Rug Label Checker: Flammability and Fiber Rules

Type in a rug's size and a few facts about it. The checker tells you which federal flammability standard covers it, what its label has to say, and what it does not have to say. Every rule below is quoted or summarized from the regulation itself, and each one links to it. Sources were read on November 13, 2026.

The size rules, as the regulations write them

Two federal standards cover the surface flammability of rugs. Which one applies depends only on size.

• Large carpets and rugs: 16 CFR Part 1630 (FF 1-70). A rug with "one dimension greater than 1.83 m. (6 ft.) and a surface area greater than 2.23 m.² (24 sq. ft.)" (16 CFR 1630.1(c)). The CPSC's business guidance says all carpets and rugs sold in the United States "must meet the flammability (acceptance) criterion" (CPSC). There is no label that lets a failing large rug be sold.
• Small carpets and rugs: 16 CFR Part 1631 (FF 2-70). A rug with "no dimension greater than 1.83 m. (6 ft.) and an area not greater than 2.23 m.² (24 sq. ft.)" (16 CFR 1631.1(c)). A small rug that fails the test may still be sold if it is permanently labeled: FLAMMABLE (FAILS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE STANDARD FF 2-70): SHOULD NOT BE USED NEAR SOURCES OF IGNITION (16 CFR 1631.5(a)).
• The test itself. Eight specimens are each exposed to a methenamine "timed burning tablet". A specimen passes if the char stops more than 2.54 cm (1.0 in.) from the edge of the hole in the flattening frame, and a rug passes if at least seven of the eight specimens do (1630.1, 1631.1).
• The letter "T". A rug that has had a fire-retardant treatment, or is made of treated fibers, must be labeled with the letter "T" (1631.5(b); CPSC).
• One-of-a-kind rugs. Part 1630 says a "One of a kind, carpet or rug, such as an antique, an Oriental, or a hide, may be excluded from testing under this Standard pursuant to conditions established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission" (16 CFR 1630.2(b)). That is a possible exclusion under CPSC conditions, not an automatic one.

Two sizes the definitions do not cover

Read literally, the two definitions leave gaps. A runner that is 2.5 by 8 feet has one side over 6 feet but an area of 20 square feet, which is not over 24, so it fits neither definition. A 5.5 by 5.5 foot square has no side over 6 feet but an area of 30.25 square feet, which is over 24, so it fits neither as well. The checker flags these cases instead of guessing. If you make or import rugs in those sizes, ask the CPSC which standard it applies.

What the fiber label must say

• Rugs are covered. The FTC lists "Floor coverings: rugs, carpets and mats" among the products covered by the Textile Act labeling rules (FTC, Threading Your Way; 16 CFR 303.45(a)(8)).
• Three things on the label: fiber content, country of origin, and either the company's name or its Registered Identification Number (RN) (FTC).
• Fiber content is given by generic name and percentage by weight, in order of predominance; a fiber under 5 percent is normally listed as "other fiber" (16 CFR 303.16 and 303.3). A stated percentage may be off by up to 3 percent of total fiber weight (303.43).
• Backings and pads are exempt. The FTC lists "Backings of carpets or rugs and pads or cushions for use under carpets, rugs or other floor coverings" as not covered, and Part 303 says the fiber disclosure on such a rug must make clear it relates only to the face, pile or outer surface, for example "100% Cotton Pile" or "Outer Surface—100% Wool" (FTC; 16 CFR 303.11).
• Country of origin. An imported product names the country where it was processed or manufactured; a product made in the United States of US materials says "Made in U.S.A." or an equivalent (16 CFR 303.33).
• "Bamboo" rugs. Most soft "bamboo" textiles are rayon (viscose) made from bamboo. The FTC asked a court to order Kohl's and Walmart to pay penalties of $2.5 million and $3 million for marketing rayon products as bamboo (FTC press release).

What a rug label does not have to say

• Care instructions. The FTC's Care Labeling Rule is titled "Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods" (16 CFR Part 423). The FTC's guide says "Care labels for clothing are required by another rule" (FTC). Rugs are not in the rule's scope, so a rug with no washing instructions is not breaking that rule. Ask the seller, and see our fiber care table.
• Secondhand rugs. "Secondhand household textile items that are obviously used or marked as secondhand" are excluded from Textile Act labeling unless the seller makes a statement about fiber content (FTC).
• Navajo rugs. "Hand-woven rugs made by Navajo Indians with the attached 'Certificate of Genuineness' supplied by the Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the U.S. Department of Interior" are excluded in the same way (FTC).
• The Wool Act. The FTC's guide lists "Carpets, rugs or mats, which are covered by the Textile Act and Rules" among products not covered by the Wool Act, even when they contain wool (FTC).

This page explains federal rules for readers. It is not legal advice. Children's rugs carry extra requirements under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act; see the CPSC guidance. Read: eCFR (current text, November 2026), CPSC and FTC pages, November 13, 2026.