§2056f Consumer Product Safety Standard to Protect Against Tip-over of Clothing Storage Units

Summary

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) must make rules that stop free‑standing bedroom furniture made or sold in the U.S. for storing clothes from tipping over and hurting children. A "clothing storage unit" means those free‑standing bedroom pieces for clothes. The CPSC must finish its main safety rule within one year after December 29, 2022. To do that, it must talk with consumer groups, furniture makers (including craft or handmade makers), and independent child‑safety experts. The tests in the rule must protect children up to 72 months old and must simulate children weighing up to 60 pounds. Tests must be repeatable and measurable and must mimic real use, including placement on carpet, drawers filled with items, multiple open drawers, and dynamic forces. All units, including those 27 inches and taller, must be tested. Warning labels should follow ASTM F2057–19 (or its successor), though the CPSC can make warnings stronger if needed. Tests may let safety features (other than tip restraints) work as intended if they cannot be overridden in normal use. The final rule goes into effect 180 days after it is issued unless the CPSC sets a later date. If an ASTM or similar voluntary standard already meets these needs and is published on time, the CPSC must adopt it quickly instead of making a new rule. If that voluntary standard is adopted, the CPSC must publish a notice and the adopted rule becomes effective 120 days after it is issued. If the voluntary standard is later changed, the standard body must tell the CPSC, and the CPSC will decide within 90 days whether to update its rule; any update takes effect after 180 days. Starting five years after December 29, 2022, the CPSC can begin new rulemaking to change or add requirements when needed. If someone files a petition for a new or revised test that lets approved safety features work and shows equal or better protection, the CPSC must check the petition within 120 days and then vote within 60 more days on whether to start rulemaking. Compliance can be shown by the new test or by the existing required tests.