BETHESDA, Md. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received no “significant adverse comments” on its federal safety standard for clothing storage furniture by the June 5 deadline, meaning the new standard will take effect Sept. 1 as anticipated.
The commission received just four comments, but none were considered significantly “adverse.”
CPSC Small Business Ombudsman Stephen Lee confirmed the rule’s effective date late las week in an email to the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA).
The new federal safety standard for clothing storage furniture is based on ASTM International’s F2057-23 voluntary standard. All products within the scope of the standard with a manufacture date on or after Sept. 1 must meet the stability and labeling requirements within the rule.
On April 19, the CPSC voted 3-1 that F2057-23 met the requirements of the STURDY Act, which was signed into law December 2022. STURDY represented the collaboration between the furniture industry and consumer safety groups including Parents Against Tip-overs.
Furniture retailers and manufacturers applauded the April vote.
The AHFA released a statement after the vote: “Today’s CPSC action is welcome news for industry, safety advocates, consumers, parents and children,” said Andy Counts, CEO. “And we join with all of these stakeholders in thanking the CPSC for acknowledging and validating the hard work and extraordinary collaboration that made today’s action possible.”
In a statement released to members, Home Furnishings Assn. CEO Mark Schumacher acknowledged the efforts of industry organizations leading up to the vote. He also wrote, “Make no mistake, by year’s end there will be new standards in place, and there will be changes to many clothing storage units. The difference is that STURDY is reasonable when it comes to implementation and what you can do with your existing inventory. Let’s not lose sight of the fact, however, that this is at its core a child safety issue, and this is a win for your customers and their children.”
To help the industry meet the new standard, its requirements will be reviewed and demonstrated at an Aug. 9-10 Regulatory Summit hosted by the American Home Furnishings Alliance exclusively for its member companies.
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