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Fire Safe Cigarettes

The Washington State Legislature enacted RCW 19.305, the Cigarette Ignition Propensity Law, which is otherwise known as the Fire Safe Cigarette Law.  This law requires as of August 1, 2009, that all cigarette brands sold, or offered for sale to any person located in the state of Washington, shall be certified by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office.

This certification means the cigarettes have been tested in accordance with the test method and meet the performance standard specified in RCW 19.305. The written certification is filed by the manufacturer with the State Fire Marshal attesting that each package complies with certain requirements.

Fire Safe Cigarette Certification

  • Certified Fire Safe Cigarette Brands

    Here are the currently certified Fire Safe cigarette brands including the manufacturer and the date of expiration of the certification.

    Currently Certified Fire Safe Cigarette Brands

  • Certification Application

  • Certification Requirements

    Each manufacturer of cigarettes that are to be sold in Washington State shall submit to the State Fire Marshal’s Office a written certification attesting that each cigarette brand sold by them in the State of Washington is in compliance with all testing requirements and performance standards set forth by RCW 19.305.

  • Components of the Certification

    Each manufacturer’s written certification will attest that:

    1. Each cigarette listed in the certification has been tested in accordance with RCW 19.305.020; and

    2. Each cigarette listed in the certification meets the performance standard set forth in RCW 19.305.020(1)(c).

    3. Each cigarette listed in the certification shall be described with the following information:
           a. Brand or trade name on the package;
           b. Style, such as light or ultra-light;
           c. Length in millimeters;
           d. Circumference in millimeters;
           e. Flavor, such as menthol or chocolate, if applicable;
           f. Filter or nonfilter;
           g. Package description, such as soft pack or box;
           h. Marking approved in accordance with RCW 19.305.040;
           i. The name, address, and telephone number of the laboratory; and
           j. The date the testing occurred.

    4. Certifications must be made available to the Attorney General for purposes consistent with this chapter and the department of revenue for the purposes of ensuring compliance with this section.

    5. Each cigarette certified under this section must be recertified every three years.

    6. For each cigarette listed in a certification, a manufacturer shall pay to the State Fire Marshal’s Office a fee of $250.

    7. If a manufacturer has certified a cigarette under this section, and thereafter makes any change to that cigarette that is likely to alter its compliance with the reduced cigarette ignition propensity standards required by this chapter;
           a. That cigarette may not be sold or offered for sale in this state until the manufacturer retests the cigarette in accordance with the
                testing standards set forth in RCW 19.305.020 and,
           b. Maintains records of that retesting as required by RCW 19.305.020.
           c. Any altered cigarette which does not meet the performance standard set forth in RCW 19.305.020 may not be sold in this state.

  • Renewal Requirements

    All manufacturers shall renew the certification of each cigarette brand sold, or offered for sale to any person located in the State of Washington every three years, or any time a change is made to the cigarette that is likely to alter its compliance with the required reduced ignition propensity standards. Renewal requirements are the same as those listed on the Washington State Fire Safe Cigarette Certification Application.

    Fire Safe Cigarette Certification Renewal Requirements

  • Timeline to Process Cigarette Certification

    Typically, accurately completed applications take no more than ten business days to process. Applicants will be notified when corrections are required.

    Applicants will receive a letter via email stating that the cigarettes have been certified and date when the certification expires.

  • Returning Certifications

    Fees & Returning Certifications
    Make Checks Payable to:
    Washington State Patrol

    Returning Certifications by
    US Postal Service
    Fire Protection Bureau
    Education, Enforcement, and Analytics Section
    PO Box 42642
    Olympia, WA 98504

    UPS, USPS or Fed-Ex; Physical Mailing Address
    Fire Protection Bureau –
    Education, Enforcement, and Analytics Section
    106 11th Avenue SW, Suite G200
    Olympia, WA 98501

  • Laws & Rule References

  • Violations and Penalties