Exploring textile apparel flammability regulations

First Published: November 2022

In our article "Textile labelling regulations in the European Union and the United Kingdom", we discussed the key textile labelling regulations in the European Union and the United Kingdom.

In this article, we’d like to expand on the key flammability requirements for textile apparel products. Read on as we cover the textile flammability regulations in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

European Union

There is no specific requirement against flammability of textile apparel in the EU legislation but some of the Member States implement their national requirements; for example, clothing other than nightwear (except swimwear, leg fashion, underwear, baby clothes) that is being sold in Netherlands must comply with fire safety requirements using Standard test method ASTM D1230.

On the other hand, there is a specific European standard for children’s nightwear. The European Committee for Standardisation published EN 14878:2007, implemented in 2008, under which children’s nightwear must be made from fire-resistant materials to help prevent dangerous accidents.

If you intend to market your textile products in the European Union, make sure they are compliant not only with the European standard but also with local regulations among different Member States by contacting the respective authorities or consulting a reliable testing laboratory.

United Kingdom

All nightwear in the UK market must comply with The Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1985 which lay down the flammability requirements for nightwear. Besides this, there is a voluntary guideline for children’s costumes, with the British Retail Consortium’s The Code of Practice of Flammability Safety of Children’s Dress-up. This code of practice is endorsed by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS) and the Children’s Burns Trust.

United States

Textile and apparel flammability requirements in the US are enforced by the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA) which is administered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In a nutshell, here are the related articles that concern flammability of textile apparel:

• Part 1610 – Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles: This standard provides methods of testing the flammability of clothing and textiles intended to be used for clothing, establishes three classes of flammability, sets forth the requirements which textiles shall need to be classified, and warns against the use of those textiles which have burning characteristics unsuitable for clothing.
• Part 1611 – Standard for the Flammability of Vinyl Plastic Film: This standard is to promulgate a minimum standard for flammability of vinyl plastic film which are subject to the requirements of the Flammable Fabrics Act. The material covered is nonrigid, unsupported, vinyl plastic film, including transparent, translucent, and opaque material, whether plain, embossed, molded or otherwise surface treated which is listed in the regulation.
• Part 1615 and Part 1616 – Standard for the Flammability of Children’s Sleepwear: These two standards provide test method to determine the flammability of children's sleepwear. Part 1615 applies to children’s sleepwear in sizes 0-6X, whereas Part 1616 applies to children’s sleepwear in sizes 7-14.

How can Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines help?

Burns caused by textile apparel ignition are a nightmare scenario and can result in severe traumatic injuries or death. Flammability standards compliance is not only to merely meet compliance and avoid reputational damage but to protect lives. With this importance in mind, you need to choose a reliable laboratory when conducting flammability testing.

Our network of accredited laboratories can carry out flammability testing to support product compliance in Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and other key markets. Our experts can also guide the development of bespoke programmes and offer tailored solutions to best suit your needs.

For more details, learn more about our Flammability Testing Services.