Sofa Flammability Codes: TB 117-2013 vs. Older Standards

What the flammability label tells you

Every upholstered sofa sold in the United States must meet a federal flammability standard. Since June 25, 2021, that standard is 16 C.F.R. part 1640, which incorporates California's Technical Bulletin 117-2013 (TB 117-2013). If you see a label that says 'Complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability,' the piece was made to that rule. Older labels from before that date may refer to earlier versions of TB 117 or other state or industry standards.

Understanding the label is not just about compliance; it also tells you how the furniture was tested. The current test focuses on smolder resistance, not open flame. That shift has practical implications for fabric and filling choices, and it affects the indoor air quality of your home. For a deeper look at how fire-resistance standards apply across different furniture types, see our guide on fire resistance standards.

The old TB 117: open-flame testing and chemical retardants

Before 2013, California's TB 117 (originally issued in 1975) required an open-flame test for upholstery. To pass that test, manufacturers often treated foam and fabrics with chemical flame retardants. These chemicals were sometimes halogenated or phosphorus-based, and they could off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The EPA notes that VOCs are emitted by a wide range of household products, including building materials and furnishings, and that indoor levels of many VOCs are consistently higher than outdoors.

The older approach also led to labels that might say 'flame retardant' or reference California TB 117 without specifying the version. However, the federal requirement has changed. The open-flame test is no longer the benchmark. If you have an older sofa, it may have been treated with chemicals that are now less common. That is one reason why the CPSC moved to a smolder test, which does not require the same level of chemical treatment.

When you encounter a used sofa with a label that mentions only 'TB 117' and a date before 2013, it likely followed the open-flame standard. While that does not mean the sofa is unsafe, it means the fire behavior is measured differently. For modern purchases, the new label offers a clearer baseline.

TB 117-2013: smolder resistance and the federal standard

TB 117-2013 changed the test method from open flame to smolder. It evaluates cover fabric, filling material, barrier material, and decking material for their resistance to a smoldering cigarette. The test measures char length, smoldering, and whether the material transitions to open flaming. A sofa can pass either by having a covering fabric and filling that pass individually, or by using a barrier material that completely surrounds the filling.

The CPSC adopted this standard as 16 C.F.R. part 1640. Items manufactured, imported, or reupholstered on or after June 25, 2021 must comply. The certification label requirement came into effect a year later, on June 25, 2022. This federal rule is now the baseline for all upholstered furniture sold in the United States.

How to read the new CPSC label

The current label must be permanent and include the exact phrase: 'Complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability.' The CPSC recommends the text be at least 1/8 inch high, black on a white background, with a black border. It can be a separate label or added to an existing California TB 117-2013 label. The label is part of the certification requirement, so it should be easy to find on the underside of the sofa or under a cushion.

When you see that label, you know the sofa meets the current smolder test. If a sofa lacks this label and was made after June 2021, it might not be compliant. However, older sofas made before that date are not required to have the new label, so a vintage piece may have an older label that does not reflect the current standard. Always check for the exact wording to avoid confusion.

What this means for fabric choice

Because the test is about smolder resistance rather than open flame, the fabric's density and weave matter more than its chemical treatment. Tightly woven fabrics and those with a higher thread count may resist smoldering better. Natural fibers like cotton and wool behave differently from synthetics like polyester. However, the standard allows for barrier materials, so a fabric that does not pass on its own can still be used if a barrier layer is added. That gives manufacturers more flexibility in choosing fabrics for comfort and appearance.

For a buyer, this means you can choose a sofa based on texture, durability, and color without worrying that you are locked into a fabric that requires chemical flame retardants. Many modern sofas use foam and fiber blends that meet the smolder test without additional chemicals. If you are comparing fabric types, our guide on natural vs synthetic sofa fibers can help you understand the trade-offs. For specific fabric categories, see our picks for boucle sofas or velvet sofas.

When shopping, you can ask the manufacturer about the construction. A sofa that passes with a barrier may have a slightly different feel, but the barrier is often a nonwoven layer under the cover. This does not affect the look or comfort significantly. If you want to avoid any concern, look for sofas that explicitly state they do not use chemical flame retardants.

Indoor air quality and the evolution of standards

The move from open-flame testing to smolder resistance has a side benefit: fewer flame-retardant chemicals are needed. These chemicals are a source of VOCs, which the EPA links to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and even long-term health effects. Formaldehyde, one of the best-known VOCs, is also found in permanent press fabrics and composite wood products, which are used in some sofa frames. The EPA notes that formaldehyde can off-gas from such products.

If you are concerned about indoor air, look for sofas that label themselves as low-VOC or Greenguard certified. That is not the same as flammability compliance, but it addresses emissions. Our green certifications guide and eco-labels and standards article explain what these certifications mean. Also, ventilating your home after unboxing a new sofa can help reduce any temporary off-gassing.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What does TB 117-2013 stand for?

TB 117-2013 is California Technical Bulletin 117, 2013 edition. It sets a smolder test for upholstered furniture cover materials, fillings, barriers, and decking. The CPSC incorporated it into federal rule 16 C.F.R. part 1640.

Do I need to worry about my old sofa's label?

If your sofa was made before June 2021, it may have an older label. It does not need to meet the new smolder standard, but it may have been built to the older open-flame test. That is not a safety guarantee; it simply reflects a different test method.

Does the new standard require chemical flame retardants?

Not necessarily. Many sofas pass the smolder test with barrier materials or inherently smolder-resistant fabrics and foams. Chemical flame retardants are not required by the standard. You can choose fabrics and fills that avoid them.

How can I tell if a sofa is compliant?

Look for the permanent label that says 'Complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability.' It should be black text on a white background with a black border. If it is missing on a sofa made after June 2021, the piece may not be compliant.