What is Flammability / Burning Behavior?
Flammability / Burning Behavior testing involves assessing the burning behavior of materials in vehicle interiors. The test ensures that interior materials do not exceed a defined flame spread rate in the event of a fire.
Test Method
A test strip (typically 356 × 100 mm) is clamped horizontally in a combustion chamber and exposed to a Bunsen burner flame for 15 seconds at one end.
Evaluation:
• Burning rate in mm/min between two reference marks
• Self-extinguishing before reaching the first mark
• No continued burning after flame removal
Limit value (FMVSS 302): max. 100 mm/min. Many OEMs require stricter values or self-extinguishing.
Flammability / Burning Behavior according to OEM Standards
The following table shows all OEM-specific standards for flammability / burning behavior covered by the ASO Laboratory:
| Manufacturer | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BMW Group | GS 97038 | Flammability |
| China National Standard | GB 8410 | Flammability |
| Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) | DIN 5510-2 | Burning Behavior |
| General Motors | GM 9070P | Flammability |
| General Motors Worldwide | GMW 3232 | Flammability |
| Publisher | 7-G2000 | Burning Behavior |
| Publisher | 95/28/EC | Burning Behavior (horizontal) |
| Publisher | TSM 0500G | Burning Behavior |
| Honda Motor Co. | HES D 6003 | Burning Behavior |
| Hyundai/Kia | MS 300-08 | Flammability |
| Mercedes-Benz AG | DBL 5307 | Flammability |
| Nissan Motor Co. | NES M0094 | Flammability |
| Porsche AG | PTL 8501 | Flammability |
| Stellantis/PSA | D45 1333 | Burning Behavior |
| Stellantis/PSA | D45 1333 PSA | Burning Behavior |
| Suzuki Motor Corporation | SES N 3245 | Flammability |
| US Federal Agency NHTSA | FMVSS 302 | Flammability |
| Volkswagen AG | TL 1010 | Flammability |
| Volkswagen AG | TL 1011 | Vertical Flammability |
| Volvo/Scania | STD 104-0001 | Flammability |
| Volvo/Scania | STD 4466 | Burning Behavior of Materials |
Frequently Asked Questions about Flammability / Burning Behavior
What is the FMVSS 302 burn test?
An internationally recognized horizontal burn test: A material strip is ignited at one end, and the flame spread rate is measured. The limit value is 100 mm/min. This test is legally required for all interior materials.
Does FMVSS 302 also apply in Europe?
FMVSS 302 is a US regulation but is accepted worldwide as a de facto standard for automotive interiors. The European equivalent is ISO 3795 / ECE R118. Many OEMs additionally require their own, stricter tests.
What happens if the test is not passed?
The material may not be installed in the vehicle interior. Non-conformity leads to a material block and can trigger recall campaigns for already installed parts.
Your Flammability / Burning Behavior Testing at the ASO Laboratory
The ASO Laboratory conducts flammability / burning behavior testing according to all common OEM standards. Our DAkkS accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 guarantees standard-compliant results.
Contact us for a quote – we will advise you on optimal sample planning and test scope.