Health Canada Releases Updated Flammability Guidelines for Children’s Sleepwear

SG 186/25

Guidelines for the Flammability Requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) updated by Health Canada.

In November 2025, Health Canada published an updated version of the Guidelines for the Flammability Requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations under the CCPSA. These guidelines outline flammability safety requirements for children's sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X, including bathrobes, sleepers and nightgowns, that are manufactured, imported, advertised or sold in Canada. This update follows a major revision in February 2019 and the modification introduced in July 2021, which collectively broadened and clarified compliance expectations for manufacturers, importers and retailers.

The 2025 guidelines do not introduce new technical requirements or changes to existing flammability performance criteria. Instead, the revisions are primarily administrative and editorial, emphasizing clearer formatting, updating references and improving guidance to support consistent industry compliance.

The 2025 Guidelines include the following modifications:

• References to documents and standards have been refreshed to their latest versions
• Overall format and style have been modernized to enhance readability and clarity
• Images, diagrams and technical drawings have been updated or replaced with contemporary versions

The recent update does not alter the core regulatory requirements. Loose-fitting children's sleepwear must continue to pass vertical flammability testing after simulated use, and the use of flame retardants remains prohibited unless they are demonstrated to be non-toxic. If flame retardants are used, the sleepwear must carry a permanent label that clearly and legibly indicates their presence, along with the appropriate care instructions. Tight-fitting sleepwear continues to be subject to the 45-degree flammability test, as well as the applicable design, dimensional and labelling requirements.

Manufacturers should carefully design products in line with the clarified distinctions between tight- and loose-fitting sleepwear, while retailers must ensure that labeling fully meets regulatory expectations to mitigate the risk of penalties. Health Canada continues to classify children's sleepwear as a high-priority category under the CCPSA, and non-compliant products may still be subject to enforcement actions, including seizure, recall or administrative monetary penalties.

Reference: Children's Sleepwear: Flammability Requirement Guidelines

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