Interpretation of China's Flame Retardant Standards for Textiles
Publish Time: 2026-06-15 Origin: Site
Interpretation of China's Flame Retardant Standards for Textiles
Fire is one of the major disasters threatening public safety. Flame retardant fabrics can effectively slow the spread of flames, buying valuable time for evacuation. my country has formulated a number of mandatory standards for protective clothing, interior fabrics in public places, and interior materials for vehicles. This article systematically reviews the current major flame retardant standards to help enterprises and users select products in compliance with regulations.
I. GB17591-2006 Flame-Retardant Fabrics
Scope of Application: Applicable to woven and knitted fabrics used for decoration, interior decoration of transportation vehicles (aircraft, trains, automobiles, ships), and flame-retardant protective clothing.
Combustion performance requirements (key indicators) | ||||
Application | Damaged length (mm) | Afterflame (s) | Afterglow (s) | Other requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Decorative (Class B1) | ≤150 | ≤5 | ≤5 | – |
Decorative (Class B2) | ≤200 | ≤15 | ≤15 | – |
Aircraft/ship interiors | ≤150 (B1) / ≤200 (B2) | ≤5 / ≤15 | ≤5 / ≤15 | No ignition of cotton by burning drips |
Car interiors | – | – | – | Flame spread rate ≤100 mm/min |
Train interiors | Burn area ≤30 cm², damaged length ≤20 | ≤3 | ≤5 | Number of flame contacts >3 |
Protective clothing (before & after washing) | ≤150 | ≤5 | ≤5 | No melting, no dripping |
II. GB8965.1-2009 Protective Clothing - Flame Retardant Protection - Part 1: Flame Retardant Clothing
Scope of Application: Flame retardant clothing (excluding fire and rescue clothing) suitable for use in areas with open flames, sparks, molten metal, or near flammable materials.
Flame Retardant Performance Rating (Levels A, B, and C) | ||||
Level | Afterflame (s) | Afterglow (s) | Damaged length (mm) | Melting/dripping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A | ≤2 | ≤2 | ≤50 | Not allowed |
B | ≤2 | ≤2 | ≤100 | Not allowed |
C | ≤5 | ≤5 | ≤150 | Not allowed |
III. GB8965.2-2009 Protective Clothing - Flame Retardant Protection - Part 2: Welding Clothing
Scope of Application: Welding and related operations in locations where there may be molten metal splashes and heat injuries.
Flame retardant requirements (after 50 washes) | ||||
Level | Afterflame (s) | Afterglow (s) | Damaged length (mm) | Burning behavior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A | ≤2 | ≤2 | ≤50 | No spread to edges, no melt‑through, no flaming or molten debris |
B | ≤4 | ≤4 | ≤100 | Same |
C | ≤5 | ≤5 | ≤150 | Same |
IV. GB50222-2001 Fire Protection Design Code for Interior Decoration of Buildings
Scope of Application: Interior decorative fabrics in civil buildings, such as curtains, drapes, bedspreads, furniture upholstery, etc.
Combustion performance classes | |||
Class | Damaged length (mm) | Afterflame (s) | Afterglow (s) |
|---|---|---|---|
B1 | ≤150 | ≤5 | ≤5 |
B2 | ≤200 | ≤15 | ≤10 |
Test method: GB/T5455. | |||
V. GB20286-2006 "Requirements and Marking for Flame Retardant Products and Components in Public Places"
Scope of Application: Flame retardant products and components used in public places such as cinemas, theaters, KTVs, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, nurseries, and libraries.
Flame Retardant Fabric Rating
Flame Retardant Grade 1 (Non-Washable)
Oxygen Index ≥32.0
Damaged Length ≤150 mm, Afterflame Time ≤5 s, Smoldering Time ≤5 s
Burning drips do not ignite absorbent cotton
Smoke Density Rating (SDR) ≤15
Smoke Toxicity Rating ≥ ZA2
Flame Retardant Grade 2 (Washable, ≥12 washes or ≥6 dry cleanings)
Damaged Length ≤200 mm, Afterflame Time ≤15 s, Smoldering Time ≤15 s
Burning drips do not ignite absorbent cotton
Smoke Toxicity Rating ≥ ZA3
The content of this article is based on current national standards. Any revisions will be subject to official announcements.