49 CFR 571.302 Flammability of Interior Materials (FSMVV 302)

The 49 CFR 571.302 standard, published among the federal motor vehicle safety standards, defines combustion resistance requirements for materials used in passenger compartments of motor vehicles. The purpose of this standard is to reduce death and injury to motor vehicle occupants, particularly from vehicle fires from sources such as matches or cigarettes from inside the vehicle.

Federal motor vehicle safety standards are codified in Section 49 of the U.S. Federal Regulations Act (49 CFR 571). The FMVSS standard 302 is regulated as 49 CFR 571.302. This standard applies to passenger cars, multipurpose vehicles, trucks, and buses.

For the purposes of this standard, the term passenger compartment air space means the space within the passenger compartment that normally contains renewable air.

The components of the vehicle passenger compartments must meet the requirements described in the standard. These components are: seat cushions, backrests, seat belts, headliner, sunroofs, armrests, door, all floor panels and side panels including front, rear, bulkheads, headrests, floor coverings, sun visors, curtains, sun visors, wheel case covers, engine compartment covers, mattress covers, and all other interior materials including cushioning and anti-shock elements. In the event of a collision, these components are expected to absorb energy upon contact by occupants.

Any part of single or composite material within 13 mm of the passenger compartment air gap must meet the relevant requirements. Any material that does not adhere to other materials at each point of contact must meet these requirements when tested separately. Likewise, any material that adheres to other materials at each point of contact must meet these requirements when tested as composite with other materials.

This standard is part of the 300 series of FMVSS standards aimed at ensuring safety in motor vehicles and relates to collision survival. These standards were first published in 1967, and the requirements are updated periodically.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides flammability testing services of interior materials for motor vehicle safety controls, within the scope of 49 CFR 571.302 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.