The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has introduced two voluntary codes of practice on flammability tests, in a bid to make children’s fancy dress costumes safer.
The much-publicised accident involving TV presenter Claudia Winkleman’s daughter Matilda in 2014 highlighted failings within the Toy Safety Standard EN-71, which includes the flammability of children’s dress-up costumes.
The BRC and its members agreed there was a need for a more ‘robust’ flammability test which could be adopted quickly and would ensure that products were safer.
Retailers are being encouraged to adopt the more robust flammability test and add flammability labelling on children’s dress-up costumes. – which has a more stringent requirement of a maximum burn rate of 10mm a minute, compared to 30mm a minute previously.
David Bolton, head of product safety at the BRC, said: “We have led the way in developing guidance and tools to help all companies… test products to a standard above current regulations to give their customers the reassurances they rightly demand.
“We are still recommending that the UK government and EU authorities revisit the legislation to ensure all products on the market are effectively regulated to reflect the hazards presented by today’s style of costumes, including the fabrics and finishes used.”
The two BRC voluntary Codes of Practice are:
- Method of Test for the Flammability Safety of Children’s Dress-Up
- Additional Flammability Labelling of Children’s Dress-Up
Commenting on the story, Palmer Agencies’ Sergio Battaner pointed out that: “Children should not be permitted to play near naked flames, whether or not they are wearing costumes. If flames are present, adult supervision is vital and children should stay a safe distance from them.”
He continued: “Our children’s costumes comply with the requirements set in the EN-71 standards and the CE mark is a declaration that the product meets these rigorous standards. Retailers need to deal with recognised and trusted importers – companies who, like us, are committed to complying with and following all procedures required by current regulations.”
However, Sergio also believes that the BRC should have engaged with costume suppliers before issuing the recent recommendations, stating that he hasn’t been contacted by the body on this matter. “If the BRC wants to apply stricter standards – which would be fine – I do think they should apply them to everyday clothes to start with. At least costumes meet certain flammability standards – school uniforms don’t!”
