The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI) was established within the Department of Consumer Affairs in 2009. Prior to joining forces, the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (HFTI) was established in 1911 in response to the unscrupulous mattress manufacturing practices in the industry which contributed to the fires following the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. The HFTI side of the Bureau regulates bedding and furniture manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, supply dealers, custom upholsterers, sanitizers and manufacturers of Thermal Insulation. The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair (EAR) was established in 1963, in response to fraud and negligence in the television repair industry. In 1973, the repair of major home appliances was added to EAR’s regulatory authority. As technology evolved, the Bureau’s regulation has been revised to add such items as microwave ovens, personal computers, satellite accessories and home office products. In 1994, service contracts over consumer electronic and home appliance products were added to EAR’s regulatory authority, in response to companies selling or administering contracts without providing adequate financial backing or properly disclosing the terms and conditions. More recently, in 2004, the products covered under service contracts were expanded to include furniture, jewelry, lawn and garden products, as well as many other items used in homes and for personal use. In an effort to share resources and provide cost savings, HFTI and EAR were housed together and placed under the oversight of one chief in the 1990s. As time went on, different units within the Bureaus consolidated and staff were cross-trained, blending the workload together. Our mission is to protect and serve the consumers while ensuring a fair and competitive market. Our Vision is to be an efficient organization that effectively protects consumers and improves the marketplace through enforcement of the law, providing customers service and prompt licensing. Please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions you may have about our Bureau.
