Views: 0 Author: mic-simiki Publish Time: 2026-06-22 Origin: Site
Introduction to US Flammability Standards for Children’s Sleepwear
【16 CFR Part 1615 / Part 1616】
Core Provisions
The two regulations form the cornerstone of US flammability standards for children’s sleepwear.
They use the same testing methods, evaluation criteria, labels, and sampling rules, the only difference is the size range covered.
Regulation | Applicable Sizes | Core Requirements |
16 CFR Part 1615 | Size 9 months through 6X | Fabrics and finished garments must pass specified flammability testing, or meet the definition of "tight-fitting" |
16 CFR Part 1616 | Sizes 7 through 14 |
Regulatory Purpose
For small, everyday open flames such as candles, lighters, matches, and space heaters, the standard requires that pajamas self-extinguish upon contact with fire, significantly reducing the risk of extensive burns to children when they are left unattended at night; it does not apply to large-scale, intense fires caused by substances such as gasoline.
Scope of Application – Definition of "Children’s Sleepwear"
All garments primarily intended for sleeping or pre-bed indoor wear fall under regulation, including two-piece pajamas, one-piece rompers, nightdresses, dressing gowns, loungewear. Any merchandise marketed or positioned as sleepwear is subject to compliance.
Three factors determine classification:
1. Garment type: Whether pajamas, bathrobes, loungewear or other items are designed for sleep use.
2. Marketing and sales presentation: How the product is advertised and sold.
3. Intended use: Whether the item is most likely worn by children mainly for sleeping purposes.
Core Flammability Test Requirements & Compliance Criteria
Children’s sleepwear must demonstrate flame resistance and self-extinguish after contact with small ignition sources like candles or matches. The standard evaluates fabric behavior upon brief exposure to standardized small flame.
Test Procedures
1. Sample Preparation: Cut five test specimens measuring 3.5 inches × 10 inches from finished garments or raw fabrics.
【Fabric from finished products shall undergo 5 complete wash-dry cycles prior to testing】
2. Test Execution: Suspend each specimen vertically, then apply a standardized gas flame to its bottom edge for 3.0 ± 0.2 seconds.
3. Measured Metrics: After removing the flame, record self-extinguishing performance, smoldering behavior and molten dripping; measure the maximum char length of burned areas on each specimen.
Pass/Fail Criteria
· Average char length: The mean char length across all five specimens shall not exceed 17.8 cm (7.0 inches).
· Individual specimen limit: No single test specimen may exhibit a char length of 25.4 cm (10 inches) or longer.
