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Trade and Industry Department The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Brand Hong Kong - Asia world city
MY COLOUR

Commercial Information Circulars

24-hour hotline : 23 922 922

e-mail address : enquiry@tid.gov.hk

Ref : EIC 895/4

2 June 2008

Dear Sirs,

Commercial Information Circular No. 304/2008

New Zealand : Labelling Requirements for Children's Nightwear 

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs of New Zealand (MCA) has recently conducted a review of the labelling requirements for children's nightwear, and proposed certain amendments to them with effect from 1 April 2009. A copy (pdf format) of the proposed label information is appended to this circular for reference.

DETAILS

  1. Arising from two incidents in 2007 involving children getting burnt when their nightwear caught fire, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs of New Zealand conducted a review on the "Product Safety Standards (Children's Nightwear and Limited Daywear Having Reduced Fire Hazard) Regulations 2005". As a result of the review, MCA now proposes to amend the labelling requirements for children's nightwear so as to improve clarity and remove confusion.
  1. The Product Safety Standards apply to children's nightwear garments in the sizes 00 to 14. Currently, children's nightwear are classified into four categories, namely-
      • Category 1 covers garments made from low fire hazard type material that must meet a not less than 12 second flame spread test as well as a 10 second after washing surface burning time test if the fabric has a pile or nap;
         
      • Category 2 covers garments made from more flammable fabric than category 1 (there is not a flame spread test requirement). They need to be made from materials that meet a not less than 10 second after washing surface burning time test if the fabric has a pile or nap and must be designed in a way to reduce fire hazard (essentially must fit snugly);
         
      • Category 3 covers baby and young infant garments made from knitted fabrics which must be close fitting for more than 80% of the garment. They need to be made from materials that meet a not less than 10 second after washing surface burning time test if the fabric has a pile or nap; and
         
      • Category 4 covers garments not under categories 1 to 3. The materials used for nightwear must still meet a not less than 10 second after washing surface burning time test and there are restrictions on the use of fabrics with a cellulosic, acetate or acrylic fibre content. There are also restrictions on nightgown length and infant sleepbags.

Category 1, 2 and 3 garments are required to carry a label saying LOW FIRE DANGER. Garments in category 4 must be labelled WARNING HIGH FIRE DANGER KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE.

  1. Category 2 allows for snug fitting garments made of fabrics with a faster flame spread time. In general a snug fitting garment has a lower fire risk than a loose fitting garment made of the same fabric. However, evidence shows that some consumers may be interpreting that the Low Fire Danger label means that the garment is made from low fire hazard or flame retardant fabric, as used for the Category 1 garments. The confusion would appear to be that garments made from material with a lower flame spread and garments styled to reduce fire danger can both carry the same Low Fire Danger label.
  1. To improve clarity and remove confusion, the MCA proposes to change the labelling requirements for Categories 2 and 3 garments to CAUTION NOT HEAT OR FLAME RESISTANT WEAR SNUG-FITTING TO REDUCE RISK. Other than the said labelling requirements, all other requirements such as testing requirements remain the same.
  1. For more information on the implementation of the new labelling requirements, traders are strongly recommended to seek clarifications from their importers in New Zealand in order to comply with the proposed new requirements.
     
  2. Before New Zealand proceeds to effect the changes in the labelling requirements, they would consider comments from their trading partners, which should reach the following on or before 16 June 2008:

Ministry of Consumer Affairs
PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Tel: +(64) 4 474 2611
Email: evelyn.cole@med.govt.nz
Website:http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz

The Trade and Industry Department would also relay comments to MCA from concerned parties in Hong Kong. Such comments should be addressed and sent to the undersigned in good time before the MCA's deadline.

 

ENQUIRIES

 

  1. For enquiries concerning the content of this circular, please contact the undersigned at telephone number 2398 5698 or annacheung@tid.gov.hk.

Yours faithfully,




(Miss Anna CHEUNG)

for Director-General of Trade and Industry