Section 80. Bedding and upholstered furniture inspections

A. Inspections of license and permit holders.

Inspection of the premises of a holder of a license or permit issued under this chapter will be initiated upon the following complaints when they relate to a violation of this chapter:

1. Upon complaints received by the commissioner.

2. Upon complaints received by the Bedding Program.

3. Upon complaints received by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and reported to the commissioner or Bedding Program.

4. Upon complaints made to an inspector in the course of a routine inspection and reported to the Bedding Program.

5. Upon complaints against a licensee made by an inspector when noted in the course of a routine inspection of an ancillary operation (such as a sanitizer, distributor/wholesaler or retailer) and reported to the Bedding Program.

6. Upon complaints (or findings of violations) against a licensee by the authorities of a government jurisdiction outside the Commonwealth that the licensee has sold bedding in violation of laws, regulations or standards of that jurisdiction dealing with tagging, sanitization, or consumer protection requirements.

7. Upon late or nonrenewal of permit or license by a licensee or permit holder or upon late notification of a change of location. Renewal application and payment not received by the due date contained in the renewal notice and a failure to timely notify the commissioner of a change of address shall result in the licensee being moved to an unlicensed status and may result in an inspection by the Bedding Program to determine if the licensee continues in business. If the licensee continues to operate, a license or permit shall not be issued until a program inspection occurs and the requirements of the law are satisfied.

Inspections will be carried out and completed as required under the law.

B. Request for information, documents; verifications.

1. Upon complaint, the commissioner may request that a licensee provide information and documentation to substantiate its compliance with the requirements of this chapter. The commissioner may also require that the accuracy and completeness of such information and documentation be verified.

2. Upon a finding that a licensee has failed to timely and fully comply with a request for information and documents issued by the commissioner, or failed to substantiate the accuracy and completeness of such information and documentation, a review may be conducted by the Bedding Program.

3. Any holder of a license or permit is required to report to the Bedding Program any occurrences of insect infestation at the licensee's or permit holder's place of business or in any article of new or used bedding or upholstered furniture offered for sale, rent, or use.

C. Inspections of unlicensed entities. Inspections of unlicensed entities and of retailers of bedding and upholstered furniture may be conducted in accordance with § 32.1-25 of the Code of Virginia.

Inspections shall be conducted upon receipt of application for a permit or license by an unlicensed entity.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 23, eff. September 1, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-12 of the Code of Virginia.