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Overview of Current ActivitiesThe Upholstery Fabrics Committee remains busy addressing the upholstered furniture flammability standard under consideration by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Commission has released several proposed draft standards but, at this point, various industry stakeholders (polyurethane foam, furniture, etc.) and other stakeholders in the proceeding (National Association of State Fire Marshals, etc.) have objected to portions of each. NTA recently met with key Commission staff seeking a common position that can be endorsed by all groups. Discussions were positive but other stakeholders must determine their position on the issue before progress is possible. The Committee is also working in opposition to the Orphan Works Act, legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would dilute the current copyright laws and greatly reduce copyright protection of art work which is critical to the upholstery fabrics industry. NTA is working with other associations and companies with common objections and, at this point, the legislation has not been considered by the House Judiciary Committee, though it was approved by the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property. The Committee will follow this legislation closely through this session and, if it is not considered then, will track it closely if it is introduced again in the next Congressional session. A voluntary standard on sustainable upholstery fabrics is also in the development stages under the guidance of the Association for Contract Textiles. The Committee is following the development of this voluntary standard and is anxious to learn more about its requirements. |
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