CPSC Adopts Three-year Labeling Requirement For Children's Sleepwear Sizes 7 To 14

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today gave final approval to a three-year affirmative labeling requirement for children's flame resistant sleepwear sizes 7 to 14. The labeling provision will go into effect on May 1, 1975 -- the same day the new Federal mandatory flammability standard for children's sleepwear sizes 7 to 14 takes effect.

The labeling requirement and a final policy statement on the 7 to 14 flammability standard will be published in the Federal Register in the near future. The Commission decided it was in the public interest for these requirements to become effective on May 1, 1975.

Children's pajamas, nightgowns and robes sizes 7 to 14 and fabrics intended or promoted for use in sleepwear sizes 7 to 14 must meet the standard and also must bear a label: "Flame Resistant. U.S. Standard FF 5-74." The label may be a hang tag or affixed to the garment or package, but it must be prominent, conspicuous, legible and readily visible to consumers at the time of purchase.

The Commission's policy statement on the 7 to 14 standard was published for public comment in the Federal Register on January 20, 1975. The final statement defines the terms "manufacture" and "in inventory or with the trade" and exempts sleepwear in sizes 7 to 14 that has either completed the manufacturing process or has been entered into the United States prior to May 1, 1975, and completed the manufacturing process. Thus, noncomplying sleepwear in sizes 7 to 14 and sleepwear fabrics will still be available for sale until current inventories are exhausted.

As of May 1, however, all children's sleepwear sizes 7 to 14 that is manufactured or imported must meet the minimum requirements for flame resistance.

Copies of the amended 7 to 14 sleepwear requirements will be available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1750 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20207. (Telephone: 202/634-7700).