Fabric Flammability Testing for Clothing (16 CFR Part 1610)

- Flannel, Fleece, Terry, & More - 

Raised-surface fabrics like flannel, fleece, french terry, minky, and velour need flammability testing before they can be used in clothing regardless of sizing for kids or adults. If you can’t find a supplier with a report, or you sell these fabrics to makers who keep asking for one, this is how you get it.

WHAT THIS TESTING IS

Who this is for

⨀ Makers of clothing, bibs, and scarves using raised-surface fabrics
⨀ Fabric shops and destashers selling to apparel makers

What’s tested

16 CFR Part 1610, the flammability standard for clothing textiles. Plain-surface fabrics weighing 2.6 oz/yd² or more are exempt and don’t need this test. Children’s sleepwear falls under a different, stricter standard and isn’t covered here.

What you’ll send

⨀ 1 square yard (36″ × 36″) of each fabric
⨀ Your completed request form

What you’ll get

⨀ A flammability test report from an ISO 17025-accredited, CPSC-accepted lab in the US
⨀ Written Testing Plan template

HOW TESTING WORKS

Process

1. Fill out the request form (link in your confirmation email). It’s private and takes about 10 minutes.
   
   
2. Ship your samples to me. Samples that arrive by Tuesday go out that Thursday. Wednesday arrivals may make it, but aren’t guaranteed.
   
   
3. I look everything over before it goes to the lab (cracks in wood, loose knots, anything likely to cause a fail) and let you know if something needs a second look.
   
   
4. The lab confirms the quote and starts testing. You’ll get a second email once testing has begun (usually within a week of shipping).
   
   
5. You get your report. Testing takes about 10-14 business days. I send your report within 2 business days of receiving it.
   

Plan for up to 4 weeks from the day your samples reach me to the day you have your report.

What if something fails?

It happens, and it’s exactly why testing exists. If a design fails, I’ll walk you through what failed and why, in plain language. A failed design can’t be sold as-is, but a tweak in how it is marketed (note as not suitable for clothing) is usually all it takes. Testing fees cover the lab’s work either way, so they aren’t refundable.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

⨀ Send samples you’re okay not getting back. The lab keeps or disposes of most samples.

⨀ Want your samples back? Choose return shipping ($30) on the request form. I’ll invoice for it only if the lab returns them, which isn’t guaranteed.

⨀ Testing is to US CPSC standards only, for products sold in the US.

⨀ If the lab’s quote comes in higher once they have your samples (rare, but it happens with unusual materials), I’ll check with you before anything moves forward. You’d cover the difference only if you choose to continue.

⨀ Made Legit members save 15% on every testing order. [See Made Legit here]

⨀ I’m not a lawyer, and this is a testing coordination service, not legal advice. Testing services are non-refundable.