In a new regulatory development, the District of Columbia has announced a framework of biennial fees for upholstered furniture and bedding businesses and new licensing requirements. These businesses include those engaged in manufacturing, renovating, storage, and the sale of mattresses and other bedding products.
These new changes came into effect on August 1, 2023, and aim to improve regulation and uphold hygiene standards within the industry.
Fee Breakdown of the Bedding and Upholstery Program
Effective August 1, 2023, manufacturing and renovating establishments will be subject to a biennial fee of $476, payable every two years. Simultaneously, businesses engaged in the storage, sale, or keeping for sale of mattresses and bedding products, encompassing warehouses, retail stores, second-hand or thrift stores, will face a biennial fee of $34.
Mandatory Registration Process
A critical aspect of this regulatory shift is the mandatory registration process for all facilities, firms, retailers, or corporations dealing with bedding, mattresses, or other upholstered furniture. Concerned businesses must register, license and label these products with the standard Uniform Label format before sale in Washington DC.
Businesses can get registered in the Bedding and Upholstery Registration Portal by completing a registration form and following the application requirements.
Is this set to affect your businesses? Please contact AQM BD for any questions or concerns.