U.S. CPSC Issues Final Rule for Infant Bath Seats (16 CFR 1215)

Vol. 1433 | 19 Nov 2024

On October 9, 2024, the U.S. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) updated the Safety Standard for Infant Bath Seats (16 CFR 1215), effective January 4, 2025, incorporating ASTM F1697-24. Key changes include a textured testing surface for slip resistance and clarified testing methods on surfaces with and without safety tread strips to enhance safety and stability.

The updated 16 CFR 1215 mandatory standard incorporates the ASTM F1697-24 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Seats, replacing the previous 2019 version, ASTM F1967-19.

 

Key Changes in the Updated Standard

While the new 2024 version includes some minor editorial changes, a significant modification involves the testing surface (adult bathtub) for stability assessments. The surface is now required to have a textured or grit finish instead of a smooth surface to enhance slip resistance. This change results in more stringent testing conditions for the stability of bath seats.

Additionally, the testing method has been clarified that bath seats designed to contact the bottom of the adult bathtub must be tested on two surfaces:

• Test Surface #1: with safety tread strips
• Test Surface #2: without safety tread strips

These updates aim to improve safety standards and reduce the risk of accidents associated with infant bath seats.

 

For additional information, please contact: Carl Tso (carl.tso@intertek.com).