Flame-retardant Label

Definition and Overview

A flame-retardant label is a label used to show the performance and proper labeling of an item that has the ability to resist spreading flames even when exposed to fire. It does not refer to the name of the fabric itself or the name of a process, but to a label item associated with the flame-retardant labeling system.

Flame-retardant does not mean “does not burn at all.” It is a concept in which ignitability, resistance to flame spread, and the condition after burning are confirmed by testing, and the required handling differs depending on the place of use and the item.

Target Items and How Standards Are Considered

In Japan, curtains, carpets, and display plywood used in certain places under the Fire Service Act are subject to flame-retardant regulations. Apparel fabrics and fashion materials may not fall under the system’s flame-retardant items depending on their applications, so confirming the final application is essential.

Whether a flame-retardant label can be attached is not determined by the performance of the fabric alone. The item, product specifications, processing method, and whether sewing or secondary processing has been performed are all checked to confirm that the finished product meets the standards and certification conditions.

• Being flame-retardant processed fabric does not mean the same as being able to display a flame-retardant label on the finished product.
• A flame-retardant item is a category of goods that falls under the system and is permitted to display flame-retardant labeling.
• Flame-retardant labeling must be carried out based on the performance basis and the prescribed labeling procedures.

Checking Fabric Procurement and Product Making

When procuring fabric, confirm with the supplier not only whether flame-retardant processing has been applied, but also what test and applications the performance is intended for, the applicable colors and lots, and the performance conditions after washing or cleaning. Even for fabric made with flame-retardant fibers, confirm separately whether the required labeling is permitted.

In productization, printing, embroidery, coating, the addition of interlining or lining, and the use of adhesives may affect performance or certification conditions. When making specification changes, do not judge based only on documents for the fabric stage; confirm whether labeling is permitted for the finished product.

• Place of use and item of the final product
• Test reports and certification-related documents regarding the flame-retardant performance of the fabric
• Final specifications including processing, sewing, and auxiliary materials
• Supplier of the label, attachment position, and management method

Handling of Labeling and Certificates

A flame-retardant label should be properly attached to the product to be labeled, and managed while maintaining the correspondence with the product. Reusing the label for a different product or attaching it to an out-of-scope product may damage the reliability of the labeling.

For test reports, certification documents, and supplier certificates, confirm the scope such as the applicable product number, color, lot, processing conditions, and post-test treatment. It is important not only that the documents exist, but also to verify whether their basis extends to the specifications of the product being produced this time.

Differences from Similar Terms

Flame-retardant processing refers to processing that gives fabric and other materials resistance to flame spread. In contrast, a flame-retardant label is a label for goods that meet prescribed conditions, including such performance. Confirm separately whether the processing has been applied and whether label display is permitted.

Flame-resistant is generally a term that indicates a property of being hard to burn, and is sometimes used with a meaning close to flame-retardant. However, it does not necessarily indicate labeling or certification under a specific law. In planning documents and sales labels, distinguish between the test basis and the labeling system.

Frequently Asked Questions