CPSC Draws Conclusion on Children's Clothing Safety

Photo: Love To Know

New, stronger safety specifications for drawstrings and ties on children’s jackets, hoodies and other upper-wear will take effect on August 18, 2011. The existing voluntary industry safety standard (ASTM F1816-97) has been enhanced to address the strangulation hazard that this type of clothing poses to young children. The definition of “drawstrings” has been adjusted to include stationary “ties,” in addition to the more conventional enclosed drawstrings.  Additionally, the new regulations calls out size equivalents for clothing that is with the S, M, L sizing system. For example, a Girls’ and Boys’ size Large (L) is equivalent to size 12. A Girls ‘and Boys’ size Extra-large (XL) is equivalent to size 16.  The rules apply to styles for both girls and boys.

Photo: Mellib-UK

In 1996, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published guidelines for drawstrings in children’s clothing in an effort to help prevent children from strangling on the strings found in sweatshirts or other jackets. From January 1985 through January 1999, the CPSC received reports of 22 fatalities and 48 non-fatal incidents involving children’s clothing drawstrings. These guidelines were added to the clothing industry safety standard, and also published separately, both in an effort to educate manufacturers, importers, retailers and consumers about the significant health risk that this type of clothing design posed to children.  Since the new standards have been in place, fatal accidents involving drawstrings have been reduced by almost 75%.  Deaths related to waist or bottom drawstrings have been almost completely eliminated. However, despite this progress, the CPSC feels that the number of recalls involving children’s outerwear drawstrings have not declined enough.  From 2006 to 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced 155 recalls for children’s outerwear with drawstrings.

On June 29, 2011, fueled by the continued recalls of non-compliant clothing found in retail stores, The CPSC Commissioners approved a final rule that specifies children's upper outerwear with neck or hood drawstrings in sizes 2T - 12, and children's upper outerwear with waist or bottom drawstrings in sizes 2T - 16 to be considered “substantial product hazards.” 

Photo: CPSC

This vote came on the heels of an announcement of a $750,000 civil penalty agreement (pdf) by Macy's Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio, who has been involved in a series of recalls and the target of an investigation for allegedly failing to immediately report some hazardous garments sold between 2006 and 2010.  Though denied by Macy’s, this penalty and the recent vote to strengthen the safety rules even further, reflects CPSC’s seriousness about enforcing the drawstring guidelines.

In a statement about this new step to strengthen these safety requirements, CPSC Commissioner Inez Tenebaum commented, “This rule strengthens CPSC’s authority to regulate drawstrings, and empowers our import staff and federal partners at Customs and Border Protection to quickly halt shipments of potentially hazardous children’s outerwear at the ports of entry.”

It is also important to note that the states of New York and Wisconsin have their own safety regulations for these garments.  Retailers should be well advised to be sure the clothing they are purchasing and selling comply with all three laws.

Based on this poor 15-year track record of non-compliance by US retailers, importers and manufacturers, consumers need to be attentive when buying outerwear garments for their children. Some hints to keep your kids safer as they are playing include:

• Check children’s clothing at home and remove any drawstrings or stationery ties from the hood and neck openings, and/or waist.
• Be Aware that shortening the strings is not sufficient.  Any length string attached at the opening can present a hazard.
• Be smart when purchasing on line.  Many overseas manufacturers do not follow these US guidelines (see Mellib photo above). You must be vigilant in evaluating the safety of the children's garment you purchase on line.
• When purchasing these garments, choose closures like hook and loop, buttons or snaps instead of strings.

To prevent the death of another child, report a violating garment you may see on a retailer’s shelves.  CPSC’s goal is to eliminate this hazard altogether, and you can be an active participant in accomplishing this goal.