Interpretation ID: aiam3561
Project Analyst
Research & Development Center
Reeves Brothers
Inc.
Post Office Box 26596
Charlotte
NC 28213;
Dear Mr. Walkup: This responds to your April 6, 1982, letter asking whether the agency' standard No. 302, *Flammability of Interior Materials*, applies to after-market equipment. The answer to your question is no.; Standard No. 302 is a vehicle standard and as such applies to complete vehicles. No vehicle can be manufactured unless the materials used in it comply with the requirements of the standard. The standard does not apply, however, to items of equipment in the after market. You should be aware that while you would not be prohibited from manufacturing after-market equipment that does not comply with the standard, a manufacturer, repair business or dealer would be prohibited from installing such noncomplying equipment if the installation would have the effect of rendering inoperative the compliance of the vehicle with the safety standard. Nothing prevents a vehicle owner, however, from installing noncomplying equipment in his own vehicle.; I trust that this responds to your question. Please contact me if I ca be of further assistance.; Sincerely, Frank Berndt, Chief Counsel