Planning to sell products in New Jersey? In this guide, we list product regulations and standards applicable to toys, furniture, apparel, mattresses, and other products.
Important: This article only serves as an introduction to safety requirements, substance restrictions, labeling, certification, and other compliance requirements in New Jersey. It is not a complete guide and is not kept up to date. Further, keep in mind that national product regulations (e.g. CPSIA) apply in all states.
Content Overview
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Prohibition on the Use of Lead-Containing Toys, Furniture, or Accessible Surfaces of the Dwelling
Title 24:14A-1 of New Jersey Revised Statutes forbids anyone from applying lead paint to toys, furniture, or household interior surfaces in New Jersey.
Product Scope
The requirements of this title apply to toys, furniture, and interior surfaces such as:
- Wooden toys
- Plastic toys
- Couches
- Window sills
- Window frames
- Doors
- Door frames
- Walls
- Stair rails
Requirements
The statutes prohibit anyone from applying lead paint to toys, furniture, or the exposed interior surfaces of any dwelling as defined in this title, or to any exterior surface that is readily accessible to children.
Lab Testing
Manufacturers, importers, or distributors should not sell products applied with lead paints in the State of New Jersey. If they are not sure whether their products are covered with lead paints, they should arrange lead trace tests for their products from a reputable testing company such as SGS, TÜV SÜD, or Intertek.
Apparel Registration Act and Regulations
The New Jersey Apparel Registration Act and Regulations establish rules of registration, violations, and penalties for manufactures and contractors of apparel.
Product Scope
The requirements of this act apply to manufacturers and contractors of apparel such as the following types:
- Pullovers
- Pants
- Sleepwear
- Sweaters
- Jeans
- T-shirt
- Underwear
Requirements
The Apparel Registration Act and Regulations require that manufacturers or contractors must register with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development before they are allowed to sell their products in New Jersey.
Fur Labeling Law
The New Jersey Fur Labeling Law requires that no person should sell or offer to sell any new coat, jacket, garment, or other clothing apparel with wholly or partly of fur without indicating the content and country of origin.
Product Scope
The requirements of the Fur Labeling Law apply to apparel made wholly or partly with fur such as:
- Coats
- Jackets
- Garments
Labeling
The New Jersey Fur Labeling Law requires that it is unlawful for anyone to sell any new coat, jacket, garment, or other clothing apparel made wholly or in part of fur that does not bear tag or label including the following information:
a. The name of the animal(s) that the fur comes from
b. The name of the country of origin of any imported furs used
Rules on Mattresses, Bed Springs, Cots, Lounges, and Sofas
The New Jersey Revised Statutes Title 26 set up rules for manufacturers selling mattresses, bed springs, and other furniture in the State of New Jersey.
Product Scope
- Mattresses
- Bedsprings
- Lounge chairs
- Cots
Requirements
The statutes establish rules for manufacturers of mattresses, bedding products, and furniture regarding the content, sales, and labeling requirements.
Labeling
Manufacturers of mattresses, bedding products, or furniture should indicate the following statement to the product label if their products are made with new materials:
“The materials used in the manufacture of this [Name of the product] are entirely new”.
The size of the label should not be less than 3 *4.5 inches.
Flame Resistance Standards for Tents and Sleeping Bags
New Jersey Administrative Code 13:45A-24A sets out the flammability rules for tents and sleeping bags sold in New Jersey.
Product Scope
The requirements outlined in the New Jersey Administrative Code 13:45A-24A apply to:
- Sleeping bags
- Tents
Requirements
This code states that it is unlawful to sell tents and sleeping bags that do not comply with one of the following two flammability standards developed by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI):
a. CPAI-84: A Specification for Flame-Resistant Materials Used in Camping Tentage
b. CPAI-75: Rate of Burn Specifications for Sleeping Bags
Labeling
The code states that a sleeping bag that meets the flammability requirements of CPAI-75 can be classified as “flame resistant” and should contain the following warning information on the label:
“This Sleeping Bag Conforms to the CPAI-75 Rate-of-Burn Standard for Sleeping Bags.”
For tents that meet the flammability requirements of CPAI-84, the following warning statement should be affixed to the product label:
“WARNING: KEEP ALL FLAME AND HEAT SOURCES AWAY FROM THIS TENT FABRIC
This tent meets the flammability requirements of CPAI-84. The fabric may burn if left in continuous contact with any flame source. The application of any foreign substance to the tent fabric may render the flame-resistant properties ineffective.”
You should also indicate in the product label the manufacturer’s identification, traceability code, or other relevant information.
Lab Testing
Manufacturers or importers selling tents or sleeping bags in New Jersey should make sure that their products comply with the flammability requirements of the CPAI-75 or CPAI-84.
They should contact a lab testing company that can provide such analysis and testing services, such as SGS, TÜV SÜD, or Bureau Veritas.
Ban on Single-Use Bags, Straws, and Polystyrene Foam Food Service Products
New Jersey’s Bill S864 prohibits the use of single-use plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene foam food containers.
Product Scope
This bill covers single-use plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene foam food containers such as:
- Plates
- Cups
- Clamshell containers
- Sandwich wrapping boxes
Requirements
New Jersey bans the use of plastic and paper single-use bags and single-use food containers and cups made of polystyrene foam. It also limits the use of plastic straws.
New Jersey Product Liability Act
New Jersey Product Liability Act sets out manufacturer’s responsibilities in terms of product safety.
Product Scope
The Product Liability Act covers consumer products sold in New Jersey, including:
- Eyewear products
- Lightning products
- Laser devices
- Toys
- Children’s products
- Medical devices
Requirements
This act requires that manufacturers have an obligation to ensure that their products are safe and will not cause harm to the consumers in New Jersey.
Under this act, consumers have the right to claim for indemnity when an injury occurs caused by either one of the following cases:
a. Design defects – i.e. the manufacturer failed to properly design or manufacturer the product to avoid unreasonable risks of threat or harm to the users
b. Manufacturing defects – i.e. manufacturer using unqualified materials, fail to monitor the manufacturing process, fail to provide sufficient training to the workers or fail to properly inspect the product after manufacture
c. Marketing/warning defects. – i.e. the product lacks sufficient warning labels or instructions for proper use
Labeling
Manufacturers are responsible for providing adequate warning information or instructions to inform consumers to use the products properly and safely.
Lab Testing
Manufacturers have the responsibility to ensure the safety of the products by complying with applicable federal or state regulations. Manufacturers should consult a lab testing agency regarding the design, materials, structure, packaging, or other aspects of the products to ensure safety.
Learn More
| Regulation | Website |
| Prohibition on the Use of Lead-Containing Toys, Furniture, or Accessible Surfaces of the Dwelling | Link |
| Apparel Registration Act and Regulations | Link |
| Fur Labeling Law | Link |
| Rules on Mattresses, Bed Springs, Cots, Lounges, and Sofas | Link |
| Flame Resistance Standards for Tents and Sleeping Bags | Link |
| Ban on Single-Use Bags, Straws, and Polystyrene Foam Food Service Products | Link |
| New Jersey Product Liability Act | Link |
