On Feb. 25, 2016, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously to modify its requirement that companies issue general conformity certificates (GCC) for all adult clothing. The CPSC previously required that manufacturers or importers of record issue GCC’s certifying that adult clothing met flammability requirements under the Flammable Fabrics Act, even where the garments were made exclusively from fabrics that are exempt from testing due to their inherently non-flammable characteristics. The CPSC agreed to the change after determining that the requirement was outdated, and in an effort to lessen the burden on apparel companies. The CPSC believes this will not compromise safety because it only pertains to adult clothing and fabrics already determined not to be flammable. Testing requirements remain in place for children’s clothing.
