Chapter 3713 | Bedding and Stuffed Toys

Section 3713.01 | Bedding and stuffed toy definitions.

• Effective: April 6, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 332 - 131st General Assembly

As used in sections 3713.01 to 3713.10 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Person" has the same meaning as used in division (C) of section 1.59 of the Revised Code and also means any limited company, limited liability partnership, joint stock company, or other association.

(B) "Bedding" means any upholstered furniture, any mattress, upholstered spring, comforter, bolster, pad, cushion, pillow, mattress protector, quilt, and any other upholstered article, to be used for sleeping, resting, or reclining purposes, and any glider, hammock, or other substantially similar article that is wholly or partly upholstered.

(C) "Secondhand" means any article, or material, or portion thereof of which prior use has been made in any manner whatsoever.

(D) "Remade, repaired, or renovated articles not for sale" means any article that is remade, repaired, or renovated for and is returned to the owner for the owner's own use.

(E) "Sale," "sell," or "sold" shall, in the corresponding tense, mean sell, offer to sell, or deliver or consign in sale, or possess with intent to sell, or deliver in sale.

(F) "Upholstered furniture" means any article of furniture wholly or partly stuffed or filled with material and that is used or intended for use for sitting, resting, or reclining purposes.

(G) "Stuffed toy" means any article intended for use as a plaything or for an educational or recreational purpose that is wholly or partially stuffed with material.

(H) "Tag" or "label" means any material prescribed by the superintendent of industrial compliance to be attached to an article that contains information required under this chapter.

(I) "Crib bumper pad" means any padding material, including a roll of stuffed fabric, that is designed for placement within a crib to cushion one or more of the crib's inner sides adjacent to the crib mattress. "Crib bumper pad" excludes a mesh crib liner intended for placement between a crib mattress and one or more of the crib's inner sides, regardless of whether consumer product safety standards promulgated by the United States consumer product safety commission pursuant to section 104 of the "Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008," 15 U.S.C. 2056a, as amended, include mesh crib liners in the federal definition of "crib bumper pad."

Section 3713.02 | Registration and labeling requirements.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

Subject to sections 3713.021 and 3713.022 of the Revised Code, all of the following apply:

(A) Except as provided in section 3713.05 of the Revised Code, no person shall import, manufacture, renovate, wholesale, or reupholster stuffed toys or articles of bedding, or sell or offer for sale any second-hand stuffed toy or any second-hand article of bedding, in this state without first registering to do so with the superintendent of industrial compliance in accordance with section 3713.05 of the Revised Code.

(B) No person shall manufacture, offer for sale, sell, deliver, or possess for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, or delivering, an article of bedding or a stuffed toy that is not labeled in accordance with section 3713.08 of the Revised Code.

(C) No person shall manufacture, offer for sale, sell, deliver, or possess for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, or delivering, an article of bedding or a stuffed toy that is falsely labeled.

(D) No person shall sell or offer for sale any secondhand article of bedding or any secondhand stuffed toy that has not been sanitized in accordance with section 3713.08 of the Revised Code.

(E) The possession of any article of bedding or stuffed toy in the course of business by a person required to obtain registration under this chapter, or by that person's agent or servant shall be prima-facie evidence of the person's intent to sell the article of bedding or stuffed toy.

Last updated August 18, 2021 at 3:36 PM

Section 3713.021 | Reckless manufacture, sale, delivery or possession of crib bumper pad.

• Effective: April 6, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 332 - 131st General Assembly

(A) No person shall recklessly manufacture, offer for sale, sell, deliver, or possess for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, or delivering a crib bumper pad.

(B) The superintendent of industrial compliance shall issue a notice of violation to any person found to have violated division (A) of this section.

Section 3713.022 | Reckless manufacture, sale, delivery or possession of mesh crib liner.

• Effective: April 6, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 332 - 131st General Assembly

(A) No person shall recklessly manufacture, offer for sale, sell, deliver, or possess for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, or delivering a mesh crib liner intended for placement between a crib mattress and one or more of the crib's inner sides that does not comply with consumer product safety standards governing such liners that are promulgated after October 9, 2016, by the United States consumer product safety commission (pursuant to section 104 of the "Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008," 15 U.S.C. 2056a, as amended) for the purpose of ensuring sufficient permeability and breathability so as to prevent infant suffocation.

(B) In the absence of standards described in division (A) of this section, no person shall, beginning three years after the effective date of this section, recklessly manufacture, offer for sale, sell, deliver, or possess for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, or delivering a mesh crib liner.

(C) The superintendent of industrial compliance shall issue a notice of violation to any person found to have violated division (A) or (B) of this section.

Section 3713.03 | Superintendent to administer and enforce chapter.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

The superintendent of industrial compliance in the department of commerce shall administer and enforce this chapter.

Section 3713.04 | Superintendent of industrial compliance; powers and duties.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the superintendent of industrial compliance shall:

(1) Adopt rules pertaining to the definition, name, and description of materials necessary to carry out this chapter;

(2) Determine the testing standards, fees, and charges to be paid for making any test or analysis required pursuant to section 3713.08 of the Revised Code.

(B) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the superintendent may adopt rules regarding the following:

(1) Establishing an initial application fee or an annual registration renewal fee not more than fifty per cent higher than the fees set forth in section 3713.05 of the Revised Code;

(2) Establishing standards, on a reciprocal basis, for the acceptance of labels and laboratory analyses from other states where the labeling requirements and laboratory analysis standards are substantially equal to the requirements of this state, provided the other state extends similar reciprocity to labels and laboratory analysis conducted under this chapter;

(3) Any other rules necessary to administer and carry out this chapter.

(C) The superintendent may do any of the following:

(1) Issue administrative orders, conduct hearings, and take all actions necessary under the authority of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for the administration of this chapter. The authority granted under this division shall include the authority to suspend, revoke, or deny registration under this chapter.

(2) Establish and maintain facilities within the department of commerce to make tests and analysis of materials used in the manufacture of bedding and stuffed toys. The superintendent also may designate established laboratories that are qualified to make these tests. These laboratories may be used for making any test or analysis of materials used in the manufacture of bedding and stuffed toys. If the superintendent exercises this authority, the superintendent shall adopt rules to determine the fees and charges to be paid for making the tests or analyses authorized under this section.

(3) Exercise such other powers and duties as are necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this chapter.

Section 3713.05 | Application for registration - exemptions.

• Effective: December 29, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly

(A) Applications to register to import, manufacture, renovate, wholesale, make, or reupholster stuffed toys or bedding in this state shall be made in writing on forms provided by the superintendent of industrial compliance. The application shall be accompanied by a registration fee of fifty dollars per person unless the applicant engages only in renovation, in which case the registration fee shall be thirty-five dollars. Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the superintendent shall register the applicant and assign a registration number to the registrant.

(B) The superintendent shall register an applicant in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code if either of the following applies:

(1) The applicant is licensed or registered to import, manufacture, renovate, wholesale, make, or reupholster stuffed toys or bedding in another state.

(2) The applicant has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter with or for importing, manufacturing, renovating, wholesaling, making, or reupholstering stuffed toys or bedding in a state that does not issue that registration.

(C) Notwithstanding section 3713.02 of the Revised Code and division (A) of this section, the following are exempt from registration:

(1) An organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the "Internal Revenue Code of 1986," and exempt from income tax under section 501(a) of that code and that is operated exclusively to provide recreation or social services;

(2) A person who is not regularly engaged in the business of manufacturing, making, wholesaling, or importing stuffed toys but who manufactures or makes stuffed toys as a leisure pursuit and who sells one hundred or fewer stuffed toys within one calendar year;

(3) A person who is not regularly engaged in the business of manufacturing, making, wholesaling, or importing quilts, comforters, pillows, or cushions, but who manufactures or makes these items as a leisure pursuit and who sells five or fewer quilts, ten or fewer comforters, or twenty or fewer pillows or cushions within one calendar year.

(D) Notwithstanding division (C)(2) or (3) of this section, a person exempt under that division must attach a label to each stuffed toy that contains all of the following information:

(1) The person's name and address;

(2) A statement that the person is not registered by the state of Ohio;

(3) A statement that the contents of the product have not been inspected.

Last updated December 29, 2023 at 7:05 AM

Section 3713.06 | Biannual report by importer or manufacturer - records retention and investigation.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A) Any person required to register under division (A) of section 3713.02 of the Revised Code who imports bedding or stuffed toys into this state for retail sale or use in this state and any person required to register under division (A) of section 3713.02 of the Revised Code who manufactures bedding or stuffed toys in this state for retail sale or use in this state shall submit a report to the superintendent of industrial compliance, in a form and manner prescribed by the superintendent. The form shall be submitted once per year and shall show the total number of items of bedding or stuffed toys imported into this state or manufactured in this state. Each report shall be accompanied by a fee of four cents for each item of bedding or stuffed toy imported into this state or manufactured in this state.

(B) Every importer, manufacturer, or wholesaler of stuffed toys or articles of bedding, and every mobile home and recreational vehicle dealer, conversion van dealer, secondhand dealer, and auction house shall retain records, designated by the superintendent in rule, for the time period established in rule.

(C) Every importer, manufacturer, or wholesaler of stuffed toys or articles of bedding, and every mobile home and recreational vehicle dealer, conversion van dealer, secondhand dealer, and auction house shall make sufficient investigation of its records to ensure that the information reported to the superintendent under division (A) of this section is accurate.

Section 3713.07 | Renewal of registration.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Registration obtained under this chapter expires annually on the last day of the month in the month that the registration was obtained. The superintendent of industrial compliance shall renew the registration in accordance with Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code.

(B) Failure on the part of any registrant to renew registration prior to its expiration, when notified as required in this section, shall not deprive the person of the right to renewal within the ninety days that follow expiration, but the fee to be paid for renewal after its expiration shall be one hundred dollars plus the standard registration fee for the registrant.

(C) If a registrant fails to renew registration within ninety days of the date that it expired, the former registrant shall comply with the registration requirements under section 3713.05 of the Revised Code to obtain valid registration.

Section 3713.08 | Laboratory testing and analysis.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

(A) All persons required to register under division (A) of section 3713.02 of the Revised Code manufacturing, making, or wholesaling bedding or stuffed toys, or both, that are sold or offered for sale shall have the material content of their products tested and analyzed at an established laboratory designated by the superintendent of industrial compliance before the bedding or stuffed toys are sold or offered for sale.

(B) Every stuffed toy or item of bedding sold or offered for sale shall have a label affixed to it that reports the contents of the stuffed toy or bedding material in conformity with requirements established by the superintendent, a registration number, and any other identifying information as required by the superintendent.

(C) The seller of any secondhand articles of bedding or stuffed toys shall sanitize all items in accordance with rules established by the superintendent prior to the sale of or the offering for sale of any secondhand articles.

(D) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Persons who meet the qualifications of division (C)(2) or (3) of section 3713.05 of the Revised Code;

(2) The sale of furniture more than fifty years old;

(3) The sale of furniture from the home of the owner directly to the purchaser.

Section 3713.09 | Inspectors - investigations.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

(A) The superintendent of industrial compliance may appoint inspectors and periodically inspect and investigate any establishment where bedding or stuffed toys are manufactured, made, remade, renovated, repaired, sanitized, sold, or offered for sale, or where previously used material is processed for use in the manufacture of bedding or stuffed toys.

(1) Each inspector shall make a written report to the superintendent of each examination and inspection complete with the inspector's findings and recommendations. Inspectors may place "off sale" any article of bedding or stuffed toy offered for sale, or found in the possession of any person with the intent to sell, in violation of section 3713.02 of the Revised Code. Inspectors shall perform other duties related to inspection and examination as prescribed by the superintendent.

(2) When articles are placed "off sale" under division (A)(1) of this section, they shall be tagged, and the tag shall not be removed except by an authorized representative of the division of industrial compliance after the violator demonstrates to the satisfaction of the superintendent proof of compliance with the requirements of section 3713.08 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) When an inspector has cause to believe that any bedding or stuffed toy is not tagged or labeled in accordance with section 3713.08 of the Revised Code, the inspector may open any seam of the bedding or stuffed toy in question to examine the material used or contained within it and take a reasonable amount of the material for testing and analysis and, if necessary, examine any and all purchase records in order to determine the contents or the kind of material used in the bedding or stuffed toy in question. An inspector may seize and hold evidence of any article of bedding, stuffed toy, or material manufactured, made, possessed, renovated, remade, or repaired, sold, or offered for sale contrary to this chapter.

(2) Immediately after seizing articles believed to be in violation of this chapter, the inspector immediately shall report the seizure to the superintendent. The superintendent shall hold a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code or make a ruling in the matter. If the superintendent finds that the article of bedding, stuffed toy, or material is not in violation of this chapter, the superintendent shall order the item or items returned to the owner. If the superintendent finds a violation of this chapter, the superintendent may do either of the following:

(a) Return the articles to the owner for proper treatment, tagging or labeling, or other action as ordered by the superintendent, subject to the requirement that the articles be reinspected at cost to the owner, prior to being sold or offered for sale;

(b) Report the violation to the appropriate prosecuting attorney or city law director.

(C) The superintendent, at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice, may examine or cause to be examined the records of any importer, manufacturer, or wholesaler of stuffed toys or articles of bedding, mobile home and recreational vehicle dealer, conversion van dealer, secondhand dealer, or auction house to determine compliance with this chapter. The superintendent may enter into contracts, pursuant to procedures prescribed by the superintendent, with persons to examine these records to determine compliance with this chapter. These persons may collect and remit to the superintendent any amounts due under this chapter.

(D) Records audited pursuant to division (C) of this section are confidential and shall not be disclosed except as required by section 149.43 of the Revised Code, or as the superintendent finds necessary for the proper administration of this chapter.

(E) In the case of any investigation or examination, or both, that requires investigation or examination outside of this state of any importer, manufacturer, or wholesaler of stuffed toys or articles of bedding, or of any mobile home or recreational vehicle dealer, conversion van dealer, secondhand dealer, or auction house, the superintendent may require the investigated or examined person to pay the actual expense of the investigation or examination. The superintendent shall provide an itemized statement of actual expenses to the investigated or examined person.

(F) Whenever the superintendent has reason to believe, from the superintendent's own information, upon complaint, or otherwise, that any person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in any practice prohibited by this chapter, or when the superintendent has reason to believe that it is necessary for public health and safety, the superintendent may do any of the following:

(1) Investigate violations of this chapter, and for that purpose, may subpoena witnesses in connection with the investigation. The superintendent may make application to the appropriate court of common pleas for an order enjoining the violation of this chapter, and upon a showing by the superintendent that any registrant or person acting in a manner that requires registration has violated or is about to violate this chapter, an injunction, restraining order, or other order as may be appropriate shall be granted by the court.

(2) Compel by subpoena the attendance of witnesses to testify in relation to any matter over which the superintendent has jurisdiction and that is the subject of inquiry and investigation by the superintendent, and require the production of any book, paper, or document pertaining to the matter. In case any person fails to file any statement or report, obey any subpoena, give testimony, or produce any books, records, or papers as required by a subpoena, the court of common pleas of any county in the state, upon application made to it by the superintendent, shall compel obedience by attachment proceedings for contempt.

(3) Suspend or revoke the registration of any importer, manufacturer, or wholesaler of stuffed toys or articles of bedding, mobile home or recreational vehicle dealer, conversion van dealer, secondhand dealer, or auction house;

(4) Submit evidence of the violation or violations to any city prosecutor, city director of law, or prosecuting attorney with authority to prosecute. If the city prosecutor, city director of law, or prosecuting attorney with authority to prosecute fails to prosecute, the superintendent shall submit the evidence to the attorney general who may proceed with the prosecution.

Section 3713.10 | Moneys deposited into industrial compliance operating fund.

• Effective: September 10, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 129th General Assembly

All money collected under this chapter shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the industrial compliance operating fund created under section 121.084 of the Revised Code.

Section 3713.99 | Penalties.

• Effective: April 6, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 332 - 131st General Assembly

(A) Whoever violates division (A), (B), or (D) of section 3713.02 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(B) Whoever violates division (C) of section 3713.02 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(C) A person who, after receiving a notice issued under division (B) of section 3713.021 of the Revised Code or division (B) or (C) of section 3713.022 of the Revised Code, continues to violate the applicable division of either of thos e sections is subject to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.