Technical Suitability of Products Program

Information by State  Print version

I. Description of Program

The Technical Suitability of Products program provides for the acceptance of new materials and products to be used in buildings financed with HUD-insured mortgages. This includes new single family homes, multi-family housing and health care type facilities.

II. Background Information

The Technical Suitability of Products Program was established under Section 521 of the National Housing Act of 1965 to provide a mechanism for the rapid technical acceptance of new and innovative materials, components and complete structural systems for use in construction of housing under HUD mortgage insurance programs. The procedures for acceptance of products and materials are detailed in HUD Handbook 4950.1. Since the program was started in 1967, approximately 2500 products and building systems have been accepted by HUD. Each acceptance must be renewed every three years.

III. Types of System or Product Acceptances Issued

	Structural Engineering Bulletins (SEBs) which are issued by HUD for structural systems, such as modular housing, log homes or panelized construction, and for subsystems such as roof or wall systems.
	Mechanical Engineering Bulletins (MEBs) are issued for separate utility cores or nonstandard mechanical systems, i.e. modular utility cores, kitchens and baths.
	Materials Releases (MRs) are issued by HUD for specific materials, products or systems.
	Use of Materials Bulletins (UMs) are issued by HUD for the generic acceptance of materials, products, or systems.
	User Fees are charged for the issuance of SEBs, MEBs, and MRs, and UMs. These fees are applicable to initial issuances, revisions, or renewals of bulletins and releases, which are then valid for three years. At the conclusion of three years, except for UMs, all other rules and regulations concerning documents need to be reviewed for renewal or revision.

IV. State Governments Whose Regulations Concerning Modular Housing Industry Has Been Accepted by HUD

In 31 States, HUD has agreed to accept State approval of modular housing so that manufacturers do not have to obtain a separate SEB. These States are called Category III Housing States. In Category III States, housing units or building components that are subject to State regulations for design and construction receive a State label.

Click here for a listing of Category III Housing States.

V. Program Management

HUD manages the Technical Suitability of Products Program from its Headquarters in Washington, DC. The telephone number is (202) 708-6423; FAX number (202) 708-4213.

The mailing address is:

Department of Housing and Urban Development
FHA Standards, Office of Manufactured Housing Programs
451 7th St. SW, Room 9168
Washington, D.C. 20410-8000

email us at : Minimum Property Standards

VI. Other Related HUD Fact Sheets and Publications

HUD Technical Suitability of Products Program - HUD
Handbook 4950.1

Fact Sheet For Builders/Manufacturers - The Minimum
Property Standards Program

Minimum Property Standards For Housing - HUD Handbook
4910.1, issued July 29, 1994.

HUD Architectural Processing and Inspections For Home
Mortgage Insurance, HUD Handbook 4145.1

Permanent Foundations Guide For Manufactured Housing -
issued September 1996. Also available as software.
Can be ordered from HUD User at 1-800-245-2691.

Minimum Design Standards for Community Sewerage
Systems - HUD Handbook 4940.3, issued November 1992.

Handbooks may also be ordered from HUD's Customer Service Center by calling
1-800-767-7468.

VII. Points of Contact for Questions and Additional Information

Send technical questions concerning the Technical Suitability of Products Program, Structural Engineering Bulletin for a Complete Housing System, Materials Releases, and Use of Materials Bulletins for a Product to: Shawn McKee, Engineer, (202)
708-6423; Internet e-mail addresses: Shawn Mckee.