A matchbook shall meet the following general requirements:
- (a) The friction shall be located on the outside back cover near the bottom of the matchbook.
- (b) The cover shall remain closed without external force.
- (c) No friction material shall be located on the inside of the cover where possible contact with the matchheads may occur during ordinary use.
- (d) There shall be no bridge(s) or broken bridge(s).
- (e) No matchhead in the matchbook shall be split, chipped, cracked, or crumbled.
- (f) No portion of any matchhead shall be outside the matchbook cover when the cover is closed.
- (g) No part of a staple or other assembly device for securing the cover and combs shall be within or touching the friction area.
- (h) A staple used as an assembly device for securing the cover and combs shall be fully clinched so that the ends are flattened or turned into the cover.