Health Canada Revises the Policy for the Sleepwear Designed for Infants

Vol. 978 | 14 Jun 2017

The Canada Children’s Sleepwear Regulations, SOR/2016-169, defines a tight-fitting sleepwear as:
“tight-fitting sleepwear” means any children’s sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X other than loose-fitting sleepwear. It includes

1. sleepwear designed for infants weighing up to 7 kg;
2. sleepwear designed for use in a hospital;
3. polo pyjamas; and
4. sleepers

The tight-fitting sleepwear is subjected to the CAN/CGSB 4.2 No. 27.5 standard, the 45-degree angle flammability test, which is less stringent compared to the flammability requirements of the loose-fitting children’s sleepwear.

Sleepwear qualifies as a tight-fitting sleepwear if it is designed for infants weighing up to 7 kilograms (kg). The Children’s Sleepwear: Flammability Requirement Guidelines (2016), amended from time to time, specify that the maximum chest circumference for infant sleepwear is 508 mm.  Sleepwear designed for infants up to 7 kg with a chest circumference greater than 508 mm may be subject to the requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear for children over 7 kg. This policy for the sleepwear designed for infants up to 7 kg, was amended by Health Canada. The amendment was to harmonize the requirements with the U.S. children’s sleepwear flammability regulations (16 CFR 1615) for “infant garment” for sizing. The revised policy is as follows:

For a garment to be considered as a sleepwear designed for infants weighing up to 7 kg, it must have

• a chest circumference that is less than or equal to 508 mm; and
• a label stating in months the age of the child for whom it is intended; the age must be 9 months or younger

The change in policy is effective immediately.

For questions, please contact Dr. Pratik Ichhaporia (pratik.ichhaporia@intertek.com, +1-312-906-7720)