D - FLAMMABLE FABRICS ACT REGULATIONS]
[Part 1615 - STANDARD FOR THE FLAMMABILITY OF CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR: SIZES 0 THROUGH 6X (FF 3-71)]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]


16COMMERCIAL PRACTICES22002-01-012002-01-01falseSTANDARD FOR THE FLAMMABILITY OF CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR: SIZES 0 THROUGH 6X (FF 3-71)1615PART 1615COMMERCIAL PRACTICESCONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSIONFLAMMABLE FABRICS ACT REGULATIONS
PART 1615--STANDARD FOR THE FLAMMABILITY OF CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR: SIZES 0 THROUGH 6X (FF 3-71)--Table of Contents




                         Subpart A--The Standard

Sec.
1615.1 Definitions.
1615.2 Scope and application.
1615.3 General requirements.
1615.4 Test procedure.
1615.5 Labeling requirements.

                    Subpart B--Rules and Regulations

1615.31 Labeling, recordkeeping, advertising, retail display and 
          guaranties.
1615.32 Method for establishment and use of alternate laundering 
          procedures under section 4(g)(4)(ii) of the standard.
1615.35 Use of alternate apparatus, procedures, or criteria for testing 
          under the standard.
1615.36 Use of alternate apparatus or procedures for tests for guaranty 
          purposes.

                 Subpart C--Interpretations and Policies

1615.61 [Reserved]
1615.62 Policy and interpretation relative to items in inventory or as 
          to recordkeeping requirements.

[[Page 631]]

1615.63 Policy regarding garment production unit identification.
1615.64 Policy to clarify scope of the standard.

    Source: 40 FR 59903, Dec. 30, 1975, unless otherwise noted.



                         Subpart A--The Standard

    Authority: Sec. 429, Pub. L. 105-276; Sec. 4, 67 Stat. 112, as 
amended, 81 Stat. 569-570; 15 U.S.C. 1193.



Sec. 1615.1  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions given in section 2 of the Flammable 
Fabrics Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. 1191), the following definitions 
apply for purposes of this Standard:
    (a) Children's Sleepwear means any product of wearing apparel up to 
and including size 6X, such as nightgowns, pajamas, or similar or 
related items, such as robes, intended to be worn primarily for sleeping 
or activities related to sleeping, except:
    (1) Diapers and underwear;
    (2) ``Infant garments,'' as defined by section 1615.1(c), below; and
    (3) ``Tight-fitting garments,'' as defined by section 1615.1(o), 
below.
    (b) Size 6X means the size defined as 6X in Department of Commerce 
Voluntary Product Standard, previously identified as Commercial 
Standard, CS 151-50 ``Body Measurements for the Sizing of Apparel for 
Infants, Babies, Toddlers, and Children.'' \1\
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    \1\ Copies available from the National Technical Information 
Service, 5285 Port Royal Street, Springfield, VA 22151, and should be 
ordered as CS 15150.
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    (c) Infant garment means a garment which:
    (1) Is sized nine months or smaller;
    (2) If a one-piece garment, does not exceed 64.8 centimeters (25.75 
inches) in length; if a two-piece garment, has no piece exceeding 40 
centimeters (15.75 inches) in length;
    (3) Complies with all applicable requirements of the Standard for 
the Flammability Clothing Textiles (16 CFR part 1610) and the Standard 
for the Flammability Vinyl Plastic Film (16 CFR part 1611); and
    (4) Bears a label stating the size of the garment, expressed in 
terms of months of age. For example, ``0 to 3 mos.'' or ``9 mos.'' If 
the label is not visible to the consumer when the garment is offered for 
sale at retail, the same information must appear legibly on the package 
of the garment.
    (d) Item means any product of children's sleepwear, or any fabric or 
related material intended or promoted for use in children's sleepwear.
    (e) Trim means decorative materials, such as ribbons, laces, 
embroidery, or ornaments. This definition does not include (1) 
individual pieces less than 2 inches in their longest dimension, 
provided that such pieces do not constitute or cover in aggregate a 
total of more than 20 square inches of the item, or (2) functional 
materials (findings), such as zippers, buttons, or elastic bands, used 
in the construction of garments.
    (f) Test Criteria means the maximum char length which a sample or 
specimen may exhibit in order to pass an individual test.
    (g) Char Length means the distance from the original lower edge of 
the specimen exposed to the flame in accordance with the procedure 
specified in Sec. 1615.4 Test procedure to the end of the tear or void 
in the charred, burned, or damaged area, the tear being made in 
accordance with the procedure specified in Sec. 1615.4(g)(2).
    (h) [Reserved]
    (i) Afterglow means the continuation of glowing of parts of a 
specimen after flaming has ceased.
    (j) Fabric Piece (Piece) means a continuous, unseamed length of 
fabric, one or more of which make up a unit.
    (k) Fabric Production Unit (Unit) means any quantity of finished 
fabric up to 5,000 linear yards for normal sampling or 10,000 linear 
yards for reduced sampling which has a specific identity that remains 
unchanged throughout the Unit except for color or print pattern as 
specified in Sec. 1615.4(b). For purposes of this definition, finished 
fabric means fabric in its final form after completing its last 
processing steps as a fabric except for slitting.
    (l) Garment Production Unit (Unit) means any quantity of finished 
garments up to 500 dozen which have a specific identity that remains 
unchanged throughout the Unit except

[[Page 632]]

for size, trim, findings, color, and print patterns as specified in 
Sec. 1615.4(b).
    (m) Sample means five test specimens.
    (n) Specimen means an 8.9 x 25.4 cm. (3.5 x 10 in.) section of 
fabric. For garment testing the specimen will include a seam or trim.
    (o) Tight-fitting garment means a garment which:
    (1)(i) In each of the sizes listed below does not exceed the maximum 
dimension specified below for the chest, waist, seat, upper arm, thigh, 
wrist, or ankle:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Chest      Waist       Seat    Upper arm    Thigh      Wrist      Ankle
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Size 9-12 mos
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................       48.3       48.3       48.3       14.3       26.7       10.5         13
    (inches).......................       (19)       (19)       (19)   (5\5/8\)  (10\1/2\)   (4\1/8\)   (5\1/8\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Size 12-18 mos
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................       49.5       49.5       50.8       14.9       28.3       10.5       13.1
    (inches).......................  (19\1/2\)  (19\1/2\)       (20)   (5\7/8\)  (11\1/8\)   (4\1/8\)   (5\1/8\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Size 18-24 mos
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................       52.1       50.8       53.3       15.6       29.5         11       13.6
    (inches).......................  (20\1/2\)       (20)       (21)   (6\1/8\)  (11\5/8\)   (4\1/4\)   (5\3/8\)
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                                                     Size 2
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................       52.1       50.8       53.3       15.6       29.8       11.4         14
    (inches).......................  (20\1/2\)       (20)       (21)   (6\1/8\)  (11\3/4\)   (4\1/2\)   (5\1/2\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Size 3
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................       53.3       52.1         56       16.2       31.4       11.7       14.9
    (inches).......................       (21)  (20\1/2\)       (22)   (6\3/8\)  (12\3/8\)   (4\5/8\)   (5\7/8\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                     Size 4
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................         56       53.3       58.4       16.8       33.0       12.1       15.9
    (inches).......................       (22)       (21)       (23)   (6\5/8\)       (13)   (4\3/4\)   (6\1/4\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                     Size 5
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................       58.4       54.6       61.0       17.5       34.6       12.4       16.8
    (inches).......................       (23)  (21\1/2\)       (24)   (6\7/8\)  (13\5/8\)   (4\7/8\)   (6\5/8\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Size 6
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................       61.0       55.9       63.5       18.1       36.2       12.7       17.8
    (inches).......................       (24)       (22)       (25)   (7\1/8\)  (14\1/4\)        (5)        (7)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Size 6X
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum dimension:
    Centimeters....................       62.9       57.2       65.4       18.7       37.8       13.0       18.7
    (inches).......................  (24\3/4\)  (22\1/2\)  (25\3/4\)   (7\3/8\)  (14\7/8\)   (5\1/8\)   (7\3/8\)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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[[Page 633]]

    (ii) Note: Measure the dimensions on the front of the garment. Lay 
garment, right side out, on a flat, horizontal surface. Smooth out 
wrinkles. Measure distances as specified below and multiply them by two. 
Measurements should be equal to or less than the maximum dimensions 
given in the standards.
    (A) Chest--measure distance from arm pit to arm pit (A to B) as in 
Diagram 1.
    (B) Waist--See Diagram 1. One-piece garment, measure at the 
narrowest location between arm pits and crotch (C to D). Two-piece 
garment, measure width at both the bottom/ sweep of the upper piece (C 
to D) and, as in Diagram 3, the top of the lower piece (C to D).
    (C) Wrist--measure the width of the end of the sleeve (E to F), if 
intended to extend to the wrist, as in Diagram 1.
    (D) Upper arm--draw a straight line from waist/sweep D through arm 
pit B to G. Measure down the sleeve fold from G to H. Refer to table 
below for G to H distances for each size. Measure the upper arm of the 
garment (perpendicular to the fold) from H to I as shown in Diagram 1.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19JA99.015


[[Page 634]]



                                Distance From Shoulder (G) to (H) for Upper Arm Measurement for Sizes 9 Months through 6x
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     9-12 mo          12-18 mo         18-24 mo            2                3                4                5                6                6x
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.8 cm 2\1/8\"    6.6 cm 2\5/8\"   7.4 cm 2\7/8\"   7.4 cm 2\7/8\"   8.1 cm 3\1/4\"   8.8 cm 3\1/2\"   9.5 cm 3\1/4\"       10.3cm 4"    11 cm 4\3/8\"
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[[Page 635]]

    (E) Seat--Fold the front of the pant in half to find the bottom of 
thecrotch at J as in Diagram 2. The crotch seam and inseam intersect at 
J. Mark point K on the crotch seam at 4 inches above and perpendicular 
to the bottom of the crotch. Unfold the garment as in Diagram 3. Measure 
the seat from L to M through K as shown.
    (F) Thigh--measure from the bottom of the crotch (J) 1 inch down the 
inseam to N as in Diagram 2. Unfold the garment and measure the thigh 
from the inseam at N to O as shown in Diagram 3.
    (G) Ankle--measure the width of the end of the leg (P to Q), if 
intended to extend to the ankle, as in Diagram 3.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR19JA99.016

    (2) Has no item of fabric, ornamentation or trim, such as lace, 
appliques, or ribbon, which extends more than 6 millimeters (\1/4\ inch) 
from the point of attachment to the outer surface of the garment;
    (3) Has sleeves which do not exceed the maximum dimension for the 
upper arm at any point between the upper arm and the wrist, and which 
diminish in width gradually from the top of the shoulder (point G in 
Diagram 1) to the wrist;
    (4) Has legs which do not exceed the maximum dimension for the thigh 
at any point between the thigh and the ankle, and which diminish in 
width gradually from the thigh to the ankle;
    (5) In the case of a one-piece garment, has a width which does not 
exceed the maximum dimension for the chest at any point between the 
chest and the waist and which diminishes gradually from the chest to the 
waist; and has a width which does not exceed the maximum dimension for 
the seat at any point between the seat and the waist and which 
diminishes gradually from the seat to the waist;

[[Page 636]]

    (6) In the case of a two-piece garment has an upper piece with a 
width which does not exceed the maximum dimension for the chest at any 
point between the chest and the bottom of that piece and which 
diminishes gradually from the chest to the bottom of that piece; in the 
case of an upper piece with fastenings, has the lowest fastening within 
15 centimeters (6 inches) of the bottom of that piece;
    (7) In the case of a two-piece garment, has a lower piece with a 
width which does not exceed the maximum dimension for the seat at any 
point between the seat and the top of the lower piece and which 
diminishes gradually from the seat to the top of that piece;
    (8) Complies with all applicable requirements of the Standard for 
the Flammability of Clothing Textiles (16 CFR part 1610) and the 
Standard for the Flammability of Vinyl Plastic Film (16 CFR part 1611); 
and
    (9) Bears a label stating the size of the garment in terms of age in 
months, or by child's size; for example: ``Size 9 to 12 mos.'' or ``Size 
2.'' If the label is not visible to the consumer when the garment is 
offered for sale at retail, the same information must appear legibly on 
the package of the garment.
    (10)(i) Hangtags. Bears a hangtag as shown following this paragraph 
stating ``For child's safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is 
not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garment is more likely to catch 
fire.'' The hangtag must measure 1\1/2\" x 6\1/
4\". The text must be enclosed in a text box that measures 
1" x 5\3/4\" and must be in 18 point Arial/
Helvetica font. The hangtag must have a yellow background and black 
lettering. The color yellow must meet the specifications for Standard 
Safety Yellow (Hue 5.OY; Value/Chroma 8.0/12) as described in American 
National Standard ANSI Z535.1-1998, Safety Color Code, p.6, under 
Munsell Notation. \2\ One side of the hangtag must display only this 
message. The reverse side of the hangtag may display sizing information, 
but otherwise must be blank. The text must not be obscured by the hole 
provided for attaching the hangtag to the garment. The hangtag must be 
prominently displayed on the garment.
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    \2\ ANSI Z535.1-1998, Standard for Safety Color Code, p.6, published 
by National Electrical Manufacturers Association is incorporated by 
reference. Copies of this document are available from the National 
Electrical Manufacturers Association, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 1847, 
Rossylyn, Virginia 22209. This document is also available for inspection 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, 
Suite 700, Washington, DC. The incorporation by reference was approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08SE99.000

    (ii) Packages. If the garments are sold in packages, the package 
must have a label as shown following this paragraph with the same 
language that would appear on the hangtag. The label must have a text 
box that measures \3/4\" x 3\3/4\". The text must 
be 11 point Arial/Helvetica in black lettering against a yellow 
background. The packages must be prominently, conspicuously, and legibly 
labeled with the required message. The package label may be adhesive.

[[Page 637]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08SE99.001

    (11) Bears a label as shown following this paragraph stating ``Wear 
Snug-fitting, Not Flame Resistant.'' The text must be printed on the 
front of the sizing label located on the center back of the garment and 
must be immediately below the size designation. The text must be a 
minimum of 5 point sans serif font in all capital letters and must be 
set apart from other label text by a line border. The text must contrast 
with the background color of the label. The label must not be covered by 
any other label or tag.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08SE99.002


[40 FR 59903, Dec. 30, 1975, as amended at 43 FR 4853, Feb. 6, 1978; 50 
FR 53307, Dec. 31, 1985; 61 FR 47644, Sept. 9, 1996; 64 FR 2838, Jan. 
19, 1999; 64 FR 34533, 34535, June 28, 1999; 65 FR 1435, Jan. 10, 2000]



Sec. 1615.2  Scope and application.

    (a) This Standard provides a test method to determine the 
flammability of items as defined in Sec. 1615.1(d).
    (b) All items as defined in Sec. 1615.1(d) are subject to 
requirements of this standard.
    (c) The flammability standards for clothing textiles and vinyl 
plastic film, parts 1610 and 1611 of this chapter, are superseded by 
this part insofar as they apply to items defined in Sec. 1615.1(d).

[40 FR 59903, Dec. 30, 1975, as amended at 64 FR 34533, June 28, 1999]



Sec. 1615.3  General requirements.

    (a) Summary of test method. Five conditioned specimens, 8.9 x 25.4 
cm. (3.5 x 10 in.), are suspended one at a time vertically in holders in 
a prescribed cabinet and subjected to a standard flame along their 
bottom edge for a specified time under controlled conditions. The char 
length is measured.
    (b) Test criteria. The test criteria when the testing is done in 
accordance with Sec. 1615.4 Test procedure are:
    (1) Average char length. The average char length of five specimens 
shall not exceed 17.8 cm. (7.0 in.).
    (2) Full specimen burn. No individual specimen shall have a char 
length of 25.4 cm. (10 in.).

[40 FR 59903, Dec. 30, 1975, as amended at 43 FR 4853, Feb. 6, 1978]



Sec. 1615.4  Test procedure.

    (a) Apparatus--(1) Test chamber. The test chamber shall be a steel 
cabinet with inside dimensions of 32.9 cm. (12 15/16 in.) wide, 32.9 cm. 
(12 15/16 in.) deep, and 76.2 cm. (30 in.) high. It shall have a frame 
which permits the suspension of the specimen holder over the center of 
the base of the cabinet at such a height that the bottom of the specimen 
holder is 1.7 cm. ( 3/4 in.) above the highest point of the barrel of 
the gas burner specified in paragraph (c) of this section and 
perpendicular to the front of the cabinet. The front of the cabinet 
shall be a close fitting door with a glass insert to permit observation 
of the entire test. The cabinet

[[Page 638]]

floor may be covered with a piece of asbestos paper, whose length and 
width are approximately 2.5 cm. (1 in.) less than the cabinet floor 
dimensions. The cabinet to be used in this test method is illustrated in 
Figure 1 and detailed in Engineering Drawings, Nos. 1 to 7.
    (2) Specimen holder. The specimen holder is designed to permit 
suspension of the specimen in a fixed vertical position and to prevent 
curling of the specimen when the flame is applied. It shall consist of 
two U-shaped 0.20 cm. (14 ga. USS) thick steel plates, 42.2 cm. (16\5/8\ 
in.) long, and 8.9 cm. (3.5 in.) wide, with aligning pins. The openings 
in the plates shall be 35.6 cm. (14 in.) long and 5.1 cm. (2 in.) wide. 
The specimen shall be fixed between the plates, which shall be held 
together with side clamps. The holder to be used in this test method is 
illustrated in Figure 2 and detailed in Engineering Drawing No. 7.
    (3) Burner. The burner shall be substantially the same as that 
illustrated in Figure 1 and detailed in Engineering Drawing No. 6. It 
shall have a tube of 1.1 cm. (0.43 in.) inside diameter. The input line 
to the burner shall be equipped with a needle valve. It shall have a 
variable orifice to adjust the height of the flame. The barrel of the 
burner shall be at an angle of 25 deg. from the vertical. The burner 
shall be equipped with an adjustable stop collar so that it may be 
positioned quickly under the test specimen. The burner shall be 
connected to the gas source by rubber or other flexible tubing.
    (4) Gas supply system. There shall be a pressure regulator to 
furnish gas to the burner under a pressure of 12913mm. Hg 
(2\1/2\\1/4\ lbs. per sq. in.) at the burner inlet.
    (5) Gas. The gas shall be at least 97 percent pure methane.
    (6) Hooks and weights. Metal hooks and weights shall be used to 
produce a series of loads for char length determinations. Suitable metal 
hooks consist of No. 19 gauge steel wire, or equivalent, made from 7.6 
cm. (3 in.) lengths of the wire, bent 1.3 cm. (0.5 in.) from one end to 
a 45 deg. angle hook. The longer end of the wire is fastened around the 
neck of the weight to be used and the other in the lower end of each 
burned specimen to one side of the burned area. The requisite loads are 
given in table 1.

[[Page 639]]

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC03OC91.088


                   Table 1--Original Fabric Weight \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Loads
  Grams per square meter      Ounces per square yard   -----------------
                                                         Grams    Pounds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 101               Less than 3                    54.4     0.12
101 to 207                  3 to 6                        113.4      .25
207 to 338                  6 to 10                       226.8      .50
Greater than 338            Greater than 10               340.2      .75
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Weight of the original fabric, containing no seams or trim is 
calculated from the weight of a specimen which has been conditioned for 
at least 8 h at 21 1.1  deg.C (702  deg.F) and 
652 pct relative humidity. Shorter conditioning times may be 
used if the change in weight of a speciment in successive weightings 
made at intervals of not less than 2 h

[[Page 647]]

does not exeeed 0.2 pct of the weight of the speciment.
    (7) Stopwatch. A stopwatch or similar timing device shall be used to 
measure time to 0.1 second.
    (8) Scale. A linear scale graduated in millimeters or 0.1 inch 
divisions shall be used to measure char length.
    (9) Circulating Air Oven. A forced circulation drying oven capable 
of maintaining the specimens at 1052.8  deg.C. 
(2215  deg.F.), shall be used to dry the specimen while 
mounted in the specimen holders. \3\
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    \3\ Option 1 of ASTM, D2654-67T, ``Method of Test for Amount of 
Moisture in Textile Materials,'' describes a satisfactory oven (1970 
Book of ASTM Standards, part 24, published by the American Society for 
Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (10) Desiccator. An air-tight and moisture-tight desiccating chamber 
shall be used for cooling mounted specimens after drying. Anhydrous 
silica gel shall be used as the desiccant in the desicating chamber.
    (11) Hood. A hood or other suitable enclosure shall be used to 
provide a draft-free environment surrounding the test chamber. This 
enclosure shall have a fan or other suitable means for exhausting smoke 
and/or toxic gases produced by testing.
    (b) Specimens and sampling--General. (1) The test criteria of 
Sec. 1615.3(b) shall be used in conjunction with the following fabric 
and garment sampling plain, or any other approved by the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission that provides at least the equivalent level of 
fire safety to the consumer. Alternate sampling plans submitted for 
approval shall have operating characteristics such that the probability 
of Unit acceptance at any percentage defective does not exceed the 
corresponding probability of Unit acceptance of the following sampling 
plan in the region of the latter's operating characteristic curves that 
lies between 5 and 95 percent acceptance probability.
    (2) Different colors or different print patterns of the same fabric 
may be included in a single Fabric or Garment Production Unit, provided 
such colors or print patterns demonstrate char lengths that are not 
significantly different from each other as determined by previous 
testing of at least three samples from each color or print pattern to be 
included in the Unit.
    (3) Garments with different trim and findings may be included in a 
single Garment Production Unit providing the other garment 
characteristics are identical except for size, color, and print pattern.
    (4) For fabrics whose flammability characteristics are not dependent 
on chemical additives or chemical reactants to fiber, yarns, or fabrics, 
the laundering requirement of paragraph (g)(4) of this section is met on 
subsequent Fabric Production Units if results of testing an initial 
Fabric Production Unit demonstrate acceptability according to the 
requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, Normal Sampling, both 
before and after the appropriate laundering.
    (5) If the fabric has been shown to meet the laundering requirement, 
paragraph (g)(4) of this section, the garments produced from that fabric 
are not required to be laundered.
    (6) Each Sample (five specimens) for all Fabric Sampling shall be 
selected so that two specimens are in one fabric direction (machine or 
cross-machine) and three specimens are in the other fabric direction 
except for the additional Sample selected after a failure, in which 
case, all five specimens shall be selected in the same fabric direction 
in which the specimen failure occurred.
    (7) Fabric Samples may be selected from fabric as outlined in 
paragraph (c) of this section entitled Fabric Sampling, or, for 
verification purposes, from randomly selected garments.
    (8) Multilayer fabrics shall be tested with a hem of approximately 
2.5 cm. (1 in.) sewn at the bottom edge of the specimen with a suitable 
thread and stitch. The specimen shall include each of the components 
over its entire length. Garments manufactured from multilayer fabrics 
shall be tested with the edge finish at the bottom edge of the specimen 
which is used in the garment.
    (c) Specimens and Sampling--Fabric Sampling. A Fabric Production 
Unit (Unit) is either accepted or rejected in accordance with the 
following plan:

[[Page 648]]

    (1) Normal Sampling. Select one Sample from the beginning of the 
first Fabric Piece (Piece) in the Unit and one Sample from the end of 
the last Piece in the Unit, or select a sample from each end of the 
Piece if the Unit is made up of only one Piece. Test the two selected 
Samples. If both Samples meet all the Test Criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b), 
accept the unit. If either or both of the Samples fail the 17.8 cm. (7.0 
in.) average char length criterion, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), reject the Unit. 
If two or more of the individual specimens, from the 10 selected 
specimens fail, the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, .3(b)(2), reject the 
Unit. If only one individual specimen, from the 10 selected specimens, 
fails the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), select five 
additional specimens from the same end of the Piece in which the failure 
occurred, all five to be taken in the fabric direction in which the 
specimen failure occurred. If this additional Sample passes all the test 
criteria, accept the Unit. If this additional Sample fails any part of 
the test criteria, reject the Unit.
    (2) Reduced Sampling. (i) The level of sampling required for fabric 
acceptance may be reduced provided the preceding 15 Units of the fabric 
have all been accepted using the Normal Sampling plan.
    (ii) The Reduced Sampling plan shall be the same as for Normal 
Sampling except that the quantity of fabric in the Unit may be increased 
to 10,000 linear yards.
    (iii) Select and test two Samples in the same manner as in Normal 
Sampling. Accept or reject the Unit on the same basis as with Normal 
Sampling.
    (iv) Reduced Sampling shall be discontinued and Normal Sampling 
resumed if a Unit is rejected.
    (3) Tightened Sampling. The level of sampling required for 
acceptance shall be increased when a Unit is rejected under the Normal 
Sampling plan. The Tightened Sampling shall be the same as Normal 
Sampling except that one additional Sample shall be selected and cut 
from a middle Piece in the Unit. If the Unit is made up of less than two 
pieces, the Unit shall be divided into at least two Pieces. The division 
shall be such that the Pieces produced by the division shall not be 
smaller than 100 linear yards or greater than 2,500 linear yards. If the 
unit is made up of two Pieces, the additional Sample shall be selected 
from the interior end of one of the Pieces. Test the three selected 
Samples. If all three selected Samples meet all the test criteria of 
Sec. 1615.3(b), accept the unit. If one or more of the three selected 
Samples fail the 17.8 cm. (7.0 in.) average char length criterion, 
Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), reject the Unit. If two or more of the individual 
specimens from the 15 selected specimens fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char 
length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), reject the unit. If only one individual 
specimen, of the 15 selected Specimens fails the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char 
length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), select five additional specimens from the 
same end of the same piece in which the failure occurred, all five to be 
taken in the fabric direction in which the Specimen failure occurred. If 
this additional Sample passes all the test criteria, accept the Unit. If 
this additional Sample fails any part of the test criteria, reject the 
Unit. Tightened Sampling may be discontinued and Normal Sampling resumed 
after five consecutive Units have all been accepted using Tightened 
Sampling. If Tightened Sampling remains in effect for 15 consecutive 
units, production of the specific fabric in Tightened Sampling must be 
discontinued until that part of the process or component which is 
causing failure has been identified and the quality of the end product 
has been improved.
    (4) Disposition of Rejected Units. (i) The Piece or Pieces which 
have failed and resulted in the initial rejection of the Unit may not be 
retested, used, or promoted for use in children's sleepwear as defined 
in Sec. 1615.1(a) except after reworking to improve the flammability 
characteristics and subsequent retesting in accordance with the 
procedures in Tightened Sampling.
    (ii) The remainder of a rejected Unit, after removing the Piece or 
Pieces the failure of which resulted in Unit rejection, may be accepted 
if the following test plan is successfully concluded at all required 
locations. The required locations are those adjacent to each such failed 
Piece. (Required locations exist on both sides of the ``Middle Piece'' 
tested in Tightened Sampling if failure

[[Page 649]]

of that Piece resulted in Unit rejection.) Failure of a Piece shall be 
deemed to have resulted in Unit rejection if Unit rejection occurred and 
a Sample or specimen from the Piece failed any test criterion of 
Sec. 1615.3(b).
    (iii) The Unit should contain at least 15 Pieces for disposition 
testing after removing the failing Pieces. If necessary for this 
purpose, the Unit shall be demarcated into at least 15 approximately 
equal length Pieces unless such division results in Pieces shorter than 
100 linear yards. In this latter case, the Unit shall be demarcated into 
roughly equal length Pieces of approximately 100 linear yards each. If 
such a division results in five Pieces or less in the Unit for each 
failing Piece after removing the failing Pieces, only the individual 
Piece retest procedure (described subsequently) may be used.
    (iv) Select and cut a Sample from each end of each adjoining Piece 
beginning adjacent to the Piece which failed. Test the two Samples from 
the Piece. If both Samples meet all the test criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b), 
the Piece is acceptable. If one or both of the two selected Samples fail 
the 17.8 cm. (7.0 in.) average char length criterion, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), 
the Piece is unacceptable. If two or more of the individual Specimens, 
from the 10 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length 
Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), the Piece is unacceptable. If only one individual 
specimen, from the 10 selected specimens, fails the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) 
char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), select five additional specimens from 
the same end of the Piece in which the failure occurred, all five to be 
taken in the fabric direction in which the specimen failure occurred. If 
this additional Sample passes all the test criteria, the Piece is 
acceptable. If this additional Sample fails any part of the test 
criteria, the Piece is unacceptable.
    (v) Continue testing adjoining Pieces until a Piece has been found 
acceptable. Then continue testing adjoining Pieces until three 
successive adjoining Pieces, not including the first acceptable Piece, 
have been found acceptable or until five such Pieces not including the 
first acceptable Piece, have been tested, whichever occurs sooner. 
Unless three successive adjoining Pieces have been found acceptable 
among five such Pieces, testing shall be stopped and the entire Unit 
rejected without further testing. If three successive Pieces have been 
found acceptable among five such Pieces, accept the three successive 
acceptable Pieces and the remaining Pieces in the Unit.
    (vi) Alternatively, individual Pieces from a rejected Unit 
containing three or more Pieces may be tested and accepted or rejected 
on a Piece-by-Piece basis according to the following plan, after 
removing the Piece or Pieces, the failure of which resulted in Unit 
rejection. Select four Samples (two from each end) from the Piece. Test 
the four selected Samples. If all four Samples meet all the Test 
Criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b), accept the Piece. If one or more of the 
Samples fail the 17.8 cm. (7 in.) average char length criterion, 
Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), reject the Piece. If two or more of the individual 
Specimens from the 20 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) 
char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), reject the Piece. If only one individual 
specimen, from the 20 selected specimens, fails the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) 
char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), select two additional Samples from the 
same end of the Piece in which the failure occurred. If these additional 
two Samples meet all the Test Criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b), accept the 
Piece. If one or both of the two additional Samples fail any part of the 
Test Criteria, reject the Piece.
    (vii) The Pieces of a Unit rejected after retesting may not be 
retested, used, or promoted for use in children's sleepwear as defined 
in Sec. 1615.1(a) except after reworking to improve the flammability 
characteristics, and subsequent retesting in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in Tightened Sampling.
    (5) Records. Records of all Unit sizes, test results, and the 
disposition of rejected Pieces and Units must be maintained by the 
manufacturer upon the effective date of this Standard. Rules and 
regulations may be established by the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission.
    (d) Specimens and Sampling--Garment Sampling. (1)(i) The garment 
sampling plan is made up of two parts: (A) Prototype Testing and (B) 
Production Testing. Prior to production, prototypes

[[Page 650]]

must be tested to assure that the design characteristics of the garments 
are acceptable. Garment Production Units (Units) are then accepted or 
rejected on an individual Unit basis.
    (ii) Edge finishes such as hems and binding are excluded from 
testing except that when trim is used on an edge the trim must be 
subjected to prototype testing. Seams attaching findings are excluded 
from testing.
    (2) Prototype Testing. Preproduction prototypes of a garment style 
or type shall be tested to assure that satisfactory garment 
specifications in terms of flammability are set up prior to production.
    (i) Seams. Make three Samples (15 specimens) using the longest seam 
type and three Samples using each other seam type 10 inches or longer 
that is to be included in the garment. Prior to testing, assign each 
specimen to one of the three Samples. Test each set of three Samples and 
accept or reject each seam design in accordance with the following plan:
    (A) If all three Samples meet all the test criteria of 
Sec. 1615.3(b), accept the seam design. If one or more of the three 
Samples fail the 17.8 cm. (7 in.) average char length criterion, 
Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), reject the seam design. If three or more of the 
individual Specimens from the 15 selected specimens fail the 25.4 cm. 
(10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), reject the seam design. If only 
one of the individual specimens from the 15 selected specimens fails the 
25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), accept the seam 
design.
    (B) If two of the individual specimens from the 15 selected 
specimens, fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), 
select three more Samples (15 specimens) and retest. If all three 
additional Samples meet all the test criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b) accept 
the seam design. If one or more of the three additional Samples fail the 
17.8 cm. (7 in.) average char length criterion, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), 
reject the seam design. If two or more of the individual specimens from 
the 15 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, 
Sec. 1615.3(b)(2) reject the seam design. If only one of the individual 
specimens from the 15 selected specimens, fails the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) 
char length Sec. 1615.3(b)(2) accept the seam design.
    (ii) Trim. (A)(1) Make three samples (15 specimens) from each type 
of trim to be included in the garment. For trim used only in a 
horizontal configuration on the garment, specimens shall be prepared by 
sewing or attaching the trim horizontally to the bottom edge of an 
appropriate section of untrimmed fabric. Sleeve and neckline trim may 
not be tested in this manner. Where more than one row of trim is used on 
the garment, specimens shall be prepared with the same configuration 
(same number of rows and spacing between rows up to the limit of the 
specimen size) as the garment.
    (2) For trim used in other than a horizontal configuration, 
specimens shall be prepared by sewing or attaching the trim to the 
center of the vertical axis of an appropriate section of untrimmed 
fabric, beginning the sewing or attachment at the lower edge of each 
specimen.
    (3) For either configuration, the sewing or attachment shall be made 
in the manner in which the trim is attached in the garment.
    (B)(1) Sewing or otherwise attaching the trim shall be done with 
thread or fastening material of the same composition and size to be used 
for this purpose in the garment and using the same stitching or 
seamtype. Trim used in the horizontal configuration shall be sewn or 
fastened the entire width (smaller dimension) of the specimen. Trim used 
in other than the horizontal configuration shall be sewn or fastened the 
entire length (longer dimension) of the specimen.
    (2) Prior to testing, assign each specimen to one of the three 
samples. Test the sets of three samples and accept or reject the type of 
trim and design on the same basis as seam design. A type of trim and 
design accepted when tested in a vertical configuration may be used in a 
horizontal configuration without further testing.
    (3) Production Testing. A Unit is either accepted or rejected 
according to the following plan:
    (i)(A) From each Unit select at random sufficient garments and cut 
three

[[Page 651]]

Samples (15 specimens) from the longest seam type. No more than five 
specimens may be cut from a single garment. Prior to testing, assign 
each specimen to one of the three Samples. All specimens cut from a 
single garment must be included in the same Sample. Test the three 
selected Samples. If all three Samples meet all the test criteria of 
Sec. 1615.3(b), accept the Unit. If one or more of the three Samples 
fail the 17.8 cm. (7 in.) average char length criterion, 
Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), reject the Unit. If four or more of the individual 
specimens, from the 15 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm (10 in.) 
char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), reject the Unit. If three of less of the 
individual specimens, from the 15 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm. 
(10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), accept the Unit.
    (B)(1) If the garment under test does not have a 10-inch seam in the 
largest size in which it is produced, the following selection and 
testing procedure shall be followed.
    (2) Select and cut specimens 8.9 cm. (3.5 in.) wide by the maximum 
available seam length, with the seam in the center of the specimen and 
extending the entire specimen length. Cut three Samples (15 specimens). 
These specimens shall be placed in specimen holders so that the bottom 
edge is even with the bottom of the specimen holder and the seam begins 
in the center of the bottom edge. Prior to testing, assign each specimen 
to one of the three Samples. All specimens cut from a single garment 
must be included in the same Sample.
    (3) Test the three Samples. If all three Samples pass the 17.8 cm. 
(7 in.) average char length criterion, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), and if three 
or less individual specimens fail by charring the entire specimen 
length, accept the Unit. If the Unit is not accepted in the above test, 
three Samples (15 specimens) of the longest seam type shall be made 
using fabric and thread from production inventory and sewn on production 
machines by production operators. The individual fabric sections prior 
to sewing must be no larger than 20.3 x 63.3 cm. (8 in. x 25 in.) and 
must be selected from more than one area of the base fabric. Test the 
three prepared Samples. Accept or reject the Unit as described 
previously in this subsection.
    (4) Disposition of Rejected Units. Rejected Units shall not be 
retested, used, or promoted for use in children's sleepwear as defined 
in Sec. 1615.1(a), except after reworking to improve the flammability 
characteristics and subsequent retesting in accordance with the 
procedures set forth in garment production testing.
    (5) Records. Records of all Unit sizes, test results, and the 
disposition of rejected Units must be maintained by the manufacturer 
upon the effective date of this standard. Rules and regulations may be 
established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
    (e) Specimens and Sampling--Compliance Market Sampling Plan. 
Sampling plans for use in market testing of items covered by this 
Standard may be issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Such 
plans shall define noncompliance of a production Unit to exist only when 
it is shown, with a high level of statistical confidence, those 
production Units represented by tested items which fail such plans will, 
in fact, fail this standard. Production units found to be non-complying 
under the provisions of paragraph (e) of this section shall be deemed 
not to conform to this Standard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission 
may publish such plans in the Federal Register.
    (f) Mounting and conditioning of specimens. (1) The specimens shall 
be placed in specimen holders so that the bottom edge of each specimen 
is even with the bottom of the specimen holder. Mount the specimen in as 
close to a flat configuration as possible. The sides of the specimen 
holder shall cover 1.9 cm. (\3/4\ in.) of the specimen width along each 
long edge of the specimen, and thus shall expose 5.1 cm. (2 in.) of the 
specimen width. The sides of the specimen holder shall be clamped with a 
sufficient number of clamps or shall be taped to prevent the specimen 
from being displaced during handling and testing. The specimens may be 
taped in the holders if the clamps fail to hold them. Place the mounted 
specimens in the drying oven in a manner that will

[[Page 652]]

permit free circulation of air at 105  deg.C. (221  deg.F.) around them 
for 30 minutes.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ If the specimens are moist when received, permit them to air dry 
at laboratory conditions prior to placement in the oven. A satisfactory 
preconditioning procedure may be found in ASTM D 1776-67, ``Conditioning 
Textiles and Textile Products for Testing.'' (``1970 Book of ASTM 
Standards,'' part 24, published by the American Society for Testing and 
Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Remove the mounted specimens from the oven and place them in the 
desiccator for 30 minutes to cool. No more than five specimens shall be 
placed in a desiccator at one time. Specimens shall remain in the 
desiccator no more than 60 minutes.
    (g) Testing--(1) Burner adjustment. With the hood fan turned off, 
use the needle valve to adjust the flame height of the burner to 3.8 cm. 
(1\1/2\ in.) above the highest point of the barrel of the burner. A 
suitable height indicator is shown in Engineering Drawing No. 6 and 
Figure 1.
    (2) Specimen Burning and Evaluation. (i) One at a time, the mounted 
specimens shall be removed from the desiccator and suspended in the 
cabinet for testing. The cabinet door shall be closed and the burner 
flame impinged on the bottom edge of the specimen for 3.00.2 
seconds. Flame impingement is accomplished by moving the burner under 
the specimen for this length of time, and then removing it.
    (ii) When afterglow has ceased, remove the specimen from the cabinet 
and holder, and place it on a clean flat surface. Fold the specimen 
lengthwise along a line through the highest peak of the charred or 
melted area; crease the specimen firmly by hand. Unfold the specimen and 
insert the hook with the correct weight as shown in table 1 in the 
specimen on one side of the charred area 6.4 mm. (\1/4\ in.) from the 
lower edge.
    (iii) Tear the specimen by grasping the other lower corner of the 
fabric and gently raising the specimen and weight clear of the 
supporting surface. \5\ Measure the char length as the distance from the 
end of the tear to the edge of the specimen exposed to the flame. After 
testing each specimen, vent the hood and cabinet to remove the smoke 
and/or toxic gases.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ A figure showing how this is done is given in AATCC 34-1969, 
Technical Manual of the American Association of Textile Chemists and 
Colorists, vol. 46, 1970, published by AATCC, Post Office Box 12215, 
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Report. Report the value of char length, in centimeters 
(inches), for each specimen, as well as the average char length for each 
set of five specimens.
    (4) Laundering. (i) The procedures described in sections 1615.4(b) 
through (g) shall be carried out on finished items (as produced or after 
one washing and drying) and after they have been washed and dried 50 
times in accordance with sections 8.2.2, 8.2.3, and 8.3.1(A) of AATCC 
Test Method 124-1996 ``Appearance of Fabrics after Repeated Home 
Laundering,'' Technical Manual of the American Association of Textile 
Chemists and Colorists, vol. 73, 1997, which is incorporated by 
reference. Copies of this document are available from the American 
Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research 
Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709. This document is also available for 
inspection at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. This incorporation by reference 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Items which do not withstand 50 
launderings shall be tested at the end of their useful service life.
    (ii) Washing shall be performed in accordance with sections 8.2.2 
and 8.2.3 of AATCC Test Method 124-1996, using wash temperature V 
(60 deg. 3  deg.C, 140 deg. 5  deg.F) specified 
in Table II of that method, and the water level, agitator speed, washing 
time, spin speed and final spin cycle specified for ``Normal/Cotton 
Sturdy'' in Table III. A maximum washer load shall be 3.64 Kg (8 pounds) 
and may consist of any combination of test samples and dummy pieces. 
Drying shall be performed in accordance with section 8.3.1(A) of that 
test method, Tumble Dry, using the exhaust temperature (66 deg. 
5  deg.C, 150 deg. 10  deg.F) and cool down time 
of 10 minutes specified in the ``Durable Press'' conditions of Table IV. 
Alternatively, a different

[[Page 653]]

number of times under another washing and drying procedure may be 
specified and used, if that procedure has previously been found to be 
equivalent by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Such laundering is 
not required of items which are not intended to be laundered, as 
determined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
    (iii) Items which are not susceptible to being laundered and are 
labeled ``dry-clean only'' shall be drycleaned by a procedure which has 
previously been found to be acceptable by the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission.
    (iv) For the purpose of the issuance of a guarantee under section 8 
of the act, finished sleepwear garments to be tested according to 
paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section need not be laundered or 
drycleaned provided all fabrics used in making the garments (except 
trim) have been guaranteed by the fabric producer to be acceptable when 
tested according to paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.

[40 FR 59903, Dec. 30, 1975; 41 FR 1061, Jan. 6, 1976; 41 FR 8032, Feb. 
24, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 4853, Feb. 6, 1978; 46 FR 63251, Dec. 31, 
1981; 64 FR 24526, June 28, 1999; 65 FR 12927, Mar. 10, 2000]



Sec. 1615.5  Labeling requirements.

    (a) Care labels. All items of children's sleepwear shall be labeled 
with precautionary instructions to protect the items from agents or 
treatments which are known to cause deterioration of their flame 
resistance. If the item has been initially tested under 
Sec. 1615.4(g)(4) after one washing and drying, it shall be labeled with 
instructions to wash before wearing. Such labels shall be permanent and 
otherwise in accordance with rules and regulations established by the 
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
    (b) [Reserved]

[40 FR 59903, Dec. 30, 1975, as amended at 61 FR 1116, Jan. 16, 1996]



                    Subpart B--Rules and Regulations

    Authority: Sec. 5, 67 Stat. 112-113, as amended, 81 Stat. 570, 15 
U.S.C. 1194.



Sec. 1615.31  Labeling, recordkeeping, advertising, retail display and guaranties.

    (a) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following 
definitions apply:
    (1) Standard means the Standard for the Flammability of Children's 
Sleepwear: Sizes 0 through 6X (FF 3-71) (subpart A of this part) 
promulgated by the Secretary of Commerce in the Federal Register of July 
29, 1971 (36 FR 14062), and amended by him in the Federal Register of 
July 21, 1972 (37 FR 14624).
    (2) Children's sleepwear means ``children's sleepwear'' as defined 
in Sec. 1615.1(a) of the Standard; that is, ``any product of wearing 
apparel up to and including size 6X, such as nightgowns, pajamas, or 
similar or related items, such as robes, intended to be worn primarily 
for sleeping or activities related to sleeping. Diapers and underwear 
are excluded from this definition.''
    (3) Item means ``item'' as defined in Sec. 1615.1(c) of the 
Standard; that is, ``any product of children's sleepwear, or any fabric 
or related material intended or promoted for use in children's 
sleepwear.''
    (4) Marketing or handling or marketed or handled means any one or 
more of the transactions set forth in section 3 of the Flammable Fabrics 
Act (15 U.S.C. 1192).
    (5) The definitions of terms set forth in Sec. 1615.1 of the 
Standard shall also apply to this section.
    (b) Labeling. (1) Where any agent or treatment is known to cause 
deterioration of flame resistance or otherwise enhances the flammability 
characteristics of an item, such item shall be prominently, permanently, 
conspicuously, and legibly labeled with precautionary care and treatment 
instructions to protect the item from such agent or treatment: Provided:
    (i) Where items required to be labeled in accordance with this 
paragraph are marketed at retail in packages, and the required label is 
not readily visible to the prospective purchaser, the packages must also 
be prominently, conspicuously, and legibly labeled with the required 
information, and

[[Page 654]]

    (ii) Where items are required to be labeled in accordance with this 
paragraph, the precautionary care and treatment instructions may appear 
on the reverse side of the permanent label if
    (A) The precautionary care and treatment instructions are legible, 
prominent and conspicuous, and
    (B) The phrase ``CARE INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE'' or the equivalent 
appears permanently, prominently, conspicuously, and legibly on the side 
of the permanent label that is visible to the prospective purchaser when 
the item is marketed at retail, and
    (C) The item which is so labeled is marketed at retail in such a 
manner that the prospective purchaser is able to manipulate the label so 
the entire text of the precautionary care and treatment instructions is 
visible and legible; however, where the label cannot be manipulated so 
the instructions are visible to the prospective purchaser and legible, 
the packages must also be prominently, conspicuously and legibly labeled 
with the required precautionary care and treatment information or such 
information must appear prominently, conspicuously and legibly on a hang 
tag attached to the item.
    (2) If the item has been initially tested under Sec. 1615.4(g)(4) of 
the Standard after one washing and drying, it shall be prominently, 
permanently, conspicuously, and legibly labeled with instructions to 
wash before wearing.
    (3) [Reserved]
    (4) Where any fabric or related material intended or promoted for 
use in children's sleepwear is sold or intended for sale to the ultimate 
consumer for the purpose of conversion into children's sleepwear, each 
bolt, roll, or other unit shall be labeled with the information required 
by this section. Each item of fabric or related material sold to an 
ultimate consumer must be accompanied by a label, as prescribed by this 
section, that can by normal household methods be permanently affixed by 
the ultimate consumer to any item of children's sleepwear made from such 
fabric or related material.
    (5) Where items required to be labeled in accordance with paragraphs 
(b) (2), (3), and (4) of this section are marketed at retail in 
packages, and the required label is not readily visible to prospective 
purchasers, the packages must also be prominently, conspicuously, and 
legibly labeled with the required information.
    (6) Samples, swatches, or specimens used to promote or effect the 
sale of items subject to the Standard shall be labeled in accordance 
with this section with the information required by this section, except 
that such information may appear on accompanying promotional materials 
attached to fabric samples, swatches, or specimens used to promote the 
sale of fabrics to garment manufacturers. This paragraph (b)(6) of this 
section shall not apply, however, to samples, swatches, or specimens 
prominently, permanently, conspicuously, truthfully, and legibly labeled 
with the statement ``Flammable. Sample only. Not for use or resale. Does 
not meet Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear, DOC FF 
3-71.''
    (7) The information required on labels by this section shall be set 
forth separately from any other information appearing on the same label. 
Other information, representations, or disclosures not required by this 
action but placed on the same label with information required by this 
section, or placed on other labels elsewhere on the item, shall not 
interfere with the information required by this section. No person, 
other than the ultimate consumer, shall remove or mutilate, or cause or 
participate in the removal or mutilation of, any label required by this 
section to be affixed to any item.
    (8) Every manufacturer, importer, or other person (such as a 
converter) initially introducing items subject to the Standard into 
commerce shall assign to each item a unit identification (number, letter 
or date, or combination, thereof) sufficient to identify and relate to 
the fabric production unit or garment production unit of which the item 
is a part. Such unit identification shall be designated in such a way as 
to indicate that it is a production unit identification under the 
Standard. The letters ``GPU'' and ``FPU'' may be used to designate a 
garment production unit identification and fabric production

[[Page 655]]

unit identification respectively, at the option of the labeler.
    (i) Where fabrics required to be labeled or stamped in accordance 
with this section are marketed at retail in packages and the required 
label or stamp is not readily visible to the prospective purchaser, the 
packages must also be prominently, conspicuously, and legibly labeled 
with the information required by this section.
    (ii) Where garments required to be labeled or stamped in accordance 
with paragraph (b)(8) of this section are marketed at retail in packages 
and the required label or stamp is not readily visible to the 
prospective purchasers:
    (A) The packages must also be prominently, conspicuously, and 
legibly labeled with the information required by this section; or
    (B) There must be a garment style identification that is prominent, 
conspicuous, and legible and readily visible to the prospective 
purchaser, either on a label or hang tag attached to the garments or on 
the garment packages. A style is a garment design or grouping, 
preselected by the manufacturer. A style may be composed of garments 
that form all or part of one or more GPU's and the style may include any 
number of garments the manufacturer chooses. Style identification means 
any numbers, letters, or combination thereof that are sufficient to 
identify the garments of the style and may include information such as 
color, season or size. If this option B is selected, in any recall of 
noncomplying items from a particular GPU:
    (1) The garment manufacturer must recall the entire style(s) from 
all customers who purchased garments of the style(s) of which the GPU is 
part. However, retailers may elect to return only garments from the 
particular GPU necessitating the recall rather than the entire style(s) 
being recalled; and
    (2) Within 48 hours of a written request, the garment manufacturer 
must supply to the Commission any samples in its possession of garments 
from the GPU, as requested. As required of all persons subject to this 
section, the garment manufacturer must also, within the time requested, 
supply to the Commission the names of any customers who purchased during 
a specified period of time, garments from the GPU (or the style(s) of 
which the GPU is a part) and supply access to all records required under 
the Standard and this section.
    (iii) Each garment subject to the Standard shall bear a label with 
minimum dimensions of 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inch) by 1.9 centimeters 
(0.75 inch) containing the appropriate garment production unit 
identification for that garment in letters which are clear, conspicuous, 
and legible and in a color which contrasts with the background of the 
label, or shall have such information stamped on the garment itself in 
letters which are clear, conspicuous, and legible and in a color which 
contrasts with the background, and at least 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) in 
every direction from any other information. The stamp or label 
containing the garment production unit identification must be of such 
construction, and affixed to the garment in such a manner as to remain 
on or attached to the garment and legible and visible throughout its 
intended period of use.
    (iv) The fabric production unit identification shall appear in 
letters at least 0.4 centimeters (one-sixth of an inch) in height 
against a contrasting background on each label that relates to such 
fabric and is required by the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act 
(15 U.S.C. 70-70k) and the regulations thereunder (16 CFR 303.1 through 
303.45), or by the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. 68-68j) 
and the regulations thereunder (16 CFR 300.1 through 300.35). When the 
information required by the Textile Fiber Product Identification Act or 
by the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939 appears on an invoice used in 
lieu of labeling, the fabric production unit identification required by 
this section may be placed clearly, conspicuously, and legibly on the 
same invoice in lieu of labeling.
    (c)-(d) [Reserved]
    (e) Records--manufacturers, importers, or other persons initially 
introducing items into commerce--(1) General. Every manufacturer, 
importer, or other person (such as a converter) initially introducing 
into commerce items subject to the Standard, irrespective of whether 
guaranties are issued under paragraph (f) of this section, shall 
maintain

[[Page 656]]

written and physical records as hereinafter specified. The records 
required must establish a line of continuity through the process of 
manufacture of each production unit of articles of children's sleepwear, 
or fabrics or related materials intended or promoted for use in 
children's sleepwear, to the sale and delivery of the finished items and 
from the specific finished item to the manufacturing records. Such 
records shall show with respect to such items:
    (i) Details, description, and identification of any and all sampling 
plans engaged in pursuant to the requirements of the Standard. Such 
records must be sufficient to demonstrate compliance with such sampling 
plan(s) and must relate the sampling plan(s) to the actual items 
produced, marketed, or handled. This requirement is not limited by other 
provisions of paragraph (e) of this section.
    (ii) Garment production units or fabric production units of all 
garments or fabrics marketed or handled. The records must relate to an 
appropriate production unit identification on or affixed to the item 
itself in accordance with paragraph (b)(8) of this section, and the 
production unit identification must relate to the garment production 
unit or fabric production unit.
    (iii) Test results and details of all tests performed, both 
prototype and production, including char lengths of each specimen 
tested, average char length of the samples required to be tested, 
details of the sampling procedure employed, name and signature of 
persons conducting tests, date of tests, and all other records necessary 
to demonstrate compliance with the test procedures and sampling plan 
specified by the standard or authorized alternate sampling plan.
    (iv) Disposition of all failing or rejected items. Such records must 
demonstrate that the items were retested or reworked and retested in 
accordance with the Standard prior to sale or distribution and that such 
retested or reworked and retested items comply with the Standard, or 
otherwise show the disposition of such items.
    (v) Fiber content and manufacturing specifications relating the same 
to prototype and production testing and to the production units to which 
applicable.
    (vi) Data and test results relied on as a basis for inclusion of 
different colors or different print patterns of the same fabric as a 
single fabric or garment production unit under Sec. 1615.4(b) of the 
Standard.
    (vii) Data and test results relied on as a basis for reduced 
laundering of fabric or garments during test procedures under 
Sec. 1615.4(g)(4) of the Standard and any guaranties issued or received 
relating to laundering as well as details of the laundering procedure 
utilized.
    (viii) Identification, composition, and details of application of 
any flame retardant treatments employed. All prototype and production 
records shall relate to such information.
    (ix) Date and quantity of each sale or delivery of items subject to 
the Standard (except the date of sale to an ultimate consumer) and the 
name and address of the purchaser or recipient (except an ultimate 
consumer). The items involved in each such sale or delivery shall be 
identified by production unit or by style. A style is a garment design 
or grouping, preselected by the manufacturer. A style may be composed of 
garments that form all or part of one or more garment production units 
and the style may include any number of garments that form all or part 
of one or more garment production units and the style may include any 
number of garments the manufacturer chooses. If a person subject to the 
requirements of Sec. 1615.31(e) maintains sales records which identify 
the items sold or delivered by style, and if recall of one or more 
production units subject to the Standard is required, that person in 
recalling such production units shall notify all purchasers of items of 
the style in which such production unit or units were manufactured. 
Retailers may elect to return all items of the style involved, or all 
items of the production unit or units subject to recall.
    (2) Fabrics. In addition to the information specified in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this section the written and physical records maintained with 
respect to each fabric production unit shall include (i) finished fabric 
samples sufficient to repeat the fabric sampling procedure required by 
Sec. 1615.4 (b) through

[[Page 657]]

(e) of the Standard for each production unit marketed or handled; and 
(ii) records to relate the samples to the actual fabric production unit. 
Upon written request of any duly authorized employee or agent of the 
Commission, samples sufficient for the sampling and testing of any 
production unit in accordance with Sec. 1615.4 (b) through (e) of the 
Standard shall be furnished from these records within the time specified 
in that written request.
    (3) Garments--prototype testing. In addition to the records 
specified in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, the following written and 
physical records shall be maintained with respect to the garment 
prototype testing required by the Standard:
    (i) Specification, fiber content, and details of construction on all 
seams, fabrics, threads, stitches, and trims used in each garment style 
or type upon which prototype testing was performed, relating the same to 
such garment style or type and to all production units to which such 
prototype testing is applicable.
    (ii) Samples sufficient to repeat the prototype tests required by 
Sec. 1615.4 (b) through (e) of the Standard for all fabrics, seams, 
threads, stitches, and trims used in such prototype testing, relating 
such samples to the records required by paragraph (e) of this section 
including the information required by paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this 
section. Upon written request of any duly authorized employee or agent 
of the Commission, samples sufficient for the testing of any prototype 
specimens identical to those specimens that were actually tested 
pursuant to the Standard shall be furnished from these records within 
the time specified in that written request.
    (iii) A complete untested garment from each style or type of garment 
marketed or handled.
    (iv) Remains of all physical specimens tested in accordance with the 
prototype testing required by Sec. 1615.4 (b) through (e) of the 
Standard, relating such samples to the records required by paragraph (c) 
of this section including information required by paragraph (e)(3)(i) of 
this section.
    (4) Garments--production testing. In addition to the records 
required by paragraph (e)(1) of this section, written and physical 
records shall be maintained and shall show with respect to each garment 
production unit:
    (i) Source and fabric production unit identification of all fabrics 
subject to testing used in each garment production unit.
    (ii) Identification and appropriate reference to all prototype 
records and prototype tests applicable to each production unit.
    (iii) Any guaranty relied upon to demonstrate that the fabric 
utilized in such garments meets the laundering requirements of the 
Standard.
    (iv) Data sufficient to show that tested samples were selected from 
the production unit at random from regular production.
    (v) Written data that will enable the Commission to obtain and test 
garments under any applicable compliance market sampling plan.
    (5) Record retention requirements. The records required by paragraph 
(e) of this section shall be maintained for 3 years, except that records 
relating to prototype testing shall be maintained for as long as they 
are relied upon as demonstrating compliance with the prototype testing 
requirements of the Standard and shall be retained for 3 years 
thereafter.
    (f) Tests for guaranty purposes. Reasonable and representative tests 
for the purpose of issuing a guaranty under section 8 of the Flammable 
Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C. 1197) for items subject to the Standard shall be 
those tests performed pursuant to any sampling plan or authorized 
alternative sampling plan engaged in pursuant to the requirements of the 
Standard.
    (g) Compliance with this section. No person subject to the Flammable 
Fabrics Act shall manufacture, import, distribute, or otherwise market 
or handle any item subject to the Standard, including samples, swatches, 
or specimens used to promote or effect the sale thereof, which is not in 
compliance with this section.

[40 FR 59903, Dec. 30, 1975, as amended at 43 FR 4855 Feb. 6, 1978; 49 
FR 3064, Jan. 24, 1984; 61 FR 1116, Jan. 16, 1996]

[[Page 658]]



Sec. 1615.32  Method for establishment and use of alternate laundering procedures under section 4(g)(4)(ii) of the standard.

    (a) Scope. (1) Section 1615.4(g)(4)(ii) of the Standard for the 
Flammability of Children's Sleepwear in sizes 0-6X (16 CFR 
1615.4(g)(4)(ii)) requires that all fabrics and certain garments subject 
to the standard be tested for flammability as produced (or after one 
washing and drying) and after the items have been washed and dried 50 
times in machines, using the procedure specified in AATCC Test Method 
124-1996.\6\ This section also provides that items may be laundered a 
different number of times under another washing and drying procedure if 
the Commission finds that such an alternate laundering procedure is 
equivalent to the procedure specified in the standard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ AATCC Test Method 124-1996 ``Appearance of Fabrics after 
Repeated Home Laundering,'' Technical Manual of the American Association 
of Textile Chemists and Colorists, vol. 73, 1997, which is incorporated 
by reference. Copies of this document are available from the American 
Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research 
Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709. This document is also available for 
inspection at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. This incorporation by reference 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) This rule provides the procedures to be followed by persons 
seeking Commission approval for alternate laundering procedures. It also 
provides the criteria the Commission will use in evaluating the 
applications.
    (3) The alternate laundering procedures provided for in this section 
apply only to procedures under section 4(g)(4)(ii) of the standard and 
shall not be used for determining whether different colors or different 
print patterns of the same fabric may be included in a single fabric or 
garment production unit.
    (4) As used in this section, fabric means fabric or related material 
promoted or intended for use in children's sleepwear made to identical 
specifications and containing the same identity while in production.
    (b) Application procedure. (1) Applicants seeking approval for use 
of an alternate laundering procedure under Sec. 1615.4(g)(4)(ii) of the 
standard must submit the following information in writing to the 
Assistant Executive Director for Compliance, Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, Washington, DC 20207:
    (i) A detailed description of the proposed alternate laundering 
procedure, and a 6 in. by 6 in. swatch of the fabric or garment for 
which the procedure is proposed.
    (ii) Upon request of the Commission staff, any other information 
concerning the procedure and/or any machine used in connection with it.
    (iii) With regard to each fabric or garment for which an alternate 
laundering procedure is sought, test data comparing twenty test 
specimens washed and dried by the proposed alternate laundering 
procedure and twenty specimens tested in accordance with the 50-wash and 
dry cycle procedure required in section 4(g)(4)(ii) of the standard. 
(For purposes of applications, similar fabrics or garments of different 
finishes shall be considered as different fabrics or garments and 
therefore separate test results must be submitted). Each group of twenty 
specimens upon which these data are based must be cut for testing, half 
in the machine direction and half in the cross machine direction. Where 
the applicant manufactures the fabric or garments in more than one 
plant, the data described in this paragraph must be submitted separately 
for the fabric or garments of each plant for which the proposed 
alternate laundering procedure is intended to be used. Subsequent 
applications for use of the same procedure for additional fabrics and 
garments may incorporate portions of the original application by 
reference, as appropriate.
    (2) Applications shall be certified by the chief executive officer 
of the applicant or the official to whom the duty to certify has been 
delegated in writing. The Commission's Assistant Executive Director for 
Compliance must be notified in writing of any such delegation.
    (c) Use of alternate laundering procedure. (1) The applicant may 
begin to use the alternate laundering procedure

[[Page 659]]

30 days after the application is received by the Assistant Executive 
Director for Compliance unless notified to the contrary. The Assistant 
Executive Director for Compliance will normally furnish an applicant 
with written notice of approval within 30 days. The applicant may be 
notified that a longer time is needed for evaluation of the application, 
and in the discretion of the Assistant Executive Director for 
Compliance, may be authorized to use the alternate laundering procedure 
pending the final decision.The notice of approval shall be kept by the 
applicant with other written records required to be maintained in 
connection with the use of an alternate laundering procedure. So the 
applicants may ascertain that the application has been received and when 
the 30-day period has elapsed, it is suggested that applications be sent 
by certified mail, return receipt requested.
    (2) As provided in detail in Sec. 1615.32(e), applicants must 
immediately discontinue use of an alternate procedure, and must 
immediately notify the Assistant Executive Director for Compliance if 
there are test failures during revalidation testing.
    (d) Revalidation testing. (1) In order to assure a continued 
satisfactory correlation between the alternate laundering procedure and 
the laundering procedure of the standard, applicants shall perform all 
the testing described in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section for 
fabrics or garments from current production at least once for every 
three-month period during which any of the fabric or garments are 
produced.
    (2) If following initial approval, four successive comparisons of 
the alternate and the 50-cycle methods as described in paragraph (d)(1) 
of this section, consistently show acceptable results under the criteria 
specified by paragraph (f) of this section, the Commission will deem 
such comparisons to be sufficient demonstration of the equivalence of 
the alternate laundering procedure with the 50 launderings required in 
the standard and further revalidation testing will not be required.
    (3) Records of revalidation testing need not be submitted to the 
Assistant Executive Director for Compliance. However such records must 
be maintained in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section.
    (e) Revalidation testing failures. (1) If revalidation testing for 
any fabric or garment does not meet the criteria of Sec. 1615.32(f), the 
applicant must immediately discontinue use of the alternate laundering 
procedure for the fabric or garment and must immediately notify the 
Assistant Executive Director for Compliance in writing of the failure to 
meet the criteria. Also, the testing from the production unit from which 
the non-correlating samples were taken and the testing from subsequent 
production units (if any) must be repeated immediately using the 
laundering procedure prescribed in the standard. These repeat tests 
shall then be the tests applicable to such production unit(s) and the 
tests previously performed on the production unit(s) shall be considered 
invalid.
    (2) When use of an alternate laundering procedure for a particular 
fabric or garment has been discontinued because of a failure to meet the 
criteria of Sec. 1615.32(f), the alternate laundering procedure shall 
not be used again unless a new application for approval is submitted to 
the Assistant Executive Director for Compliance and that officer 
approves the application in writing. In addition to the other 
information required for applications, the additional application should 
give facts or reasons showing why the applicant believes the procedure 
should be considered reliable with the fabric or garments involved, in 
view of previous failure.
    (f) Commission criteria for evaluating applications. (1) The 
Assistant Executive Director for Compliance will approve the alternate 
laundering procedure as equivalent to the laundering procedure specified 
in Sec. 1615.4(g)(4)(ii) of the standard if testing from 20 specimens 
laundered by the proposed alternate procedure yields as many or more 
char lengths in excess of five inches as does testing from the twenty 
specimens laundered by the 50-laundering cycle method prescribed in the 
standard.
    (2) If the alternate laundering procedure yields fewer char lengths 
in excess of five inches than does the 50-wash

[[Page 660]]

and dry cycle, then the Assistant Executive Director for Compliance will 
not consider the alternate procedure to be equivalent, with the 
following exception: If the number of five-inch chars from the alternate 
procedure is within one of the number of five-inch chars obtained from 
the 50-cycle procedure, the applicant may repeat the original test with 
new specimens and if the combined results of both tests show the count 
of chars exceeding five inches from the alternate is equal to, or 
greater than, the count from the 50-wash cycle procedure, the Assistant 
Executive Director for Compliance will approve the alternate laundering 
procedure.
    (g) Commission testing for compliance. (1) For the purpose of 
determining compliance with the standard, the Commission will rely on 
testing employing the laundering procedure now prescribed in section 
4(g)(4)(ii) of the standard.
    (2) The Commission may verify equivalency of any procedure submitted 
by independent testing and evaluation, by or on behalf of the 
Commission.
    (h) Recordkeeping. The applicant must maintain a record of all 
applications filed with the Commission and of all equivalency tests for 
as long as the procedures to which they relate are in use and for three 
years thereafter.

[42 FR 55891, Oct. 20, 1977, as amended at 65 FR 12927, Mar. 10, 2000; 
65 FR 19818, Apr. 12, 2000]



Sec. 1615.35  Use of alternate apparatus, procedures, or criteria for testing under the standard.

    (a) The Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear: Sizes 
0 through 6X (the Standard) requires every manufacturer, importer, and 
other person (such as a converter) initially introducing items subject 
to the Standard into commerce to group items into production units, and 
to test samples from each production unit. See 16 CFR 1615.4 (b), (c) 
and (d). The Standard prescribes an apparatus and procedure for 
performing tests of fabric and garments subject to its provisions. See 
16 CFR 1615.4 (a), (f), and (g). The Standard prescribes pass/fail 
criteria at 16 CFR 1615.3(b).
    (b)(1) By issuance of this Sec. 1615.35, the Commission gives its 
approval to any person or firm desiring to use test apparatus or 
procedures other than those prescribed by the Standard for purposes of 
compliance with the Standard, if that person or firm has data or other 
information to demonstrate that a test utilizing such alternate 
apparatus or procedures is as stringent as, or more stringent than, a 
test utilizing the apparatus and procedures specified in the Standard. 
The Commission considers a test utilizing alternate apparatus or 
procedures to be ``as stringent as, or more stringent than'' a test 
utilizing the apparatus and procedures specified in the standard if, 
when testing identical specimens, a test utilizing alternate apparatus 
or procedures yields failing results as often as, or more often than, a 
test utilizing the apparatus and procedures specified in the Standard.
    (2) The data or information required by this paragraph (b) of this 
section as a condition to the Commission's approval of the use of 
alternate test apparatus or procedures must be in the possession of the 
person or firm desiring to use such alternate apparatus or procedures 
before the alternate apparatus or procedures may be used for purposes of 
compliance with the Standard.
    (3) The information required by this paragraph (b) of this section 
must be retained by the person or firm using the alternate test 
apparatus or procedure for as long as that apparatus or procedure is 
used for purposes of compliance with the Standard, and for a period of 
one year thereafter.
    (c) Written application to the Commission is not required for 
approval of alternate test apparatus or procedure, and the Commission 
will not act on any individual written application for approval of 
alternate test apparatus or procedure.
    (d) Use of any alternate test apparatus or procedure without the 
data or information required by paragraph (b), of this section, may 
result in violation of the Standard and section 3 of the Flammable 
Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C. 1192).
    (e) The Commission will test fabrics and garments subject to the 
Standard for compliance with the requirements of the Standard using the 
apparatus

[[Page 661]]

and procedures set forth in the Standard. The Commission will consider 
any failing results from compliance testing as evidence of a violation 
of the Standard and section 3 of the Flammable Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C 
1192).

(Reporting requirements contained in paragraph (d) were approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget under control number 3041-0027)

[48 FR 21315, May 12, 1983]



Sec. 1615.36  Use of alternate apparatus or procedures for tests for guaranty purposes.

    (a) Section 8(a) of the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA, 15 U.S.C. 
1197(a)) provides that no person shall be subject to criminal 
prosecution under section 7 of the FFA (15 U.S.C. 1196) for a violation 
of section 3 of the FFA (15 U.S.C. 1192) if that person establishes a 
guaranty received in good faith which meets all requirements set forth 
in section 8 of the FFA. One of those requirements is that the guaranty 
must be based upon ``reasonable and representative tests'' in accordance 
with the applicable standard.
    (b) Section 1615.31(f) of the regulations implementing the Standard 
for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear: Sizes 0 through 6X (the 
Standard) provides that for purposes of supporting guaranties issued in 
accordance with section 8 of the FFA for items subject to the Standard, 
``reasonable and representative tests'' are tests ``performed pursuant 
to any sampling plan or authorized alternative sampling plan engaged in 
pursuant to the requirements of the Standard.''
    (c) At Sec. 1615.35, the Commission has set forth conditions under 
which the Commission will approve the use of test apparatus or 
procedures other than those prescribed in the Standard for purposes of 
demonstrating compliance with the requirements of the Standard. Any 
person or firm meeting the requirements of Sec. 1615.35 for use of 
alternate test apparatus or procedure for compliance with the Standard 
may also use such alternate test apparatus or procedures under the same 
conditions for purposes of conducting ``reasonable and representative 
tests'' to support guaranties of items subject to the Standard, 
following any sampling plan prescribed by the Standard or any approved 
alternate sampling plan.
    (d) The Commission will test fabrics and garments subject to the 
Standard for compliance with the Standard using the apparatus and 
procedures set forth in the Standard. The Commission will consider any 
failing results from compliance testing as evidence that the person or 
firm using alternate test apparatus or procedures has furnished a false 
guaranty in violation of section 8(b) of the FFA (15 U.S.C. 1197(b)).

[48 FR 21316, May 12, 1983]



                 Subpart C--Interpretations and Policies

    Authority: Secs. 1-17, 67 Stat. 111-115, as amended, 81 Stat. 568-
74; 15 U.S.C. 1191-1204.



Sec. 1615.61  [Reserved]



Sec. 1615.62  Policy and interpretation relative to items in inventory or as to recordkeeping requirements.

    (a) The Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear: Sizes 
0 through 6X (FF 3-71) (subpart A of this part) was published in the 
Federal Register on July 29, 1971, at 36 FR 14062 et seq., and amended 
in the Federal Register of July 21, 1972 (37 FR 14624). The Notice of 
Standard provided at 36 FR 14063 that ``Items in inventory or with the 
trade on the effective date of the Standard are exempt. All concerned 
parties shall be required to maintain records that these items offered 
for sale after the effective date of the Standard are eligible for the 
exemption.''
    (b) The Children's Sleepwear Standard was amended on July 21, 1972, 
at 37 FR 14624 et seq. to incorporate a sleepwear sampling plan therein 
and to make certain nonsubstantive technical corrections as to the test 
equipment. The effective date remained the same. In issuance of such 
amendment the Notice of Amendment specified at 37 FR 14625 that ``It is 
emphasized that the only substantive change made to the standard 
involves the amendment necessary to include the sampling plan.''
    (c) The Notice of Amendment did not repeat the language in the 
original 1971 Notice of Standard relative to items in

[[Page 662]]

inventory or as to recordkeeping requirements.
    (d) Questions have arisen under this standard as to the application 
of the standard to goods manufactured outside the United States prior to 
the effective date of the standard on July 29, 1972, as to whether a 
person claiming the exemption specified in the standard must maintain 
records showing eligibility for exemption from the standard.
    (e) In the Commission's view, the provisions of the July 29, 1971, 
Notice of Standard as to exemption of items of children's sleepwear in 
inventory or with the trade on the effective date of the standard and as 
to the necessity of maintenance of records to show eligibility for such 
exemption are in full force and effect.

    Note: This policy was published by the Federal Trade Commission on 
January 31, 1973 (38 FR 3014). It continues in effect.



Sec. 1615.63  Policy regarding garment production unit identification.

    No provision of Sec. 1615.31(b)(8) prohibits placement of a garment 
production unit identification on a label containing other information. 
Provided, however, that when the garment production unit identification 
appears on a label containing other information, provisions of 
Sec. 1615.31(b)(7) require that the garment production unit 
identification must be set forth separately from any other information 
appearing on the same label, and that information not required by the 
applicable enforcement regulation Sec. 1615.31, but placed on the same 
label with the garment production unit identification, shall not 
interfere with the garment production unit identification.



Sec. 1615.64  Policy to clarify scope of the standard.

    (a) The Standard for Flammability of Children's Sleepwear: Size 0 
Through 6X (16 CFR part 1615) is applicable to any item of children's 
sleepwear in sizes 0 through 6X.
    (1) The term item is defined in the Standard at Sec. 1615.1(d) to 
mean ``any product of children's sleepwear, or any fabric or related 
material intended or promoted for use in children's sleepwear.''
    (2) The term children's sleepwear is defined in the Standard at 
Sec. 1615.1(a) to mean ``any product of wearing apparel up to and 
including size 6X, such as nightgowns, pajamas, or similar or related 
items, such as robes, intended to be worn primarily for sleeping or 
activities relating to sleeping. Diapers and underwear are excluded from 
the definition.''
    (b) The Commission makes the following statement of policy regarding 
(1) the phrase ``intended or promoted'' as used in the definition of 
``item'' in Sec. 1615.1(d), and (2) the phrase ``intended to be worn 
primarily for sleeping or activities related to sleeping'' as used in 
the definition of ``children's sleepwear'' in Sec. 1615.1(a).
    (c) For enforcement purposes, the meaning of these phrases will be 
interpreted by the Commission in accordance with the following 
principles:
    (1) Sleepwear fabrics and related materials. Whether fabric or 
related material is ``intended or promoted'' for use in children's 
sleepwear depends on the facts and circumstances in each case. Relevant 
factors include:
    (i) The nature of the fabric and its suitability for use in 
children's sleepwear;
    (ii) The extent to which the fabric or a comparable fabric has been 
sold to manufacturers of children's sleepwear for use in the manufacture 
of children's sleepwear garments; and
    (iii) The likelihood that the fabric will be used primarily for 
children's sleepwear in a substantial number of cases.
    (2) Sleepwear garments. Whether a product of wearing apparel is 
``intended to be worn primarily for sleeping or activities related to 
sleeping'' depends on the facts and circumstances present in each case. 
Relevant factors include:
    (i) The nature of the product and its suitability for use by 
children for sleeping or activities related to sleeping;
    (ii) The manner in which the product is distributed and promoted; 
and
    (iii) The likelihood that the product will be used by children 
primarily for sleeping or activities related to sleeping in a 
substantial number of cases.
    (3) The factors set forth in this policy statement are guidelines 
only, and are

[[Page 663]]

not elements of the definition of the term ``children's sleepwear'' in 
Sec. 1615.1(a) of the Standard. For this reason, a particular fabric or 
garment may meet the definition of ``children's sleepwear'' set forth in 
the Standard, even though all factors listed in this policy statement 
are not present.
    (d) Retailers, distributors, and wholesalers, as well as 
manufacturers, importers, and other persons (such as converters) 
introducing a fabric or garment into commerce which does not meet the 
requirements of the flammability standards for children's sleepwear, 
have an obligation not to promote or sell such fabric or garment for use 
as an item of children's sleepwear. Also, retailers, distributors, and 
wholesalers are advised not to advertise, promote, or sell as an item of 
children's sleepwear any item which a manufacturer, importer, or other 
person (such as a converter) introducing the item into commerce has 
indicated by label, invoice, or, otherwise, does not meet the 
requirements of the children's sleepwear flammability standards and is 
not intended or suitable for use as sleepwear. ``Infant garments'' as 
defined by Sec. 1615.1(c) and ``tight-fitting'' garments as defined by 
Sec. 1615.1(o) are exempt from the standard which requires flame 
resistance. They may be marketed as sleepwear for purposes of this 
section. Additionally, retailers are advised:
    (1) To segregate, by placement in different parts of a department or 
store, fabrics and garments covered by the children's sleepwear 
standards from all fabrics and garments that are beyond the scope of the 
children's sleepwear standards but which resemble items of children's 
sleepwear;
    (2) To utilize store display signs indicating the distinction 
between types of fabrics and garments, for example by indicating which 
are sleepwear items and which are not; and
    (3) To avoid the advertisement or promotion of a fabric or garment 
that does not comply with the children's sleepwear flammability standard 
in a manner that may cause the item to be viewed by the consumer as an 
item of children's sleepwear.

(Sec. 5, Pub.L. 90-189, 81 Stat. 569, 15 U.S.C. 1194; sec. 30(b), Pub.L. 
92-573, 86 Stat. 1231, 15 U.S.C. 2079(b); 5 U.S.C. 553)

[49 FR 10250, Mar. 20, 1984, as amended at 64 FR 2832, Jan. 19, 1999; 64 
FR 34533, June 28, 1999]