Testing for NFPA 1970 Chemical Requirement

NFPA 1970

Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel, Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safe Systems (PASS)

- 2025 CHANGE: Chemical testing is now required for NFPA certification

- DEADLINE: Update certificates by September 2025

Article: Understanding how NFPA 1970 addresses PFAS in fire gear

3 Options for NFPA 1970 Chemical Compliance

All 3 ensure RSL compliance for NFPA certificate holders.

Certification - OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

Accepted globally across applications and markets

Certification - OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 - PPE

With accommodations for PPE performance

RSL Testing

For specific chemicals listed in NFPA 1970

Different colored textile chemicals in tubes

Options - NFPA 1970 RSL Compliancepdf

Already have a valid OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate?

You need to submit a cover letter from Hohenstein with your NFPA 1970 application.

Contact Hohenstein
Include OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certificate number
Specify SKU information to be included in NFPA 1970 submission

NFPA Chemical Testing - Comparison

What's the best way to satisfy the NFPA Chemical Requirement?

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

Widely Applicable | Lower Cost | Longer Lead Time

Turnaround Time: 6-8 weeks

Testing Lab: Germany

Samples: Shipped to Indiana

Tests: Customized to material(s) and product class

Renewal: Annual application and testing

Audit: Every 3 years

NFPA Certification: Submit OEKO-TEX® certificate and Hohenstein cover letter to NFPA attestation body

OEKO-TEX® certificates are recognized - and often required - by thousands of suppliers, brands and retailers worldwide.

The modular system enhances traceability and cost-sharing across the supply chain.

STANDARD 100 Application Process

Complete documents and submit to Hohenstein:
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Application Form - Americas version with NFPA question
- Declaration of Conformity
- Supporting documents
Collect and ship testing samples:
- Hohenstein Institute America
  304 Sroufe Street
  Ligonier, IN 46767 USA
Submit OEKO-TEX® certificate and Hohenstein cover letter to NFPA attestation body

Full Application Process

Regular vs PPE Supplement

What's the difference?

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 tests for substances harmful to people.

The PPE supplement makes some exceptions related to specific performance requirements.

RSL Testing

Specific to NFPA certification | Higher Cost | Faster

Turnaround Time: 10-12 days from receipt

Testing Lab: Germany or Hong Kong

Samples: Shipped to chosen lab

Tests: All chemicals listed in the NFPA 1970 standard

Recertification: Re-testing only if materials change or NFPA 1970 standard is updated

NFPA Certification: Submit Hohenstein test report and cover letter to NFPA attestation body

RSL testing in this context is tailored to the specific requirements of a single NFPA certificate.

NFPA RSL Testing Process

Complete Order Form: NFPA RSL Testing Program
Submit to Hohenstein with company's W9 form (or other tax ID form)
Gather samples:
- 150g (~1 yd) per material
- Package individually
- Label to match TRF
Send samples to Lab:
- Hohenstein Laboratories (HK) Limited
  ATTN: Softline Chemical Testing
  Level 9, Tower 2, Ever Gain Plaza
  88 Container Port Road
  Kwai Chung
  Hong Kong SAR of China
  +852 3191 5800
- Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG.
  ATTN: Softlines
  Schlosssteige 1
  74357 Bönnigheim
  Germany
  +49 7143 271-898
Submit Hohenstein test report and cover letter to NFPA attestation body