March 28, 2024

Archives for December 15, 2017

On December 15, 2017, the CPSC Published a Final Rule Providing a Safety Standard for Children’s Folding Chairs and Stools (16 CFR 1232)

DATES: This rule will become effective June 15, 2018. The incorporation by reference of the publication listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 15, 2018.

Background:  On October 19, 2015, the Commission issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) for children’s folding chairs and stools. 80 FR 63155.  The NPR proposed to incorporate by reference the voluntary standard that was in effect at that time, ASTM F2613–14, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Children’s Chairs and Stools.  ASTM F2613–14 contained testing and performance requirements for any chair or stool used by a single child who can get in and get out of the product unassisted and with a seat height 15 inches or less with or without a rocking base. The NPR proposed to limit the scope of the mandatory standard to folding chairs and stools because the hazards presented by folding chairs and stools are different from non-folding chairs and stools.

Since the NPR was issued, ASTM has revised ASTM F2613–14 several times.  The current version of the standard is ASTM F2613–17a.  The CPSC is issuing a mandatory safety standard that incorporates by reference the most recent voluntary standard, developed by ASTM International, ASTM F2613–17a, for children’s folding chairs and stools. The CPSC mandatory standard does not include non-folding chairs and stools. The Commission is not making any other modifications to the ASTM standard. As required by section 14 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), the final rule amends the list of NORs issued by the Commission in 16 CFR Part 1112 to include the standard for children’s folding chairs and stools. The final rule also amends the product registration rule in 16 CFR Part 1130 to identify children’s folding stools, in addition to children’s folding chairs, as durable infant or toddler products for purposes of consumer product registration requirements.