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Is it illegal to sell a used box spring?

We are having a yard sale this weekend and my MIL informed us that it is illegal to sell a bed. We are not selling the mattress, just the box spring and metal bed frame. I can understand not selling a used mattress because that could be unsanitary.

We live in Pennsylvania, is this illegal? Who can I call to find out?

Thanks!

Re: Is it illegal to sell a used box spring?

  • Unless said box spring is lined with cocaine, then I cant imagine why it would be illegal.?
  • Is this for real!? I have never heard this.  We live in Michigan, and I see used beds for sale all the time at yard sales, on Craigslist, in the paper, etc.  I don't know that I would BUY one, but why on earth would it be illegal?!
  • Me thinks my MIL is off her rocker. I've never heard of this before either!

     LOL, no cocaine included :)

  • If so, Opps!!
  • If it is some crazy law, I don't know who knows about it.  I've seen them in passing on craigslist when I was looking for a daybed (I'm in PA too), and we sold DH's mattress and boxspring when he moved in with me.
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • imageMrs.Buzly:

    I can understand not selling a used mattress because that could be unsanitary.

    You can sell lots of potentially unsanitary things.  Like used cloth diapers.  Heck - check out eBay - I'm sure you could find a piece of french toast that looks like Elvis or something. 

  • Maybe she's thinking of that little tag you are not allowed to remove form your mattress if you sell it?
  • The only way it would be illegal would be if it were laced with drugs (as pp's have suggested) or you were representing it as new when it was used...

    Your MIL probably thinks it's just gross and doesn't want you to do it.

    imageBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • imagekayt111:
    Maybe she's thinking of that little tag you are not allowed to remove form your mattress if you sell it?

     LOL!

  • I give this post five stars!
  • I don't know PA law, but my guess is as long as it's properly presented as "used" then it would be fine.
    I give up trying to add my kids' photos. Just know that they are adorable.
  • I think there are places where it's illegal because there are/have been bed bug problems in the past.

    Those things are unkillable. 

  • I found this on a website...

    Many mattress retailers offer comfort guarantees.  If you purchase a bed from any company offering a comfort guarantee, you are taking a chance that you will get a mattress that was already slept on in someone else's house.  Selling used beds is unethical and illegal in Pennsylvania unless they are chemically treated and tagged with a yellow law tag.  Manufacturers generally won't take back a bed unless there is an authorized manufacturer defect, not comfort adjustment returns.  You can then use your imagination to figure out if the bed sellers simply throw them away at a total loss, chemically treat them and put on a yellow law tag and sell them at an almost total loss, or reseal the bag and sell it to an unsuspecting customer.

  • imageMrs.Buzly:

    Me thinks my MIL is off her rocker.

    I'm going to have to agree with you here.

  • I know this is an old post but I want everyone to know that actually it is a federal law. It is illegal to sell used box spring and mattresses. In most States it is not upheld but in PA under the Dept of Labor and bedding and upholstery Act 249 it is upheld and people who are caught without the proper license can face serious fines. The reason being is that it is a health issue as they can be harbors for disease and pests. So always check with your state laws before you decide to sell. BUT most of all, SHE WASN'T CRAZY!
  • That doesn't surprise me about the box spring and mattress, but the frame will be just fine even under the law.

    I see used mattresses sold all the time on Craig's List, but didn't realize it was illegal under federal law.  Interesting.  Personally, I wouldn't buy a mattress or anything that is upholstered used.

  • emily1004emily1004 member
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Comments 100 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited March 2014
    Where are y'all getting your legal research?! There is no federal law that prohibits this. It's not illegal for a private party to sell a used mattress. 

    IT IS illegal for an acting company to sell used mattresses and claim they are new or reuse parts of the mattress to make a new one.


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