Sofa Fire Standards: What TB 117-2013 Means for You

What is TB 117-2013

TB 117-2013 is a technical bulletin issued by the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). It replaced the older TB 117 standard, which required sofas to resist open flames. The 2013 version focuses on smolder resistance, meaning a sofa ignited by a smoldering cigarette should not propagate the fire. This is a more realistic test because smoking materials are a leading cause of upholstered furniture fires.

In 2020, the COVID-19 Regulatory Relief and Work From Home Safety Act established statutory flammability requirements for upholstered furniture. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) codified these requirements at 16 C.F.R. part 1640, adopting TB 117-2013 as the mandatory testing standard. This means every sofa sold in the United States must now meet the same requirements that were previously only enforced in California.

• Effective for items manufactured, imported, or reupholstered on or after June 25, 2021.
• Labeling requirement effective June 25, 2022.
• Applies to indoor seating furniture with upholstered seats, backs, or arms, including cushions and pillows.

What TB 117-2013 Tests

TB 117-2013 defines four test methods for components: cover fabric, resilient filling material, barrier material, and decking material. Each component is evaluated against three performance criteria: char length, smoldering, and transition to open flaming. A sofa can pass by having a passing barrier that completely surrounds the filling, or by having both a passing cover fabric and a passing filling material. If decking material is present, it must pass its own test.

The tests are designed to simulate a smoldering cigarette, which is the most common ignition source. The standard does not require resistance to open flame, because that would necessitate chemical treatments that are less effective and more costly. The result is a safer product that still allows a wide range of materials and designs.

Labeling Requirements

Under 16 C.F.R. section 1640.4(b), all compliant upholstered furniture must have a permanent label with the exact wording: 'Complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability.' The CPSC recommends the statement be conspicuous and legible, with letters at least 1/8-inch high and in black text on a white background with a black border.

The label can be a separate tag or added to the bottom of an existing California TB 117-2013 label. It must appear on the front of the item. When you shop for a sofa, check for this label. It is the primary way to confirm that a product meets the federal standard. If you do not see it, ask the retailer or manufacturer for documentation.

How It Affects Fill and Fabric

The standard directly influences the choice of cushion fill and cover fabric. Some common fill materials, including certain polyurethane foams, may not pass the smolder test on their own. To comply, manufacturers often add a barrier layer around the fill, or treat the foam with smolder-resistant additives. A passing barrier material that completely surrounds the filling can satisfy the standard even if the cover fabric and filling would fail individually. For more on cushion materials, see our guide on foam density and ILD.

Fabric choice also matters. Tightly woven fabrics and natural fibers like cotton and linen may inherently resist smoldering better than synthetic materials. However, the test evaluates the final assembly, so a fabric with a low char length can compensate for a filling that performs poorly. This flexibility means you can still choose a sofa with the aesthetic you prefer, as long as the manufacturer has engineered the combination to pass.

Indoor Air Quality Considerations

While TB 117-2013 focuses on fire safety, it does not address chemical emissions. Sofas can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives, foam, and other materials. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that VOCs can irritate eyes, nose, and throat, and some are suspected carcinogens. Formaldehyde, a common VOC, is used in resins for composite wood products and is also present in some permanent-press fabrics.

To reduce exposure, the EPA recommends improving ventilation, especially when a new sofa is first brought home. You can also look for sofas with low-emission certifications, such as those that meet CARB Phase II or TSCA Title VI standards for composite wood frames. Check the frame materials and ask whether the product has been independently tested for emissions. If you are sensitive to chemicals, consider letting the sofa air out in a garage or well-ventilated room for a few days. For more on eco-friendly options, see green certifications for sofas.

How to Shop for a Compliant Sofa

Start by looking for the permanent CPSC compliance label. If it is missing, ask the retailer to provide the manufacturer's certificate of compliance. Also ask about the construction method: whether a barrier is used, and what the fill material is made of. A reputable manufacturer should be able to explain how its product meets the standard.

The standard does not require you to sacrifice style or comfort. You can find sofas in every fabric and size range that are fully compliant. Use our buying guides to narrow down your options by size, style, or material, and then verify the compliance label before you purchase. For example, start with our best 70 to 89 inch sofas guide if you need a standard three-seater. If you are considering a sectional, see our best sectional sofas list.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What does TB 117-2013 test for?

It tests cover fabric, resilient filling material, barrier material, and decking material for smolder resistance. Each component must limit char length, resist smoldering, and not transition to open flame.

When did TB 117-2013 become federal law?

The CPSC incorporated it into 16 C.F.R. part 1640, with requirements effective June 25, 2021 for manufactured or imported items. Labeling became mandatory on June 25, 2022.

Does the standard require resistance to open flames?

No. TB 117-2013 is a smolder standard, designed to mimic a cigarette. It does not require open-flame testing, which is more stringent and less common in home furniture.

How can I verify that a sofa complies?

Look for a permanent label that says 'Complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability.' The label should be at least 1/8-inch high in black on white with a black border.

Do all sofas need to meet this standard?

Most indoor upholstered furniture in the U.S. must meet it. Exceptions include outdoor cushions, certain children's products, items with very little filling, and prescription products.

Can the standard affect the feel of my sofa?

It may require a barrier layer around the fill, which some people find changes the initial firmness. However, many manufacturers offer comfortable designs that fully comply.