GCC for rugs and carpets (16 CFR Parts 1630 and 1631)

Rugs and carpets sold in the US are regulated for surface flammability: large rugs (over 6 feet) must pass 16 CFR Part 1630 and smaller rugs cite Part 1631, each certified with a General Certificate of Conformity after the standard’s pill-ignition testing. Treated and untreated rugs take different documentation paths under the rules.

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Large vs small rugs Certification and labeling

Generate a rug GCC

Large vs small rugs

Part 1630 covers rugs larger than 6 feet in any direction: each must pass the methenamine-pill flaming test in at least 7 of 8 spots.
Part 1631 covers smaller rugs with the same test plus additional record and labeling duties for treated rugs.
Untreated rugs made of naturally flame-resistant fibers can qualify for alternative documentation routes.

Certification and labeling

The GCC cites the part matching the rug size, and treated rugs carry a permanent flammability label with the T treatment code. Importers certify per design and fiber construction — a new pile material or backing is a new test.

Questions people ask

Do wool rugs need testing?

Wool and other naturally flame-resistant fibers can use the rules’ alternative documentation routes, but the exemption is evidence-based, not automatic — keep the fiber documentation.

What happens if a rug fails the pill test?

The design cannot be sold until reformulated or treated to pass. Failed lots in commerce are a recall and penalty exposure.

GCC for rugs and carpets (16 CFR Parts 1630 and 1631)

Large vs small rugs

Certification and labeling

Questions people ask

Related guides

General Certificate of Conformity (GCC)

GCC for mattresses (16 CFR Parts 1632 and 1633)

GCC testing requirements