Bedding and Upholstery Sterilizer Manufacturer License

Are you planning to start a business in the bedding industry or looking to expand your business to new states? The bedding industry is heavily regulated at the state level to protect consumers. Learn more about the requirements and licensing.

What Is a Bedding Sterilizer Manufacturer?

A bedding sterilizer manufacturer can serve numerous roles relating to the bedding industry. In terms of sterilization, a sterilizer is any piece of equipment that destroys all living organisms within the chamber through the use of sterilization cycles. Sterilization methods include dry heat sterilization, gas or chemical sterilization, glass bead sterilization, steam sterilization, and ultraviolet radiation sterilization.

Bedding that is being sterilized may be brought to a high temperature with steam, dry heat, or boiling liquid. If bedding material is to be repurposed, it must be properly sterilized. Unsanitary bedding materials pose health risks to consumers.

Bedding and Upholstery Law

In the early 1900s, a number of bedding manufacturers in the United States tried to pass off used bedding as new. Other manufacturers took used materials and stuffed them into new mattress shells in an effort to reduce material costs. As a result, companies using 100% new materials could not compete on price, and consumers were being put at risk. So, state regulating authorities started requiring specific business licenses, permits, tax documents, inspections, and testing.

Bedding and upholstery laws are enforced at the state level in an effort to protect consumers. Bedding can refer to many different types of materials. Most commonly, “bedding” may mean any of the following:

• Bed pad
• Bedspring metal couch
• Boxspring
• Comforter
• Cushion
• Davenport
• Hammock pillow
• Mattress
• Metal bed
• Metal cradle
• Pillow
• Quilt
• Sleeping bag
• Upholstered furniture
• Upholstered spring bed

Manufacturers are only allowed to use new filling materials in bedding and upholstered furniture. Businesses looking to renovate used bedding or upholstery, or operate as secondhand dealers, need to obtain a disinfection permit and ensure consumers are aware the item for sale is not new.

Obtaining Your Bedding License

The type of license you need for your bedding and upholstery manufacturing company will depend on the types of work your business plans to conduct. Licenses are typically required for the following activities:

• Selling or distributing bedding—wholesale or retail
• Manufacturing beds or bedding material
• Importing bedding products into your state
• Renovating or sterilizing used bedding

The licensure process varies across state lines. If you are looking to run your own company or expand your operation to new states, you need to verify the status of your business with your state. If you are just registering your business, you will first need to choose a name and entity structure. The most common business structures are sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. You will likely register with the Secretary of State’s office. You will also need to appoint a registered agent to receive lawsuit notices and other legal or government notices.

The licensing process can seem complex, but complying with state laws is crucial. Not only will your compliance ensure your business avoids penalties and fees, but you will also show clients that they can trust your business. Licensing processing time varies. However, you will increase your chances of first-time approval if you make sure to include all of the required materials. In the event you forget something, the application will be returned to you, and you will essentially have to start over.

If you are concerned about managing the business registration process on your own, you can seek guidance from the business licensing experts at Harbor Compliance. With our professional licensing services, we review all of the stages of corporate compliance and provide access to full-service support and expert software insights. We make preparing and filing applications easy and handle communication with government agencies on your behalf. With our compliance software, you can track your registration status, license numbers, filing history, fees, and renewals 24/7.

Maintenance and Renewal

You will need to ensure you maintain the license’s status. State requirements vary, but renewals are often required on an annual basis. You may need to submit a renewal application, pay a renewal fee, or pursue continuing education. Complying with renewal requirements will ensure you can continue to operate your business without disruption.

Keeping on track with your business’s license renewals can be complicated, especially as a growing company. At Harbor Compliance, our License Manager software ensures accurate due date tracking and on-time filing. This way, your business will continue to be compliant with state and local requirements, and you will have the time you need to continue working and expanding your clientele.

If you are currently operating a bedding sterilizer business and are looking to outsource your maintenance and renewal duties, Harbor Compliance can help. We are available to review your business status, ensure you are in good standing in the state where you operate and explain what steps you need to take in order to ensure you remain compliant with state and federal regulations.

Explore Licensing by State

Click on a link below to view licensing information in your state.

Meeting the bedding manufacturer licensing requirements is not always an easy process. Fortunately, Harbor Compliance License Manager helps firms maintain their licenses by automating repetitive tasks such as tracking renewals. Through License Manager, you can also access Compliance Core™ - our extensive, proprietary database of nationwide licensing information - to research the requirements for the states in which you work. These tools reduce the time you spend researching state requirements and prepare your organization for success. Contact our licensing experts today to learn more.