EU Directive 46928/J/09

1 April 2009

Reproduced by kind permission of the "Europe Today" newspaper.

Following consultations with various groups across the European Union (EU), including vehicle retailers, vehicle manufacturers, and fire-safety experts, the Council of Ministers have decreed that from 1 May 2009, "naked flames" will be banned from any vehicle registered in the EU that was manufactured in Japan on or before 11 October 2001.

The reason for this ban is that the foam used in the seats of these vehicles do not meet EU fire-retardant standards, and if ignited, will produce noxious fumes. It is therefore unsafe to smoke, light candles, or cook within designated vehicles.

These regulations will come in to force on 1 May 2009. This will allow time, if required, to have the foam in the seating changed. This must be done through officially registered "foam-agents".

In the UK, your agent is the nearest branch of Car-Foam Warehouse. Alternatively, contact your local DVLA Centre who can supply details of mobile foam providers.