CertiPUR-US® Technical Guidelines

OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Physical Performance and

Environmental Guidelines for Certification
of Prime Flexible Polyurethane Foam
for Use in Furniture and Bedding
OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

CertiPUR-US® is a program of the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, Inc.

www.certipur.us
CertiPUR-US® is a registered certification mark of Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, Inc. ©2016 Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, Inc. All rights reserved.
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

T hank you for your interest in the CertiPUR-US® program. For foam suppliers interested in certifying flexible polyurethane
foam, this is the place to start – with the following pages that are the Physical Performance and Environmental Guidelines
for Certification of Prime Flexible Polyurethane Foam for Use in Furniture and Bedding.

This document, we call the Technical Guidelines, contains the technical requirements for certification of flexible polyurethane
foams through the CertiPUR-US® program. The Technical Guidelines were established with guidance from the global foam
industry and in conjunction with the leadership of the mattress and upholstered furniture industries. In addition, an advisory panel
of scientists, academics, environmentalists and representatives of consumer groups provided invaluable input in the development of
the Technical Guidelines.

The CertiPUR-US® program is a voluntary testing, analysis and certification program for flexible polyurethane foam used as a
cushioning material in home furnishings such as adult mattresses, crib mattresses, upholstered furniture and some accessory comfort
products. Certified flexible polyurethane foams are independently laboratory tested and certified to be:

◗ Made without ozone depleters

◗ Made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants
◗ Made without mercury, lead, a nd other heavy metals
◗ Made without formaldehyde
◗ Made without phthalates r egulated by the Consumer P
 roduct Safety Commission
◗ Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality ( less than 0.5 parts per million)

It is our policy to be transparent and to be responsive to changes in what we know about components of flexible polyurethane foam.
We are continually evaluating information from the science community, stakeholders, and government and regulatory agencies to assess
these Technical Guidelines.

For that reason, we consider these Technical Guidelines to be a living document that may be revised when good science and responsible
regulatory concern warrant. Any changes are made by the consent of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane
Foam, Inc., the organization that manages the CertiPUR-US® program.

Policies related to revisions of the document and appropriate forms to request a revision may be obtained through [email protected].
Certification is restricted to prime flexible polyurethane foam intended for use in furniture and bedding applications. Any questions
related to the certification requirements or process should also be directed to [email protected].

Please contact me for guidance in the certification process. From application to submission of samples to navigating the testing
requirements to using the CertiPUR-US® seal if you achieve certification, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Sincerely,

Michael Crowell
Executive Director
CertiPUR-US® program
Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, Inc.
[email protected]
828.452.5400
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Section 1
Internal Physical Performance Testing

Test Pass Test Method

1) Average Density1 Report ASTM D3574 Test A

± 3.0 lbs or
2) Average 25% IFD2 and Tolerance +/- 10% max3 ASTM D3574 Test B1

3) 25% IFD loss after Fatigue Test Only applies to foams within 25% IFD Loss < 6 lbs ASTM D3574Test I3 (Procedure A) 5
range4 of 24 to 36 lbs (100 – 160 N) ( 26.7 N)

4) 75% Compression set HR-type and Melamine-filled Foams 20.0% max ASTM D3574 Test D
All others (Conventional, Viscoelastic, etc) 10.0% max

5) Humid Aged 75% Compression Set HR-type and Melamine-filled Foams 30.0% max ASTM D3574 Test D and J6
All others (Conventional, Viscoelastic, etc) 10.0% max

1
Average Density from testing of 15” x 15” x 4” (380 mm x 380 mm x 102 mm) samples prepared by the procedure below – “Sampling Procedure for Physical Testing”
2
Average IFD @ 25% from testing of 15” x 15” x 4” (380 mm x 380 mm x 102 mm) samples prepared by the procedure below.
3
Maximum deviation of ± 10% of the Average 25% IFD or of 3.0 lbs (13.3 N) – whichever is greater – by any single sample from the Average 25% IFD.
4
Based on the Average 25% IFD in Test 2) using 15” x 15” x 4” (380 mm x 380 mm x 102 mm) samples. Test 3) does not apply to foams outside this range.
5
Constant Force Pounding, 8000 cycles ASTM D3574 Test I3 (Procedure A) / ISO 3385
6
ASTM 3574 Section J1 with Humid Aging followed by Section D Compression Set.

Sampling Procedure for Physical Testing

Product Selection: The product selected for Physical Testing shall be the same as for Analytical Testing (see Section 6).

Sample Origin: Central samples no less than 15 inches (35 cm) from a face or side of the bun shall be cut, no later than 7 days
after foam production. If the foam bun is not large enough to allow the 15 in (35 cm) distance from the sides, the most central
location is appropriate.

Size of Samples: 15 in x 15 in x 4 in (380 mm x 380 mm x 100 mm).

A vertical rectangular column 15” x 15” (380 mm x 380 mm) shall be cut to include both the top and the bottom surfaces
of the produced foam. The lower 1” (25 mm) portion of the sample column shall be removed. Starting at this lower
cut surface, the column shall be cut into 15” x 15” x 4” (380 mm x 380 mm x 100 mm) adjacent samples, discarding the
upper trim segment such that the uppermost sample is at least 1” (25 mm) from the top skin of the produced foam. The
samples shall be numbered sequentially starting from the upper sample. 25% IFD and density results shall be reported
for at least the top, middle, and bottom samples for determination of 25% IFD Variance.

Physical Testing Report: The test data shall be submitted initially and with each renewal for each Foam Group to the
CertiPUR-US® program on the following “Internal Physical Performance Testing Report” form.

Section 2
Manufacturer Certifications

Foam or adhesives processed with CFC or Other Ozone Depleters No

Foam or adhesives processed with MeCl2 or nPB (dichloromethane or n-propyl bromide) No

Foam processed with BHT Polyol Additives No

Foam processed with any PBDE Additives, TDCPP or TCEP ("Tris") flame retardants No

1
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Internal Physical Performance Testing Report

Company Name:

Production Location:

Foam Product Group:

Foam Identification (Grade):
Test Results*

Density and 25% IFD

Test Date:
Sample Number Density 25% IFD Limit
1 (Top)

10

11

12

Average:

25% IFD Variance: ± 10% or 3.0 lbs (13.3 N)

Test Date:
< 6 lbs (26.7 N)
25% IFD loss after Fatigue

Test Date: 10%

75% Compression Set (20% HR or melamine)

Test Date:
10%
Humid Aged 75% (30% HR or melamine)
Compression Set
*See Physical Performance and Environmental Guidlines for Certification of Prime Flexible Polyurethane Foam for Use in Furniture and Bedding,
Section 1 for sampling procedure and test methods.

I confirm the information above is accurate. Name (printed):_____________________________________________________________________

Signature:______________________________________________________________________________ Date:_______________________________________

2
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Section 3
Independent Laboratory Emissions Testing7
Substance CAS-No. Guideline Limit [mg/m3]
Formaldehyde 50-00-0 <0.1
Benzene 71-43-2 <0.5
Toluene 108-88-3 <0.5
Styrene 100-42-5 <0.3
Vinylcyclohexene 100-40-3 < LOD*
4-Phenylcyclohexene 4994-16-5 < LOD*

Butadiene 106-99-0 < LOD*

Vinyl Chloride 75-01-4 < LOD*

Aromatic hydrocarbons < 0.5
TVOC Emissions < 0.5

7
 verage Density and Average 25% IFD measured using procedures in Section 1 must be
A Test Method: ISO 16000-Parts 3, 6, 9, & 11 – with chamber volume of 0.5 or
reported for the foam production used in Analytical Testing. 1 m3. The foam sample is placed on the bottom of an emission test chamber
* Below the Limit of Detection and is conditioned for 72 hours at 23°C/50%RH, applying an air exchange
rate n of 0.5 per hour and a chamber loading L of 0.4 m2/m3 (=total exposed
surface of sample in relation to chamber dimensions without sealing edges
and back) in accordance with ISO 16000-9 and ISO 16000-11.

Section 4
Independent Laboratory Analysis
Metals of Concern

Substance CAS-No. Guideline Limit [ppm]

Antimony (Sb) 7440-36-0 0.5
Arsenic (As) 7440-38-2 0.2
Cadmium (Cd) 7440-43-9 0.1
Chromium total (Cr) 7440-47-3 1.0
Chromium VI (Cr VI) 18540-29-9 < LOD *
Cobalt (Co) 7440-48-4 0.5
Copper (Cu) 7440-50-8 2.0
Lead (Pb) 7439-92-1 0.2
Nickel (Ni) 7440-20-0 1.0
Mercury (Hg) 7439-97-6 0.02
Selenium (Se) 7782-49-2 0.5

* Below the Limit of Detection

Test Method: The 0.2 in x 0.2 in x 0.2 in (5 mm x 5 mm x 5 mm) sample shall be cut by the laboratory and extracted for 8 hours with an artificial acidic sweat solution
(cf. ISO 105-E04 (1994)) at 40°C on a shaking water bath using a ratio S/L=1/20 (S=solid, L=liquid). Determination by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) or
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). For Cr VI, by spectrophotometry (SP). The report must contain the measured level or show less than the value of the limit of
detection, e.g. <0.05 not < LOD.

3
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Tributyltin

Substance CAS-No. Guideline Limit [ppm]

Tributyltin (TBT) 688-73-3 0.5

Test Method: The 0.2 in x 0.2 in x 0.2 in (5 mm x 5 mm x 5 mm) sample must be a composite of 6 pieces to be taken from beneath each sample face (to a maximum
of 2 cm from the surface). The sample is cut and extracted for 1 hour with the extracting agent** in an ultrasonic bath at room temperature. After extraction the
alkyl tin species are derivatized by adding sodium tetraethylborate solution in THF. The derivative is then extracted with n-hexane. The sample is then submitted
to a second extraction procedure. Both hexane extracts are combined and further used to determine the organotin compounds by gas chromatography with mass
selective detection in SIM modus.
** Extracting agent: 250 ml buffer*** + 1750 ml methanol + 300 ml acetic acid
*** Buffer (pH 4,5): 164 g sodium acetate + 1200 ml water + 165 ml acetic acid, to be diluted to 2000 ml with water

Phthalates

Substance CAS-No. Guideline Limit

Sum of 7 phthalates* ≤ 0.01 wt %

Test Method: Soxhlet extractor with an organic solvent (i.e. dichloromethane) followed by analysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), or high
performance liquid ultraviolet chromatography (HPLC/UV).
* Phthalates include: Diisononyl phthalate CAS No - 28553-12-0: Di-n-octylphthalate CAS No – 117-84-0: Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate CAS No -117-81-7: Di-isodecyl phthalate CAS No – 2676 1-40-0; Butylbenzylphthalate
CAS No – 85-68-7; Di-butyl phthalate; CAS No – 84-74-2, and Di-n-hexyl phthalate CAS No – 84-75-3

TDA/MDA

Substance CAS-No. Guideline Limit

2,4 – Toluenediamine (TDA) 95-80-7 ≤ 5.0 ppm
4,4’ – Diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA) 10 1-77-9 ≤ 5.0 ppm
Sum of TDA (2,4) plus MDA (4,4’) 95-80-7 + 10 1-77-9 ≤ 5.0 ppm

Test Method: A subsample shall be cut and extracted with 1% aqueous acetic acid solution. To achieve optimal sensitivity and selectivity, the extracts are analyzed
using high pressure liquid chromatography with detection using mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS).

Polybrominated (PBDE) Flame Retardant Additives

Substance CAS-No. Guideline Limit

pentabromodiphenyl ether 32534-81-9 ≤ 0.01 wt %
octabromodiphenyl ether 32536-52-0 ≤ 0.01 wt %
decabromodiphenyl ether 1163-19-5 ≤ 0.01 wt %

Test Method: Analysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)

4
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Section 5
Prohibited Substances

GHS* (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals)

GHS Hazard Class Category United States GHS Hazard Statements

Carcinogen 1A, 1B May Cause Cancer

Germ Cell Mutagen 1A, 1B May Cause Genetic Defects

Reproductive toxicity 1A, 1B May Damage Fertility or the Unborn Child

*GHS replaced R-Phrases (Based upon European Union Risk Assesments)

Blowing Agents
CFC
HCFC
Dichloromethane (methylene chloride)

Prohibited Flame Retardant Additives CAS-No.

Antimony (see Section 4) 7440-36-0
Chlorinated or brominated dioxins or furans Various

Chlorinated hydrocarbons (1,1-,2,2-Tetrachloroethane; Pentachloroethane;

Various
1,1-,2-Trichloroethane;1,1-Dichloroethylene)
Decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE) (see Section 4) 1163-19-5
Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) 756-79-6
Nitrites Various
Octabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE) (see Section 4) 32536-52-0
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) 59536-65-1
Polychlorinated Terphenyls (PCT) 61788-33-8
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) 1336-36-3
Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE) (see Section 4) 32534-81-9
Tri-(2,3-dibromo-propyl)-phosphate (TRIS) 126-72-7
Tris-(aziridinyl)-phosphinoxide (TEPA) 5455-55-1
Tris (2-chloroethyl)-phosphate (TCEP) 115-96-8
Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) 13674-87-8
Vinyl Chloride (see Section 3) 75-01-4

Other Prohibited Substances CAS-No.

Chlorinated phenols (PCP, TeCP) 87-86-5
Trimethylphosphate 5455-55-1
Hexachlorocyclohexane 58-89-9
Monomethyldibromo-Diphenylmethane 99688-47-8
Monomethyldichloro-Diphenylmethane 81161-70-8

5
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Section 6
Sampling Procedure for Analytical Testing
Product Selection: The product selected for Analytical Testing shall be one frequently produced within the Foam Product
Group being certified and likely to be highest in emissions.

Sample Origin: Central samples no less than 15 inches (35 cm) from a face or side of the bun shall be cut, no later than 7 days
after foam production. If the foam bun is not large enough to allow the 15 in (35 cm) distance from the sides, the most central
location is appropriate.

Size of Samples: 10 in x 8 in x 6 in (25 cm x 20 cm x 15 cm).

Photo Verification: Take a photo of the sample block of foam (prior to cutting) that shows the foam type, production
date, and size. Include the chemist or supervisor responsible in the photo. This photo will be part of your submittal
package to the CertiPUR-US® program. See photos on page 9.

Number of Samples: Two adjacent samples shall be prepared for the baseline study and then shall be sent to the laboratory.
Care shall be taken to assure that no oils, silicones or other volatile materials are present on the saw blade or saw table.
Protective phthalate-free gloves should be worn to prevent sample exposure to soap or hand lotion. The samples each shall
be conditioned using standard production procedures, packaged and identified as recommended below.

Time Constraints: The samples shall be cut out of the bun, no later than 7 days after production of the foam, and
immediately packaged. Samples must be shipped to arrive at the testing lab within 14 days of cutting and the lab must start
VOC chamber testing within 35 days of receiving the samples.

Packaging of Samples: Each 10 in x 8 in x 6 in (25 cm x 20 cm x 15 cm ) sample shall be tightly wrapped and separately sealed
in aluminum foil (one sample per foil package) or packaged separately inside sealed aluminized Mylar bags (one sample per
bag). See photos on page 9.

Sample Identification: Sample Identification shall be recorded and placed inside the packaging box on each individually
wrapped sample. The information shall include the Foam Product Group (as in Section 8), density and firmness, company
production reference code number, production date, date of sampling, and date of mailing to the laboratory. See form on page 8.

Section 7
Test Failures and Retesting
If a flexible foam manufacturer fails the requirements of the CertiPUR-US® program in one area of the analytical or physical
property testing, the company will be allowed to have the same foam formulation retested under either of the following
parameters:
◗ T he CertiPUR-US® program will accept the retesting of the failed item of the program at the flexible foam manufacturer's
expense, if
◗ The failure does not exceed the relative standard deviation of analysis, and
◗ The retest is completed within 30 days of the original analytical or physical property testing.
Or
◗ If the failure exceeds the relative standard of deviation of the analysis, the CertiPUR-US® program will accept an entire retest
at the flexible foam manufacturer's expense, if the retest is completed within 45 days of the original analytical or physical
property testing.
Both the original test results with the failed item and the applicable retest, that now shows a passing result, must be
submitted with the remainder of the required paperwork and photos.

6
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Section 8
Certification Groupings
The manufacturer may certify groups of equivalent qualified flexible Foam Product Groups:
polyurethane foam products (i.e. a number of FPF products having various ◗ Conventional polyether foams
physical characteristics, but sharing the same raw materials). Separate
◗ Conventional FR polyether foams (sharing
application and registration would be necessary for foam products
the same flame retardant package)
manufactured from differing raw materials. It is the responsibility of the
◗ Super-soft (low density/low index) polyether
foam manufacturer to notify raw material suppliers when registration
conventional foams –25% IFD ≤15 lbs.
has been achieved so that they can advise the foam manufacturer if raw
(65 N) and density ≤1.5 lbs/ft3 (24 kg/m3)
material formulation changes are anticipated during the duration of the
registration period. ◗ High resilience foams
◗ High support foams
Foam producers have the option to add a branded name for any foam family ◗ Viscoelastic (memory) foams
category, including using that branded name as the sole identifier in the “other” ◗ Viscoelastic (memory) foams with gel
foam family category. This enables customers to recognize a branded name as
◗ Other (please describe in detail – to be
being certified. The branded names may appear in two places on the CertiPUR-US
reviewed by administrator)
website: 1) foam producer’s individual page, and 2) foam producer’s certificate.

Section 9
Registration Duration
To maintain registration, sample evaluations are necessary at 6 month intervals for each product group category to help
demonstrate formulation and raw material content consistency. After completing two consecutive 6 month successful
certifications, the registration frequency shall change to an annual basis. Any significant changes to the formulation shall
require analysis and re-registration.

CertiPUR-US® testing and analysis laboratory options:

Hall Analytical TÜV Rheinland LGA Products GmbH
Unit A Millbrook Business Centre Tillystraβe 2
Floats Road 90431 Nuremberg
Manchester M23 9YJ Germany
United Kingdom Attn: Dr. Jelena Galinkina
Attn: Nick Ordsmith Telephone: ( Country exit code) +49 911 655 5614
Telephone: (Country exit code) +44 161 286 7889 (Country exit code) +49 911 655 5604
Fax: (Country exit code) +44 161 286 7676 Fax: (Country exit code) +49 911 655 5604
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Eurofins Product Testing A/S Intertek

Smedeskovvej 38 Attn: VOC Lab/CertiPUR-US Testing
DK-8464 4700 Broadmoor, Ste. 200
Galten, Denmark Kentwood, MI 49512 USA
Telephone: (Country exit code) +45 7022 4276 Attn: Dr. Jesse Ondersma
Fax: (Country exit code) +45 7022 4275 Telephone: 616.656.7401
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

7
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Sample Submittal and Analytical Request

CertiPUR-US® Certification Program
Attention:____________________________________________________________________

Ship via express to: Invoice to:

Lab Name:__________________________________________________ Company Name:_____________________________________________

Address 1:__________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________

Address 2:__________________________________________________ Address 1:__________________________________________________

City / State / Zip:_____________________________________________ Address 2:__________________________________________________

Country____________________________________________________ City / State / Zip: ____________________________________________

Country: ___________________________________________________

Attention:__________________________________________________

P.O. Number:________________________________________________

Sample Identification:

Your Product
Identification Code

Foam Product Group *

Brand Name of Foam (optional)

Foam Density/IFD

Production Date

Date Sample Cut

(<7 days from Production)

Date Sample Shipped

Sample Arrival Date

This information will be reported by the testing laboratory
(<21 days from Production)
Date VOC Chamber Testing Started
This information will be reported by the testing laboratory
(<42 days from Production)

*See Section 8 for Product Grouping – If “other,” please specify

Analytical Request:
TVOC Emissions Testing Extractable heavy metals
Tributyltin (TBT)
Sum of seven specified phthalates
Penta, Octa, Deca bromodiphenylethers (PBDE’s) – flame retardants
2,4-Toluenediamine (TDA) and 4,4’-Diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA)
Specified Volatile Organic Compounds and total Volatile Organic Compounds

8
 OCTOBER 25, 2016 • UPDATE

Sample Packaging Instructions

1. Please be sure to wear phthalate-free PU or latex gloves while handling samples. This will keep the samples from
contamination by soap or fragrances.
2. Check and clean the knife blade and saw table before cutting samples to prevent contamination from residue.
3. Individually seal three samples tightly in heavy gauge aluminum foil wrappers. Before making the final fold and seal,
evacuate as much excess air as possible without resulting in a compressed sample. Submit two samples to the laboratory
and keep one packaged sample as a control.
4. Please complete the Sample Submittal Form (page 8).
5. Tape a duplicate Sample Submittal Form to the outside of each foil package/sample.
6. Place the samples in a cardboard box, including complete Sample Submission Forms, (see Section 6) and ship to a selected
laboratory via express delivery service.
Note: Before taking samples, review details in Section 6.

Use 18” wide heavy duty aluminum foil. Overlap the two pieces by 2” – lengthwise. Lift the overlap, crease and fold flat for the length of the
Place 2, 26” pieces side-by-side. seam (26”).

Place the foam sample in the center of the joined foil sheet Join the side panels together at the top. Pinch the overlap, Pinch the foil on the ends and squeeze together.
lengthwise on top of the seam. roll over twice and fold flat to seal.

Roll the ends twice and press flat against the foam block. The finished foil wrapped sample should be tightly sealed Take a photo of chemist or supervisor next to foam block
on all sides. from which sample was taken. On foam block, print on a
label, this information:
Remember: Only one sample per foil package.
Foam Identification: (Example: 100)
Production Date: Month/Day/Year
Size: Width x Length x Height