EU/UK – New Documents Published Related to Security of Attachments for the Safety of Children’s Clothing

Vol. 1212 | 12 Jan 2021

CEN (the European standardisation body) has recently approved four new documents – three test methods and one specification – for the safety of children’s clothing that address the security of attached components. One document regarding the security of attachment of buttons was published as an EU standard in October of 2020, and the remaining three will be published as technical specifications (TS) in the very near future.

The new test methods and specification will replace the test methods and requirements that were originally included in the under-revision CEN/TR 16792, and instead publish them as stand-alone documents. These were prepared under the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD 2001/95/EC), which requires that only safe products shall be placed on the market and components that are attached to children’s clothing should be securely attached and remain attached during the foreseeable use of the product.

The four new documents are as listed below.

CEN/TS 17394-1 – Textiles and textile products - Part 1: Safety of children's clothing - Security of attachment of attached components to infants' clothing - Specification. (Not published yet)

• This is a specification and is intended to be supported by the test methods listed below.
• Provides requirements for buttons, press fasteners, rivets, sequins, diamantes.
• Applicable for infants clothing (Up to 36 months and height of 98cm)
• Not applicable for Toys, Childcare articles, footwear or articles sold with clothing.

EN 17394-2: 2020 – Textiles and textile products - Safety of children's clothing — Security of attachment of buttons – Test Method (Published October 2020)

• Defines a test method for the attachment strength of functional and decorative buttons to clothing, including gloves, hats, scarves, hosiery, ties and textile belts.
• Defines specific equipment for the purpose of gripping the buttons.
• Includes sewn on buttons, toggle buttons and tack buttons.

CEN/TS 17394-3 – Textiles and textile products – Part 3: Safety of children's clothing - Security of attachment of metal mechanically applied press fasteners — Test method. (Approved but not published yet)

• Defines a test method for the attachment strength of functional and decorative metal mechanically applied press fasteners (Poppers) to clothing, including gloves, hats, scarves, hosiery, ties and textile belts.
• Not intended for eyelets or rivets as the gripping action may damage the integrity of the component. They must be tested to CEN/TS 17394-4 instead.

CEN/TS 17394-4 – Textiles and textile products – Part 4: Safety of children's clothing – Security of attachment of components except buttons and metal mechanically applied press fasteners – Test method. (Approved but not published yet)

• Defines a test method for assessing the attachment of all other components including labels, badges, sequins, rhinestones, rivets, eyelets, and non-metal press fasteners (Poppers) which are too small to be gripped using the specified equipment or their integrity is affected by griping.
• Test uses an extremely aggressive wash cycle known as a durawash to assess if the components are securely attached.
• Garments are washed 10°C above care label temperature and are also tumble dried, even garments with “Do not tumble dry” care labels.

For additional information please contact:

Dave Smith
dave.smith@intertek.com