CPSC Final Rule: Safety Standard for High Chairs

UNITED STATES – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the final rule for a Safety Standard for High Chairs.

Definitions

• High chair is defined in ASTM F404-18 as a free standing chair for a child up to 3 years of age which has a seating surface more than 15 inches above the floor and elevates the child normally for the purposes of feeding or eating. The ASTM standard further specifies that a high chair may be sold with or without a tray, have adjustable heights, or recline for infants.
• High chairs are available in various designs, including four-legged A-frame styles, single-leg pedestals, Z-frame styles, and restaurant-style. Construction materials often include a plastic, wood, or metal frame, and a padded fabric seat. Some designs include a tray or mounted toy accessories, fold for storage and transport, or convert for continued use as a child grows.

 Age/Weight/Developmental Range

• Children up to 3 years of age

Regulation Number

• 16 CFR ¹¹¹²⁄₁₆ CFR 1231

Effective Date

• June 19, 2019

 Standard Referenced

• ASTM F404-18, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for High Chairs

 Hazards Addressed

• Specific components issues including the frame, seat, restraint system, armrest, tray, toy accessories, and footrest.
• Design, stability and other general product issues
• Fall hazards for when a child attempts to climb into or out of the high chair, for when the chair tips over when a child pushes back or rocks while in the high chair or when a component of the high chair (e.g., restraint, tray, lock) fails or disengages.

 Why It Matters

• The CPSC received 1,842 reports of high-chair related incidents that occurred between January 1, 2011 and September 30, 2017, including 2 deaths and 271 injuries. The majority of incidents involved children between 7 and 18 months old.

This rule will make it illegal to sell products in the U.S. that do not meet the regulation.

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