The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today proposed changes in the regulations for flame- retardant children's sleepwear to allow care instructions on the underside of permanent loop labels.
At the present time, care instructions are required so that deterioration of flame-retardant characteristics for children's sleepwear in sizes 0-6X and 7-14 may be avoided. However, the regulations now do not permit the instructions to be printed on the underside of loop labels sewn into the items.
Under the proposal, care instructions would be permitted on the underside of loop labels if the phrase "care instructions on reverse" is visible on the top side of the loop and if, at the point of purchase, the consumer can see the care instructions necessary for the preservation of the flame-resistant features of the items being purchased.
If the consumer can manipulate the loop label to read the care instructions, or if the instructions are printed and visible on the package or on a hang tag which can be readily seen by the purchaser, the care instructions on the underside of the loop label would be permitted.
Care instructions vary depending on the fabric or the treatment used to make it flame-retardant or both. Manufacturers may advise against ironing, use of detergents or certain soaps, or use of hard water to avoid deteriorating the flame-retardant features.
The Commission believes that if loop labels are used under prescribed conditions, consumers will continue to have full benefit of care instructions and industry and consumers will have the economic benefit of the use of loop labels.
After publication of the proposal in the Federal Register, 30 days will be allowed for public comment.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
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