Chemist
The chemist helps businesses stay safe and compliant with fire code. Businesses need to make sure their interior decor doesn't pose a fire hazard. Our chemist tests materials and interior finishes for flammability.
Policy Updates Summer 2025
Boston is simplifying requirements for several categories of certification. If you have any questions, please reach out to bfdchemist@boston.gov. Beginning August 18, 2025:
- Window Treatments (blinds, shades, etc.) may no longer require submission of a physical sample. Applicants may submit flame test data from the manufacturer or supplier compliant with NFPA 701 or an equivalent standard. Physical samples may still be submitted if the applicant does not have testing data available.
- New Tents (5 years or less) no longer require submission of a physical sample. Applicants may submit flame test data from the manufacturer or supplier compliant with the NFPA 701 or equivalent standard. Physical samples may still be submitted if the applicant does not have testing data available. Applicants are required to retain flame test data to produce upon request.
- Temporary enclosures now only require a 12” x 12” sample.
- Test standard requirements for upholstered and re-upholstered furniture have been simplified - all furniture must only meet one standard, Cal TB 117-2013. Submission of manufacturer/supplier testing data for this standard is sufficient for certification.
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Questions? We're here to help!
If you are unsure about any step of this process, or need further clarification on material requirements, please contact the Boston Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division Chemist Office.
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Boston Fire Department
Fire Prevention Division
1010 Massachusetts Avenue - 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Chemist Certificate How-To Guide
The Chemist office is responsible for certifying fire safety for all interior decor and materials in applicable establishments. This guide will help you to understand the requirements for certification of the various types of regulated materials.
The majority of materials can be certified as safe with flame testing reports generally provided by your supplier/manufacturer upon request. A few select materials with higher fire risk must be tested by the Chemist directly using a physical sample that you provide. You can also provide samples instead of testing data should it be unavailable for the material you plan to install. The Boston Fire Department reserves the right to ask for a sample in any application should it be deemed necessary.
All chemist applications are available online through the Fire Prevention Portal. If you need assistance filling out an application, or have any questions about any aspect of this guide, please contact bfdchemist@boston.gov or call 617-343-3527 for more information.
The majority of businesses must go through the certification process for any installed decor or finishes. Specifically, the following occupancy types (which can be found on your Certificate of Occupancy/Inspection) must comply with safety requirements. For more information on occupancy types, please refer to International Building Code Chapter 3 and Massachusetts State Building Code Chapter 3 Amendments.
- Assembly (A) - In general, a place of assembly used to gather 50 or more people for entertainment, religious or civic purposes, consumption of food and drink, etc. Examples: Restaurants, churches, nightclubs, movie theaters
- Educational (E) - Any building used for educational purposes with an occupancy of greater than six. Examples: Schools, day care facilities
- Institutional (I) - Any building used for care and supervision of people for either medical or penal purposes. Examples: Hospitals, nursing homes, correctional centers
- Residential (R) – Any buildings used for residential purposes, excluding groups R-3 and R-4, which denote smaller dwellings like single family homes or smaller group care facilities not covered under occupancy type I. Examples: Apartment buildings, hotels, and dormitories
- Business (B) and Mercantile (M) - Wide-ranging category of buildings housing a service-based business or a shop selling goods. Examples: Banks, dry cleaners, drug stores, etc. B and M groups with residential buildings on top also must be certified.
For these materials, you are not required to provide a sample if you have flame testing data available – in general, an official test report from a recognized laboratory (usually provided by suppliers/manufacturers) is sufficient.
1. Window Treatments
What it includes (not limited to): Blinds, shades, other non-drape/curtain window coverings
What to Submit: A test report from the supplier/manufacturer showing compliance with NFPA 701 or equivalent standard.
BFD Restrictions: This material shall not be placed to obstruct the use of an exit.
Fee: $25.00 per submission
2. Floor-covering
What it includes (not limited to): Wood flooring, carpet, tile flooring, etc.
What to Submit: A test report from the supplier/manufacturer showing compliance with ASTM E648 or equivalent standard.
Other Requirements: Carpet and underlayment must be tested as assembly (meaning as an entire unit instead of one component). Floor coverings are regulated in corridors, exit ways, stairways, lobbies, and common areas.
BFD Restrictions: Materials certified for floor covering may NOT be used as wall or ceiling finish, seating products, or as decorative material.
Fee: $25.00 per submission
3. Mattress and Mattress Products
Required For: Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Dormitories, Hotels, Detention Facilities.
What to Submit:
- Your BFD IX-11-compliant (including the expanded regulations) test report.
- Accompanying test video. It is your responsibility to ensure that the test report and video provided by the supplier comply with BFD regulations as written.
Fee: $50.00 per mattress.
4. Upholstered Furniture
What it includes (not limited to): Chairs, benches, banquettes, couches, including plastic and molded seating.
Compliance Requirements and What to Submit: Upholstered furniture requirements are based on amendments to the Fire Prevention Code detailed under BFD IX-10.
- For plastic molded seating/chairs, a testing report from the manufacturer/supplier certifying compliance with ASTM E1537 or equivalent standard.
- For upholstered seating, a testing report from the manufacturer/supplier certifying compliance with the Cal TB117-2013 standard. Smolder resistance of cover fabrics, barrier materials, resilient filling materials, and decking materials for use in upholstered furniture must pass this standard.
In each case, test reports should be submitted on the application and a label affirming test compliance should be affixed to all furniture.
Fee: $25.00 per fabric.
5.Reupholstered Furniture
What it includes (not limited to): Chairs, benches, banquettes, couches, including plastic and molded seating.
Compliance Requirements and What to Submit: Reupholstered furniture requirements are based on amendments to the Fire Prevention Code detailed under BFD IX-10.
- Re-upholstered furniture must have been tested to the Cal TB 117-2013 standard and the original certificate of compliance should be attached to the application for its installation. If installed as a new upholstered item, the application must be accompanied by the re-upholsterer’s Cal TB 117-2013 test report.
- If using existing foam or fiberfill, it must be covered with a barrier that is compliant with Cal TB 117-2013 standards. Proof of compliance must be submitted.
Fee: $25.00 per fabric.
6. Interior Finishes
What it includes (not limited to): Wall and ceiling coverings - ceiling tiles, fabric/textile, vinyl, etc. (besides panel systems)
What to Submit: A test report from the supplier/manufacturer showing compliance with ASTM E84 or equivalent standard.
BFD Restrictions: Must be installed over a non-combustible base. Previous wall covering must be removed. Must be used only for designated area (i.e. fabric/textile wall coverings should not be used to cover ceilings). Fabric coverings only for use in fully sprinkled buildings.
Fee: $25.00 per sample.
7. Panel Systems
What to Submit: A test report from the supplier/manufacturer showing compliance with ASTM E84 or equivalent standard.
Other Requirements: Unless tested as assembly (meaning as one complete unit), all fiberfill must be protected by a barrier.
Fee: $25.00 per sample.
8. Tents
What to Submit: A test report from the supplier/manufacturer showing compliance with NFPA 701 or equivalent standard.
Fee: $25.00 per sample.
For these higher-risk materials, the Chemist will perform the primary flammability test based on the sample you provide – with some exceptions, no testing reports from the supplier are required. Please ensure that samples submitted for testing are clearly labeled by type and usage as listed on your application.
1. Draperies and Decorative Materials
What it includes (not limited to): Curtains, drapery, banners, paper, films, and foam cellular board, among others.
What to Submit:
- A 12" x 12" sample from the actual item you plan to use.
- If your materials are treated for flame retardancy, rather than inherently flame resistant (IFR), you should submit a Certificate of Flame-Retardant Finish provided by the supplier.
BFD Restrictions: This material shall not be placed to obstruct the use of an exit.
Fee: $25.00 per sample.
2. Temporary Enclosures
What to Submit:
- A 12" x 12" sample from the actual item you plan to use.
- If your materials are treated for flame retardancy, rather than inherently flame resistant (IFR), you should submit a Certificate of Flame-Retardant Finish provided by the supplier.
Note: Other permits from the Fire Prevention Division may be required.
Fee: $25.00 per location / $25.00 annual.
Application Tips
- All applications should be started in the Fire Prevention online portal. If you already have a Permitting account with any city department, there is no need to register again.
- Once logged into the portal, click "Apply for a permit", then click on the dropdown and select "Chemist Certificate".
- When prompted to enter your address, you can find it from a list by filling out just the street name and number fields and then clicking search.
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- If physical samples are required, please mail them to the Boston Fire Prevention address within 10 days of submitting your application online. Samples should be clearly labeled with information on type of material and intended use matching the accompanying application
- Reference links to relevant regulations and procedures:
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Questions? We're here to help!
If you are unsure about any step of this process, or need further clarification on material requirements, please contact the Boston Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division Chemist Office.
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Boston Fire Department
Fire Prevention Division
1010 Massachusetts Avenue - 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
